The University of Pretoria (UP) has been recognised yet again for its significant societal contributions: its National Research Foundation (NRF)-Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) South African Research Chair’s Initiative (SARChI) in Plant Health Products from Indigenous Knowledge Systems has been shortlisted for the NRF’s Societal Impact Award. The awards ceremony will take place in August 2024.

“We would like to congratulate your institution on the DSI-NRF SARChI in Plant Health Products from Indigenous Knowledge Systems being shortlisted for this prestigious new award,” said Dr Gugu Moche, Group Executive for Digital Transformation and Acting Deputy CEO of Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement, a multidisciplinary funding division of the NRF. “The Societal Impact Award recognises NRF-funded researchers and research entities whose research has led to tangible and beneficial societal impact, in terms of social impact, economic impact, innovation or environmental impact.”

In alignment with its Vision 2030, the NRF has been advancing a research impact agenda, which commenced with the formulation of the Impact Framework and Approaches to Implementation document. The foundation is piloting impact assessments, promoting research methodologies that enhance societal impact and introducing incentives, all of which has culminated in the introduction of this award.

Professor Namrita Lall, who holds an NRF/DST Chair for the development of Plant Health Products from Indigenous Knowledge Systems within UP’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, will submit a case study to support the final assessment.

“Being shortlisted for the NRF’s Societal Impact Award highlights UP’s commitment to advancing impactful research that addresses critical societal challenges and inspires innovation,” said Prof Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education at UP. “While we are recognised globally as one of the leading research-intensive universities in the country and on the continent, our researchers are driven not only to achieve breakthroughs, but also to make a lasting impact that changes the lives of our communities and shapes the science of today and tomorrow.”