Prof. Nico Smit of the NWU Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Water Research Group and Zoology recently received the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) Gold Medal – one of the highest honours in aquatic sciences in South Africa.

Prof. Smit received this award for countless years of research into aquatic ecosystems together with international scientific collaboration.

“Receiving the SASAqS Gold Medal is an incredible honour and one that I accept with immense gratitude and humility,” he said. “To me, however, it does not recognise an individual, but rather the collective effort of an exceptional team,” stated Smit in an interview with the NWU.

His resume includes a staggering 250+ peer reviews journalis, 6 000 citations and more than 30 country collaborations worldwide.

Prof. Smit applauded the excellent research facilities at the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) and also emphasis how the Water Research Group has grown in leaps and bounds.

Prof. Smit added that the recognition reflects the cumulative impact of research, mentorship and long-term collaboration. His research has helped improve scientific understanding of aquatic parasite biodiversity and ecology, demonstrating that parasites are not only organisms associated with disease, but also play an important role in healthy aquatic ecosystems and can serve as indicators of ecosystem health.