The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Professor Basie von Solms, a leading figure in cybersecurity and information technology, has been awarded the Isaac L. Auerbach Award by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP).
This admired recognition, bestowed on only a select few individuals, was granted at IFIP’s General Assembly earlier this month. Prof von Solms’ achievement marks just the eighth time this award has been given in the federation’s 64-year history, a testament to its exclusivity and significance.
Named after the federation’s founding president and early computing pioneer Isaac L. Auerbach, the award recognises individuals for their extraordinary contributions to IFIP’s mission. Prof von Solms, who has been involved with IFIP for over 45 years, joins an elite group of individuals who have profoundly impacted the global information processing community.
Reflecting on this honour, Prof von Solms says: “This award is the pinnacle of my long-standing relationship with IFIP. I am honoured to have represented South Africa for so many years and to contribute to the advancement of information processing on a global scale.” Additionally, he dedicated the award to key institutions that supported him throughout his journey, the Institute for IT Professionals of South Africa (formerly the Computer Society of SA) and UJ. “I am incredibly thankful for the time and freedom UJ has granted me to participate in IFIP over the years,” he added.
Prof von Solms has had a long and illustrious career with IFIP. His involvement began in the early 1980s, and over the decades, he rose to prominent leadership roles, including serving as IFIP’s President from 2007 to 2010, making him the first African to hold this position. Among his other accolades, Prof von Solms received the Kristian Beckman Award in 2010 for his contributions to information security and was named an Honorary Member of IFIP in 2014.
In addition to his significant contributions to IFIP, Prof von Solms has been at the forefront of global cybersecurity research for over 50 years. Earlier this year, he was ranked 5th in the world for lifetime contributions to cybersecurity research by ScholarGPS, highlighting his immense impact in a field that has never been more critical. Cybersecurity is now one of the most pressing concerns for individuals, businesses, and governments alike, and Prof von Solms’ work has been pivotal in shaping the way we understand and combat digital threats.
“Cybersecurity is more critical than ever in today’s world of evolving digital threats,” said Prof von Solms. “Ongoing research and collaboration are essential to staying ahead of these challenges.”
Prof von Solms has mentored over 30 doctoral students and countless master’s students, many of whom have focused their studies on information and cybersecurity. His leadership has extended beyond UJ, as he currently serves as an Associate Director at the University of Oxford’s Global Cybersecurity Capacity Centre and as a board member of the Centre for Cybersecurity Capacity Centre of Southern Africa.
As Prof von Solms nears the conclusion of a career spanning 54 years at UJ, he continues to leave a lasting legacy. His work has laid the foundation for future generations of cybersecurity experts, and his leadership at international institutions further solidifies his reputation as a global thought leader in the field.
Commenting on this latest achievement, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Annah Moteetee, said: “We are immensely proud of Prof von Solms’ contributions to both UJ and the global community. His work has been nothing short of groundbreaking, and we celebrate him for this extraordinary recognition.”
Prof von Solms’ recognition with the Isaac L. Auerbach Award represents not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of UJ’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation on the global stage. As Prof von Solms concludes: “This award is a recognition not just of my work, but of the support from my colleagues, students, and UJ. It has been an honour to contribute to the advancement of this field, and I look forward to seeing how the next generation builds on this legacy.”
