“This award came as a very pleasant surprise and I am extremely grateful to the people who nominated me for this wonderful award. In my point of view, zoologists normally get this medal when they are near retirement or at the end of their lifelong career strides. I am most grateful for this honor. I hope it does not signify that I am close to retirement because I believe that I still have a great deal to learn from my study animals and offer to the scientific community,” says Prof Bennett.

According to Prof Bennett, this award has even more “value” to the University of Pretoria at large because it was received in the year that the institution is celebrating its Centenary. “I have really given my all to the zoological (and scientific) community. It is a well received gesture to be recognized and rewarded for what I enjoy doing,” continues Prof Bennett.

Apart from having over 150 peer-reviewed papers in predominantly leading international journals, Prof Bennett is also the editor-in-chief of Journal of Zoology (London) and on the editorial board of Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. He has also been elected a fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa and fellow of the Zoological Society of London. His service to the Council of the ZSSA spans service as a committee member, newsletter editor, Vice-President and finally President.

“It is important for me to acknowledge all of my students and valued collaborators for their hard work and support. Research is a collaborative effort and I could not have achieved all that I have so far had it not been for all of their invaluable input,” concludes Prof Bennett.