Recognizing Dedication and Resilience in Research at the University of the Western Cape

In a spectacular and intellectually charged evening, the 2023 Research Recognition Awards ceremony held on Friday, 8 September 2023, brought together the brightest minds from various fields to celebrate and honour their remarkable research contributions. 

The prestigious event was a testament to the power of knowledge, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of answers to some of humanity’s most pressing questions. The event commenced with a warm welcome by the DVC: Research and Innovation, Prof José Frantz, who highlighted that the evening was “a celebration, not only of the nominees’ and winners’ individual achievements but also of the global impact of their work”. 

Recipients took to the stage with humility and gratitude, acknowledging not only their own hard work but also the invaluable support of mentors, colleagues, and loved ones who had stood by them through thick and thin.

The highlight of the evening was the acknowledgement of the contribution to research of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tyrone Pretorius. His contribution as an academic scholar and research leader was recognised with a Special Recognition Award. 

Keynote speaker, Judge Nathan Erasmus, who is also the chair of UWC’s Council, noted that the journey of research is like the photosynthesis of a plant. “I marvel at this time of the year and the cycle of the seasons. In some way, it reflects the researchers’ cycle. Here tonight, we are celebrating the seed we have sown. Let our seed of knowledge continue to flourish for all to behold,” said Judge Erasmus. 

Winners in the various categories highlighted the significance of their awards:

• Dr Makhaya Malema, winner of Research Excellence: Best Early Career Researcher 2022, said: “I think if anything, I value the appreciation demonstrated and the level of support that we get, to develop and then to also expand in your particular research area.” 
• Ms Grace Naidoo, winner of the administrator who best supported Research and Innovation in 2022, said: “It’s good to be acknowledged for the work you are doing whilst you give your best, and my encouragement to others, is to always give your best.”
• Prof Glynnis Dykes, whose team won the Best Faculty Societal Impact Creative Arts Output Award 2022, said: “It affirms what one does, especially because we so often work in a vacuum or silos and you think it’s only for the outputs such as an article. Then later you realise the impact you have made on society. However, receiving an accolade from your peers and an institution such as UWC is such a rewarding feeling and means significantly more. This is really the pinnacle of my career and I speak on behalf of my team.” 

Prof Frantz acknowledged the contribution of all who made research and innovation count at UWC and specifically thanked the nominees and winners for their resilience and perseverance in contributing to the knowledge economy and finding solutions for the daunting problems facing our society. 

She said the awards acknowledge the contribution all stakeholders made to making a difference in the communities and societies in which they live and serve. This could not be possible without the assistance provided by our academic staff, support staff and postgraduate students, she said.

The full list of winners for Research Recognition Awards 2023 includes: