Dr Daniel Hart, a lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria (UP), has received a P-rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF). This recognition is a major turning point in the professional journey of an expert whose work, which is at the junction of evolutionary theory and real-world use, is attracting attention from around the world.

The P-rating is awarded to early-career academics who have shown extraordinary potential based on the quality and impact of their latest study outputs. It recognises Dr Hart’s substantial contributions to the discipline of science, and is especially significant given the rigorous review procedure carried out by committees of national and international experts.

“Receiving a P-rating is profoundly meaningful to me on both a personal and professional level,” Dr Hart says. “It marks the culmination of an eight-year journey defined by dedication, perseverance and the unwavering support of my mentors, especially Professor Nigel Bennett, to whom I am deeply grateful.”

This acknowledgment marks the end of the first part of a tremendous academic journey that began with Dr Hart’s undergraduate degree in Zoology at UP in 2012. He went on to obtain an honours degree cum laude in 2013, followed by a master’s in 2015 and a PhD in 2019, all at UP. His commitment to learning how processes related to evolution shape animal behaviour and physiology has established him as an influential figure in translational evolutionary biology, a field that applies evolutionary principles to current problems related to health, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

His research focuses on how mammals adapt to environmental extremes, with a special emphasis on sociable and underground species like African mole-rats. His research investigates how social structures affect reproduction and ageing, using natural models to improve our knowledge of resilience, illness resistance and health. This method shows African biodiversity's ability to offer insights that may be used to tackle global challenges from a uniquely African perspective.

Dr Hart’s research has far-reaching implications outside of academia. Translational evolutionary biology, he argues, assists inclosing the disparity between biological theory and its practical use. 

“Evolution is the cornerstone of all life sciences, yet its full potential remains vastly underutilised, especially when it comes to solving urgent, real-world problems,” he says. 

His research on organisms that have long lives without acquiring cancer or that flourish in harsh environments brings attention to biological mechanisms that have far-reaching significance for medicine and ageing research.

This recent recognition adds to a strong career trajectory that includes research, teaching and academic leadership. Dr Hart’s professional trajectory has been characterised by a continuous climb through academic levels. Following the completion of his PhD in 2019, he worked as a postdoctoral student under Prof Nigel Bennett until 2021, then as a senior research fellow from 2022 to 2024. In January 2025, he was hired as a full-time lecturer at the Department of Zoology and Entomology.

Coupled with his scholarly accomplishments, Dr Hart has shown exceptional dedication to academic service. Since 2017, he’s worked as laboratory head and manager, supervising the care, monitoring and breeding of small mammals, a job that continues to inform his research while also contributing to the department's operational success. His engagement in animal husbandry since 2016 demonstrates his hands-on approach to research and thorough comprehension of his study subjects.

In addition to the NRF P-rating, Dr Hart was awarded the National Science and Technology Forum-South32 TW Kambule-NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers in 2022/2023, which recognises exceptional early-career research accomplishments in South Africa.

An early passion for animal documentaries and the natural world inspired Dr Hart to pursue a career in zoology. His interest in animal behaviour, evolution and ecosystems was sparked at school years by courses like biology, mathematics and life sciences. 

“What truly drew me to zoology was the chance to explore the complexity of life through a scientific lens, and to apply that knowledge in ways that benefit both science and society,” he says.

Looking ahead, he has big aspirations for his field.  

“A long-term aspiration is to help embed translational evolutionary biology more firmly within the African research landscape. With its extraordinary biodiversity and wealth of non-model species, the continent, especially South Africa, holds immense potential for generating insights that can solve global problems through an African lens.”

For ambitious young researchers, Dr Hart provides practical advice based on his own experience.  

“Time is your most important asset. The more time and work you put into anything, the more it gives – this is true for research but for life, too. Choose wisely where to put your time.”