UP honours top scholarly achievers
Staff members’ research received acknowledgement for addressing society’s most pressing problems and has a positive impact locally and globally.
The University of Pretoria (UP) celebrated its top academics at the 24th annual Academic Achievers’ Awards.
This prestigious ceremony was hosted on November 5 to acknowledge the work of UP staff whose research addresses society’s most pressing problems and has a positive impact, locally and globally.
A total of 114 winners were honoured across six categories, including 96 for making the National Research Foundation (NRF) scholar list for their outstanding work over the past year.
One academic was A-rated, which means they are world leader in the field, 11, B-rated as internationally recognised by peers, 70 C-rated as established in the field and 14 Y-rated meaning they have the potential to establish themselves in the future.
UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen congratulated the award recipients.
“Your dedication and ground-breaking work ensure that UP is widely recognised for the solutions you provide through your research outputs,” he said.
Petersen said the academic’s efforts and achievements will ensure continued success.
“We will continue to leverage our reputation as a research-intensive university to build bridges into Africa and across continents in search of solutions to complex local and global challenges.”
The recipients of the Exceptional Academic Achiever Award were professors Jacek Banasiak, Armanda Bastos, Namrita Lall, Nelishia Pillay and Frans Viljoen.
“This award goes to senior academics who have already achieved the professor status. They are regarded highly by their peers, and have consistently excelled in the areas of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning, research, community service and administration over a significant period,” Petersen said.
In light of UP strategic goals to achieve academic excellence, international competitiveness and local relevance, the award for Exceptional Young Researcher recognises young achievers.
This year’s recipients included Dr Chimere Anabanti, Dr Abe Kasonga, Dr Samkelo Malgas, Prof Vukosi Marivate, Prof Adrino Mazenda, Prof Kgomotso Mokoala and Dr Chijioke Okorie.
The Teaching Excellence Award is awarded for best practice in teaching and demonstrating a significant impact on student learning and innovation.
Two recipients were awarded: Dr Calayde Davey, a senior lecturer at UP Department of Architecture, and senior lecturer Dr Carel Oosthuizen of the Department of Zoology and Entomology.
Dr Davey leads the Urban Strategy Studio and the Hatfield Digital Twin City Initiative and teaches students how to integrate academic learning with professional practice in transdisciplinary settings.
Dr Oosthuizen has contributed substantially to curriculum development and fostered a dynamic classroom environment that inspires students to engage deeply with course material.
Chairperson of UP council Ben Kruger summarised the significance of the work produced across the board.
“As we celebrate our academic achievers, I am reminded of our scholars’ vital role in shaping the future. Their passion for discovery inspires us all and reinforces the university’s reputation for excellence on a global scale,” he said.
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