Exceptional achievement implies the maintenance of unrivaled achievement in the core business of the University, namely: research, teaching and learning. Excellence in this regard is viewed against the backdrop of the University’s two strategic drivers, namely: international competitiveness and local relevance.

The awards are divided into three categories: the Chancellor’s Award, the Award as Exceptional Achievers, the Award as Exceptional Young Researchers.

Speaking at last night’s function, Professor Calie Pistorius - Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said that one of the University of Pretoria’s key driving forces is its commitment to delivering quality research outputs.

“We are, therefore, very proud of these people who play such an important role in establishing and maintaining reputation of the University of Pretoria as one of leading research universities in the country,” he said.

In her keynote address, Dr Cheryl de la Rey – Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher Education emphasized that the core values or defining features of universities are quality and the pursuit of academic excellence.

“Most of us will agree that an excellent university is one that demonstrates quality in teaching and in research, after all teaching and research are the core functions of universities,” she said.
Dr de la Rey reiterated that the University of Pretoria’s Achievers Awards function was an indication that the institution remains focused on the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of the University’s mission.

“This evening the focus is on excellence at the level of the individual academic. This is at the heart and soul of what makes for an excellent university,” she added.

Of the three categories of awards, the Chancellor’s Award is the highest. Four awards (two for research and two for teaching and learning), are awarded annually to the best achievers in the University in the respective fields.

With the Exceptional Achievers, a number of awards is granted annually to senior academics who have already achieved professional status and who have maintained continuous exceptional achievement in the fields of under- and postgraduate teaching and learning, research, community service and administration, and who enjoy exceptionally high stature among their peers. Academics who have been evaluated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) as A-rated researchers, automatically also attain the status of Exceptional Achiever.

The Exceptional Young Researchers awards are granted on the grounds of exceptional achievement in research, seen against the backdrop of the University’s strategic objectives of academic excellence, international competitiveness and local relevance. The award is only granted to researchers who have not yet achieved full professorial status, with the proviso that a specific individual can receive this award once only. Academics who have been evaluated by the NRF as P-rated researchers, also automatically attain the status of Exceptional Young Researchers.

Click here for the speech by Dr de la Rey.
Click here for Profile of the exceptional academic achievers.