Professor Janette Bester of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Health Sciences has been promoted from associate professor to full professor. For Prof Bester, who began her academic career at UP in 2016 when she joined the Department of Physiology as a lecturer, achieving full professorship is “both a personal and professional milestone that signifies the culmination of years of dedication to research, teaching and mentorship”. 

“On a personal level, it’s an affirmation of my commitment to advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to science and education,” she says. “It also serves as a reminder of the many mentors, colleagues and students who have shaped my academic journey.” 

Full professorship, she says, gives her the opportunity to expand her research leadership and contribute more significantly to shaping academic programmes and institutional strategies. 

“It allows me to take on greater responsibilities in mentoring early-career researchers and postgraduate students, ensuring that the next generation of scientists is well equipped to tackle complex challenges,” Prof Bester says.

She adds that full professorship strengthens her resolve to further her research and enhance the impact that her work has on society. 

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to both research and teaching, mentoring postgraduate students and leading collaborative projects,” she says. “This journey has led to my current role as a full professor, where I continue to drive research on coagulopathies in non-communicable diseases while further developing my leadership in academic and research initiatives.”

Her research focuses on cardiovascular complications in non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes, and aligns with UP’s vision for advancing impactful research. Receiving a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation in 2023 provided her with formal recognition of the impact and potential of her research, particularly in the field of coagulopathies in non-communicable diseases. 

“This rating not only validated my contributions to the scientific community but also opened doors for new collaborations, both nationally and internationally,” Prof Bester says. “It also serves as motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of my research. It reminds me of my responsibility to contribute to knowledge creation, mentor the next generation of scientists and drive innovation in my field.” 

For Prof Bester, the ultimate goal for her research is to contribute to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in non-communicable diseases. 

“My work could help identify novel biomarkers for early detection, monitoring patients and potential therapeutic targets as well as improving patient management,” she explains.

Her other research endeavours include examining the potential role of vitamin D in keloid pathophysiology. Her interest in this field was sparked through a collaboration with plastic surgeon Dr Jaco Kotze, who was interested in Prof Bester’s research on the beneficial effects of vitamin D on the formation of keloid scars, a raised growth of scar tissue. 

“Given my background in vitamin D research, we were particularly interested in its immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties, and how these might influence keloid development and progression,” Prof Bester says. 

Her findings contribute to the growing body of evidence of vitamin D’s role in skin disorders; the hope is that ongoing research will pave the way for more targeted and effective treatment for wound healing and keloid scarring.

“This research could provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of excessive scarring, a condition that significantly impacts quality of life,” she says. 

“Beyond the laboratory, I hope my research will contribute to bridging the gap between fundamental science and clinical application, ensuring that findings translate into real-world benefits for patients. Through national and international collaborations, I aim to drive interdisciplinary research that advances personalised medicine and ultimately improves patient outcomes.”