The University of Pretoria (UP) is proud to congratulate staff members and departments that have been nominated as finalists in the 27^th National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards. Widely known as the “Science Oscars”, the NSTF-South32 Awards recognise outstanding contributions to science, engineering, and technology and innovation.

“The goal of our research at UP is to help move society forward,” said UP Vice-Principal Professor Sunil Maharaj. “We have remarkable staff members, and these finalists are our realisation of what it looks like to be excellent in everything we do. We are extremely proud of each individual for their achievements, and are excited to keep enabling our researchers to make these valuable contributions to society.”  

An adjudication panel of independent judges, assembled annually by the NSTF executive committee from member nominations, together with a panel of experts appointed by the committee, is responsible for shortlisting the finalists and making the final selection of winners.

The UP staff members and departments that have been named as finalists in the 2024/2025 awards are as follows:
Lifetime Award
Prof Nigel C Bennett – Chair of Austin Roberts Mammalogy; full professor in the Department of Zoology and Entomology and the Mammal Research Institute at UP – for his pioneering research on African mole-rats, which led to groundbreaking advances in physiology and behavioural ecology and biomedical science, offering innovative solutions for cancer prevention, longevity, stroke recovery, reproductive health and ecosystem conservation

Prof Lise Korsten – professor of plant health and food safety at UP; Co-Director of the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security; President of the Africa Academy of Sciences; also recognised in the NSTF-Water Research Commission, the Science Diplomacy for Africa, and the NSTF-Agricultural Research Council categories – for turning science into action and safeguarding South Africa’s food with innovative, practical solutions


TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher

Prof Tjaart Krüger – Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at UP; also in the Special Annual Theme category – for developing experimental equipment to investigate the quantum design of photosynthesis for bio-inspired solar technologies

Engineering Research Capacity Development Award
Vehicle Dynamics Group: Prof Pieter Schalk Els, leader; professor in UP’s Department of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology; Deputy General-Secretary of the International Society for Terrain Vehicle Systems, Europe-Africa Region; editor of the Journal of Terramechanics – for their work in improving vehicle comfort, safety and efficiency in challenging environments by developing a fundamental understanding of vehicle technology, training students and working closely with industry

NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) Award
Prof Lise Korsten – Professor: Plant Health and Food Safety; Co-Director: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)-National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria (UP); President: Africa Academy of Sciences; and also in the Lifetime, Science Diplomacy in Africa, and NSTF-Agricultural Research Commission categories. For her contribution in turning water science into solutions for SA’s future

NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award
Prof Schalk Grobbelaar – Associate Professor; Chairperson of the York Timbers Chair in Wood Structural Engineering at UP – for the Wood Structural Engineering Programme, which drives sustainable timber construction through research, innovation and collaboration to advance economic growth, social development and environmental resilience

Science Diplomacy for Africa Award
Prof Lise Korsten – Professor: Plant Health and Food Safety; Co-Director: DSTI-National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre of Excellence in Food Security; President: Africa Academy of Sciences; and also in the Lifetime, NSTF-Water Research Commission and NSTF-Agricultural Research Commission categories.* For championing Africa’s food future through science diplomacy and sustainable innovation

NSTF-Agricultural Research Council Award
Department of Animal Science at UP; Prof Carina Visser, Head of the department and Associate Professor – for their contribution to sustainable animal protein production in African landscapes

Prof Lise Korsten – Professor: Plant Health and Food Safety, UP; Co-Director: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security; President: Africa Academy of Sciences; and also in the Lifetime, NSTF-Water Research Commission and Science Diplomacy for Africa categories.* For revolutionising food safety, blending science and practical solutions to protect fresh produce and public health across Africa

Data for Research Award
Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UP; Dr Els Vermeulen, senior lecturer and research manager of the unit, for their contribution to leading African whale research since 1985. The unit bridges science, conservation and communities to shape marine policies and protect ocean ecosystems.

Innovation Award: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise
Prof Namrita Lall – Research Chair at UP – for the development and commercialisation of several innovative pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals from medicinal plants with novel mode of action

Communication Award
Prof Ryan Blumenthal – senior specialist, forensic pathologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine at UP – for his books, documentary series, conferences and YouTube channel that have raised public awareness and understanding of forensics

Shakira Hoosain – campaign strategist and senior copywriter at UP – for managing Research Matters, a multimedia-rich platform that provides high-quality science communication by sharing the latest innovative research and discoveries by UP researchers with the media; and for managing, curating and editing RE.SEARCH magazine, a digital-themed quarterly publication

Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology

Prof Tjaart Krüger – Associate Professor: Department (Dept) of Physics, University of Pretoria (UP); and also in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher category.*For the development of a unique experimental equipment to investigate the quantum design of photosynthesis for bio-inspired solar technologies

The awards gala event will take place on 31 July 2025. We extend our best wishes to all the UP finalists!