UKZN mourns loss of seed biologist

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal is saddened by the death, after a short illness, of Professor Emeritus and senior research associate, Professor Patricia Berjak.

Professor Berjak served the University of Natal and UKZN for more than 48 years and in many capacities, including as Head of Department, on numerous university committees and, more recently, expert/mentor in the research office. She joined the Plant Biology Department of the University of Natal in 1966 as a junior lecturer. As a Professor Emeritus, she continued to lecture and actively supervise post-graduate students within the School of Life Sciences at UKZN up until October, 2014.

Pat, as she was affectionately known by all, was passionate about seeds and conservation. She was one of South Africa's few A-rated scientists and achieved a number of highly significant breakthroughs in the understanding of recalcitrant seeds – seeds that lack the ability to survive for sufficiently long periods in storage, thus undermining food security in the developing world.

It was her personal drive, unrivalled work ethic and desire to make a difference that established her research group as one of the most respected in the field of recalcitrant seed biology worldwide.

Professor Berjak's innovative research has been highly recognised globally, and her numerous accolades include being elected member of the Academy of Science of South Africa, a Fellow of the University of Natal, a member of the Royal Society of South Africa and of the Third World Academy of Sciences. She was also nominated, unopposed, as president-elect of the International Society for Seed Science and continued to serve the society over the last few years.

Between 2006 and 2014 she went on to reach even greater heights, receiving the Order of Mapungubwe (Silver), the highest honour granted by the President of South Africa. She held a National Research Foundation A rating, signifying world leadership in her field, and received the NRF President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Professor Berjak always asserted that her achievements resulted from the contributions of many scientists, especially her husband, Professor Norman Pammenter.

Amid all her scientific exploits she pursued many other passions, including the English language, classic cars, aerobatics, ballroom dancing, photography, detective novels, cooking, an unstinting devotion to all things feline and, most of all, Norman’s companionship.

“Professor Berjak’s considerable scientific prowess, pursuit of excellence and generosity of spirit leave an indelible and inspirational mark on this university and the international botanical landscape,” said Lesiba Seshoka, executive director of the corporate relations division at UKZN.