Professor Carel Viljoen, Head of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Physiotherapy, was recently awarded a National Research Foundation Y1 rating, marking him as one of the country’s most promising researchers. His research focuses on injury prevention in high-risk, under-researched wilderness sport, and encompasses public health initiatives aimed at making physical activity safer and more sustainable. 

The trajectory from inquisitive youth to internationally recognised researcher was neither accidental nor effortless. During his formative years, Prof Viljoen was captivated by sport and health, interests that would later converge in his specialisation in sports-related injury prevention. 

“Growing up, I was always curious about how the human body moves and heals,” he reflects. 

His undergraduate experience at UP proved pivotal, where subjects such as anatomy, chemistry and physics offered profound insights into human physiology. These foundational years, enriched by lecturers who inspired academic curiosity and clinical excellence, shaped both his professional ethos and his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the academic community.

The significance of Prof Viljoen’s recent NRF Y1 rating extends beyond personal achievement. This recognition represents peer acknowledgement for research pursued over the past decade in niche, emerging areas such as trail running safety and endurance sport health. For UP, this accolade reinforces the institution’s leadership in sport and exercise physiotherapy research.

“What I find most fulfilling is the intersection between research and real-world impact,” he explains. “Scientifically, it's deeply rewarding to design studies that address injury prevention in unique athlete populations, such as wilderness sports, and then see those findings inform clinical practices.” 

Equally significant is his commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers. 

“Leadership in academia means building platforms for others to thrive, students, colleagues and patients alike,” he says.

Prof Viljoen’s professional journey has yielded several insights that resonate particularly strongly with young South Africans embarking on their career paths. His emphasis on collaboration across disciplines and borders reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern research. 

“Research, like sport, involves setbacks and persistence,” he says.

This philosophy of servant leadership, where success is measured not by personal accolades but by the success of those one mentors and serves, provides a powerful framework for young South Africans to consider as they develop their own career aspirations. The advice he offers to aspiring physiotherapists carries broader relevance for youth across all disciplines. 

“Invest in lifelong learning, find mentors and don’t shy away from working a bit harder than everyone else,” he says.

Significantly, Prof Viljoen’s success has not come at the expense of personal fulfilment. His commitment to family and his ability to maintain clear work-life boundaries demonstrate that academic excellence need not require personal sacrifice.