Seven University of Johannesburg (UJ) academics have been elected to two of the country’s most recognised scientific bodies, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). Their election is the latest in the succession of recognitions for the University staff, highlighting its growth trajectory in the national and global research footprint. The appointments also reflect the depth of expertise across UJ’s faculties, from environmental chemistry and agro-processing to astrophysics, laser medicine, and geological sciences. To be part of these scientific bodies further affirms the University’s growing influence in shaping knowledge that responds to real-life challenges and contributing to solving societal problems.
UJ’s new members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Professor Philiswa Nomngongo
An award-winning analytical chemist at UJ, Prof Nomngongo’s research focuses on environmental nanotechnology and sustainable water purification. Her innovations contribute to cleaner, safer water solutions for developing communities.
Prof Olaniyi Fawole
As SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing and Director of UJ’s Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre, Prof Fawole is advancing technologies that reduce food loss and strengthen food security across Africa.
Prof Christopher Curtis
A physical geographer in UJ’s Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, Prof Curtis investigates environmental change, sustainability, and land-use dynamics, contributing to strategies for climate adaptation and resilience.
Prof Marlina Elburg
Head of UJ’s Department of Geology, Prof Elburg’s research in igneous petrology and geochronology sheds light on the formation and evolution of southern Africa’s crust and mineral resources.
Prof Nicolette Houreld
Based at UJ’s Laser Research Centre, Prof Houreld’s work in laser biomedicine explores how light-based therapies accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration, advancing the frontiers of non-invasive healthcare innovation.
Prof Hartmut Winkler
A physicist at UJ, Prof Winkler is an astrophysicist whose work on active galactic nuclei and astronomical modelling deepens understanding of the universe while fostering science engagement among young scholars.
UJ’s new member of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS)
Prof Thandiwe Sithole
A chemical engineering researcher at UJ, Prof Sithole’s work bridges sustainability and innovation through circular economy solutions, waste-to-value systems, and water treatment technologies. Her leadership represents the next generation of scientific excellence emerging from UJ.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, said the appointments reflect UJ’s growing influence in shaping South Africa’s scientific landscape and nurturing excellence across generations.
“Election to ASSAf is a recognition of exceptional scholarship and impact. It speaks to the quality of research being conducted at UJ and the role our academics play in advancing knowledge that serves society with impact.
Equally, Prof Thandiwe Sithole’s election to SAYAS highlights the strength of emerging scholarship at UJ. She represents the next generation of researchers who are redefining innovation through sustainability and social relevance. Together, these appointments reflect the depth and dynamism of UJ’s scientific community,” he said.
