Research and postgraduate education are central to the strategic plan of the University of Pretoria and its long-term vision of becoming a leading research-intensive university.

The enhancement of innovative and relevant research, as well as high-quality postgraduate training, therefore also remains an integral part of the Faculty’s strategic plan. Among other things, an increase in doctoral enrolments and in doctoral and master’s graduates all contribute to the University’s research-intensive identity.  

The Faculty of Veterinary Science is proud of its latest successful PhD graduates who, on Friday 29 April, were awarded their doctoral degrees at the autumn graduation ceremony of the University of Pretoria. 

This year it was also the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that the Faculty was able to physically host its annual Doctoral Celebration ceremony. This event has become a tradition since 2014 to take place the day before graduation day. 

During this event the Faculty also celebrated the achievement of Prof Koos Coetzer, previous HOD: Veterinary Tropical Diseases and a former Deputy Dean of Research for being awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Veterinary Science (honoris causa) by the University of Pretoria.

Above: The Faculty also celebrated the achievement of Prof Koos Coetzer (middle) for being awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Veterinary Science (honoris causa) by the University of Pretoria. Here he is with Prof Vinny Naidoo (Dean), Prof Marinda Oosthuizen (Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies), Prof Dietmar Holm (Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning), and heads of department Prof Tshepo Matjila, Prof Amelia Goddard, Dr Rebone Moerane, Prof Joseph Chamunorwa and Prof Nenene Qekwana.

During his career, Prof Coetzer's research has been a true embodiment of trans-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, particularly in infectious diseases of livestock. An in-depth analysis of his work reveals innovative scientific contributions that had a major socio-economic impact locally and globally. To read the full citation for his honorary doctoral degree please refer to the booklet mentioned below.

Not all 19 PhD graduates were able to attend the event and we are proud to showcase our successful candidates by means of our Doctoral Celebration BOOKLET for April 2022 which you can view by clicking here https://bit.ly/3MOWVPj

No less than 46 postgraduate qualifications were conferred during the in-person graduation ceremony which included the 19 PhD degrees, 21 Master's degrees and six postgraduate diplomas.

Said Prof Marinda Oosthuizen, Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty: “We are extremely proud of our new PhD graduates and our postgraduate students who obtained their Master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas. They have achieved this despite various challenges and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We congratulate them and wish them all of the best with their future endeavours.”