The academic and scientific contributions of Professor André Uys have been nationally recognised, with the awarding of a C2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in 2025. This rating acknowledges Prof Uys’ substantial and sustained research impact in the fields of forensic odontology and anatomy, with a particular focus on age estimation methodologies tailored to the South African context.

“Receiving the NRF C2 rating is a significant milestone in my academic career,” said Prof Uys. “It acknowledges the quality and impact of my research, particularly in age estimation, and enhances the visibility of my work within the scientific community. This recognition validates my contributions to the field.”

Beyond personal recognition, the NRF rating positions Prof Uys to engage in new research collaborations, lead interdisciplinary projects, and secure competitive funding to further advance the field. “It strengthens the research profile of my institution and helps attract prospective students and collaborators,” he said.

Prof Uys is based in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Pretoria, where his work continues to raise the standard of forensic science both nationally and internationally.

With a clear focus on improving age estimation accuracy, particularly in the medico-legal field, Prof Uys has made several noteworthy contributions:

• He introduced population-specific data and developed a novel method for age estimation tailored to South African populations.
• His study comparing third molar development in Black and White South Africans provided critical insights into dental maturity variations across groups.
• He created new dental maturity scores specifically for South African Black children, increasing the applicability and reliability of forensic age assessments.

These advances have had a direct and positive impact on forensic odontology practices in South Africa, particularly in legal cases involving undocumented individuals. His work has also contributed to global scientific conversations by emphasising the importance of population- and sex-specific data in developing forensic methodologies.

Currently, Prof Uys is spearheading a project that combines dental and skeletal maturity indicators through the use of logistic regression and Bayesian analysis to improve age estimation in living individuals. This interdisciplinary approach aims to raise the standard and accuracy of forensic assessments.

Another exciting initiative is the development of a dedicated Imaging Centre within the Department of Anatomy, designed to support advanced imaging research and encourage collaboration across scientific disciplines.

Over the years, Prof Uys has supervised PhD, MSc, Honours, and undergraduate students, nurturing the next generation of researchers in forensic odontology, anatomy, and maxillofacial radiology.

“Mentoring allows me to share my expertise and contribute to the development of future researchers,” he said. His guidance ensures a robust pipeline of skilled scientists who will continue to strengthen and diversify the field.

Prof Uys emphasises the role of collaboration in academic excellence. His partnerships span across institutions such as:

• University of the Witwatersrand
• Università degli Studi di Milano (Italy)
• University of Granada (Spain)
• Panacea Cooperative Research Cooperation
• University of Health Sciences (Izmir, Turkey)
• School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria

“These collaborations have enriched my research and facilitated the exchange of knowledge and expertise across borders,” he explained.

For those aiming to follow in his footsteps, Prof Uys offers the following guidance:

“Aspiring researchers should focus on conducting meaningful and impactful research that addresses real-world challenges. It’s important to publish in peer-reviewed journals, engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, and contribute to the academic community through mentoring and service. Persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence are key to achieving recognition and making a lasting impact in your field.”

The NRF C2 rating not only marks a career highlight for Prof Uys, but also reinforces South Africa’s growing reputation in the global forensic science community. His work exemplifies research excellence with real-world impact—fusing scientific rigour, mentorship, and collaboration in service of society.