The University of Johannesburg (UJ) continues to blaze trails in science, technology, and innovation, with a record 19 nominations for the 2024/2025 NSTF-South32 Awards, aptly known as South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’. This recognition places UJ at the forefront of impactful, interdisciplinary research, innovation, and community engagement in South Africa and beyond.
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) updated its official list of nominees following a submission review, and UJ’s researchers, academics, innovators, and communicators now feature prominently across an impressive 10 award categories.
Among the notable UJ nominees are:
- Prof Suprakas Sinha Ray for the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his pioneering work in advanced nanomaterials.
- Prof Olaniyi Amos Fawole for his dual nominations in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher and Agricultural Research Council categories, highlighting his work in sustainable postharvest technologies.
- Prof Samuel Oluwafemi, nominated in three categories, including the Special Annual Theme: Quantum Science and Technology, for his groundbreaking cancer phototherapy research using nanomaterials-bioconjugates.
- Dr Mahlatse Kganyago, recognised for leveraging space technology and AI to enhance agricultural systems and food security.
- Prof Nobanathi Maxakato and Prof Kriveshini Pillay for their green energy and water purification research, respectively, further advancing UJ’s sustainability mission.
- Ms Precious Maputle and Dr Lee-Ann Modley for using science communication and creative approaches to empower underserved learners and communities.
Also nominated is UJ’s Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA) in the NGO Award category, reaffirming the University’s leadership in geoscience for societal impact.
“This is more than a celebration of individual excellence, but it illustrates a reflection of UJ’s commitment to solving global challenges through research, innovation and community empowerment,” said Prof Lethokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ. “We are incredibly proud of every nominee whose work continues to transform lives and reimagine the future.”
The winners of the NSTF-South32 Awards will be announced on 31 July 2025 at a hybrid gala event.
See the full list of UJ’s 2025 NSTF awards nominees here.
