On Thursday, 7 September 2017, the Faculty of Veterinary Science continued its proud tradition of more than 30 years in hosting its Faculty Day which provides the opportunity for researchers to present the results of their studies and share them with their peers. The event also serves to highlight the Faculty’s predominant research goals by sharing new scientific results, new ideas and innovative concepts in support of the University’s research-intensive vision.

The event again proved to be popular with more than 50 entries of which the 10 best were selected as oral presentations, while 39 poster presentations were on exhibit. About 14 veterinary and other pharmaceutical companies supported the Faculty as sponsors and were present on the day.

This year’s Sir Arnold Theiler Memorial Lecture entitled “The Research Imperative” was delivered by Prof Robert Gilbert from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the Caribbean Island of St Kitts. Born and educated in South Africa, Prof Gilbert graduated from the Onderstepoort Faculty in 1977 and in 2016 retired from Cornell University as Emeritus Professor. He then joined Ross University as Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Sciences.

Prof Henk Bertschinger also presented an interesting research development showcase from the Department of Production Animal Studies, which hosted this year’s event. Four main Faculty Day awards were made during the day, as follows:

Researcher of the Year – Prof Vinny Naidoo (also awarded to Prof Naidoo in 2009 and 2013)

Young Researcher of the Year – Dr Nenene Qekwana

Best oral presentation – Dr Wilco Botha

Best poster presentation – Dr Sello Maboe

Dr Zandri Whitehead was awarded the prize for the second-best oral presentation, while Dr Petronella Sichewo got the overall second place in the poster presentation category. 

Clockwise from the top: Prof Vinny Naidoo (left) receives the Researcher of the Year award from the Dean, Prof Darrell Abernethy; Dr Nenene Qekwana (left) is presented the Young Researcher of the Year award by a representative of the OBP; Dr Wilco Botha (right) receives the award for best oral presentation from Dr Rebone Moerane, Head of the Department of Production Animal Studies (left) while Dr Sello Maboe took the honours for the best poster presentation.

All photographs by Fransie Lottering.

To view the Faculty Day Research Overview/publication click HERE.