The University of Pretoria’s Department of Physiology has achieved a remarkable milestone, celebrating the promotions of multiple staff members and national recognition for its administrative staff. Under the leadership of Professor Annie Joubert, the department witnessed an unprecedented academic elevation, with three associate professors promoted to full professorship, one senior lecturer rising to associate professor, and one lecturer advancing to senior lecturer. Additionally, both departmental administrators received national accolades for their outstanding professionalism.

Prof Joubert emphasised the importance of recognising excellence among faculty and students, stating that these achievements highlight the impact of strong leadership, mentorship, and dedication to academic excellence. She herself was acknowledged as an outstanding academic and mentor in 2023, and her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of scholars.

Professor Janette Bester’s promotion to full professor marks a distinguished career with an impressive 47 publications in accredited journals and extensive international collaborations. Prof Bester has made significant strides in the study of coagulopathies in non-communicable diseases. Beyond her research achievements, Prof Bester is a committed educator who has successfully graduated 23 postgraduate students.Her dedication to academic excellence has been acknowledged through multiple Teaching & Learning Awards from both the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. In addition to her academic and research contributions, Prof Bester plays a key leadership role at the University. She serves as Chair of the School of Medicine Research Committee and holds the position of Deputy Director of the Brain Tumor and Translational Neurosciences Centre, further advancing medical research and innovation.

Professor Anne (Joji) Mercier, has recently been appointed as a full professor, marking a significant milestone in her career. Joining the academic staff in October 2009, Prof Mercier has made notable contributions to the field of medicine and scientific research. After obtaining her MBChB (Medicine) degree in 2004 from the University of Pretoria, Prof Mercier spent several years gaining hands-on experience in pre-hospital emergency and aviation medicine.

Her passion for research led her to pursue a PhD, which she completed with a focus on novel anticancer compounds at the preclinical level. Prof Mercier’s area of expertise spans a range of crucial aspects of cancer research, including cellular apoptosis, autophagy, cytoskeletal components, and both intracellular and extracellular cancer signalling. Her research has expanded to include the extended applications of these compounds, such as exploring their potential in radiosensitization of cancer cells, an innovative approach that could enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments. Over the years, Prof Mercier has successfully supervised numerous students, including BSc Honors, MSc, and PhD candidates, fostering the next generation of scientists in her active research group.

Her work has been published extensively in accredited international peer-reviewed scientific journals, cementing her reputation as a leading researcher in her field. Throughout her career, Prof Mercier has had the privilege of collaborating with a wide range of esteemed national and international experts, further enhancing the impact and reach of her research.

2024 has been a year of exceptional professional recognition and leadership for Professor Trevor Nyakudya. Prof Nyakudya's remarkable achievements culminated in his promotion to full professor, a significant milestone that reflects his outstanding contributions to academia. In addition to his promotion, Prof Nyakudya was awarded a C2 NRF rating, acknowledging the impact of his research. He plays a significant role in international physiology leadership, having been appointed appointment to the Steering Committee and as Chair of the Publicity Committee for the upcoming International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) Conference in Germany. Prof Nyakudya was also selected to be part of an international committee tasked with developing a comprehensive Physiology curriculum for African universities. This significant work has been published in Advances in Physiology Education, a journal of the American Physiological Society. His leadership extends to professional associations, as he now serves as the Treasurer for the Association of Physiological Societies.

Professor Priyesh Bipath has been involved with various teaching and learning projects and is the guardian for the tutors and postgraduates.His research encompasses inter-disciplinary studies investigating the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in certain cancers and metabolic diseases and has published over 20 articles in this research field. Notable achievements include faculty recognition for ‘Best publication by a young researcher and ‘Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning Award - Exceptional Category’. Other outputs regarding teaching and learning include research presented at the Flexible Futures Higher Education Conference and development of a novel teaching strategy that was published in the Teaching & Learning at NAS Bulletin.

2024 also saw Dr Nivash Rugbeer being promoted to senior lecturer. Dr Rugbeer is an exceptional member of several academic committees and has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals. As the STARS Mentorship Coordinator for the Division of Biokinetics and Sport Science, he demonstrates a firm dedication to student success. His impressive achievements include receiving the prestigious PhD Academy Award from the British Journal of Sports Medicine and being recognised as the Best Oral Youth Presenter at the Cardiometabolic Health and Diabetes Africa Congress. Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a biokinetics and having a strong interest in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases through lifestyle interventions, he has contributed significantly to evidence-based practice in these fields of study.

Dr Rugbeer has made valuable contributions through outreach projects and the supervision of postgraduate students. His remarkable commitment to academia, research and community service makes him a valuable asset to our institution. He looks forward to serving in his new role as senior lecturer.

Maryna Botha was named one of the top three finalists for the Solidarity’s Office Champion 2024.Botha, nominated by her Head of Department, Prof Joubert, demonstrates dedication and professionalism honed over her 30-year career as an office practitioner." My outlook as an office practitioner is that the phrase ‘can’t do doesn’t exist in my vocabulary", Botha said.

Shoba Govender, an alumna of UP and department administrator, was nominated as a semi-finalist for PAFSA’s PA of the Year 2024 award, recognising her 15 years of dedication, professionalism, and leadership at UP. Nominated by Prof Joubert, she was praised for fostering an inclusive team culture, critical thinking, and innovative strategies that drive institutional success. This recognition reaffirmed her commitment to the administrative profession, mentorship, and continuous growth. She hopes to leave a legacy of kindness, empathy, and professionalism, encouraging the UP community to embrace small actions that create meaningful change.