NWU Receives Eight Nominations for ‘Science Oscars’
The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.
The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards. It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.
The NWU is proud of this year’s nominees, who include:
Dr Fortunate Phaka was nominated in two categories: the TW Kambule-NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers and the Communication category. Dr Phaka is a senior postdoctoral research fellow and research associate at both the Hasselt University and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.
Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, was nominated for the Green Economy Award, sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for Circular Economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
Prof Rose Hayeshi, Director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform was nominated for the Management Award.
Dr Mathew Moyo, Chief Director for Library and Information Services, is in the running for the Data for Research Award.
Prof Marius Smuts, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, was nominated for the Lifetime Award.
Jonker Sailplanes (PTY) LTD, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise.
The innovateHER initiative, represented by Prof Leenta Grobler, was nominated for the Non-Governmental Organisation Award.
The winners will be announced at a planned hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July. This will be the 26th awards ceremony and the theme for this year’s event is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.