Prof McKechnie also reflected on science from a different perspective – that of society’s – and left the students to answer the question: ‘How will society benefit from your pursuing a career in science?’

Towan Nöthling scooped the most awards at the event. He won two prizes for the best third-year student in Physics, the Department of Physics Prize, as well as the Pierre du Plessis Prize for the best third-year student in Physics with distinction. He also won the Merck Prize for the best achievement in Analytical Chemistry at third-year level, as well as the SASOL Prize for the best achievement in Chemistry at third-year level.

Henry Thackeray did not only receive the Dewald Hattingh Book Prize for the best third-year student in Mathematics, but he also received the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s award as the overall top achiever in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Henry received his BSc degree in Mathematics with a weighted average performance of 98,74% over the three years of study. He is currently studying towards an honours degree in Mathematics.

More than 50 prizes and trophies were awarded to the top students in the Faculty at this prestigious event. The Faculty is proud to have such outstanding academic achievers and is very grateful to all the sponsors of the prizes and trophies.