The University of Johannesburg (UJ) continues to cement its reputation as a leader in scientific research and innovation, with several of its academics and researchers being honoured at the respected 2024 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards. These accolades, awarded on Thursday 22 August 2024, not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight UJ’s dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering the next generation of scholars.
Prof Umesh Ramnarain: NRF Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award awarded
Prof Umesh Ramnarain, Head of the Science and Technology Education Department at UJ, was awarded the NRF Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award. This award is a testament to Prof Ramnarain’s leadership in expanding and diversifying South Africa’s science sector. His efforts have been pivotal in nurturing the next generation of scientists, reflecting his visionary leadership in research capacity development.
Prof Kim Berman: NRF Public Engagement with Research Award
Prof Kim Berman, a Professor of Visual Art at UJ, received the NRF Public Engagement with Research Award, celebrating her unique approach to making science accessible to the broader public. Prof Berman has merged art and science, creating a platform where research and community engagement intersect. Her work exemplifies how art can be a powerful medium for translating complex scientific ideas into relatable concepts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of science within the community.
Prof Mahloro Serepa-Dlamini: NRF Research Excellence Award: Early Career/Emerging Researcher
In the rapidly evolving field of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Prof Mahloro Serepa-Dlamini, Head of the Department, was honoured with the NRF Research Excellence Award: Early Career/Emerging Researcher. This award acknowledges her significant contributions to advancing scientific knowledge in her field. Prof Serepa-Dlamini’s innovative research is paving the way for discoveries, reflecting UJ’s commitment to being at the forefront of scientific exploration and its application to real-world challenges.
Mr Edwin Hlangwani: NRF Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers
Recognising the importance of nurturing future leaders in science, Mr Edwin Hlangwani, a Lecturer and PhD candidate in Biotechnology at UJ, earned the NRF Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers. This award highlights his outstanding contributions as an emerging researcher and underscores UJ’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation among its students and early-career academics.
The achievements of these notable individuals at the 2024 NRF Awards emphasise the University’s role as a leader in education and research. UJ’s pursuit of excellence not only enriches South Africa’s academic landscape but inspires a new generation of researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation on both national and global stages highlight the transformative power of dedicated scholarship and its impact on society.
