UJ’s Prof. Richard Greenfield Advocates Rigorous Scientific and Environmental Responsibility
“It is no longer sufficient to monitor systems and report on environmental concentrations for the sake of monitoring. We need to make sure that our research is conducted following rigorous scientific, standardised methods with sufficient quality assurance and quality control while still being cognisant of human health risks and societal impact.”
This is the emphatic plea that was made by newly inaugurated Professor Richard Greenfield during his Professorial Inauguration on Thursday, 14 September 2023 . The ceremony took place at the Ubuntu Chambers on the Auckland Park Kingsway campus and was attended by notable guests, including Professor Annah Moteetee, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor Bettine van Vuuren, Vice-Chancellor Functionary.
In his address, Prof. Greenfield focused on the adverse effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), e-waste, and associated metals and microplastics on the environment, exploring the theme of ‘The Evolution of Pollution in a Developing World.’ He discussed how the three pollutants are still misunderstood largely on the African continent, and how more research can and should be done to address this challenge.
Prof Greenfield further argued that it is becoming increasingly important for scientists to use their research to answer the ‘So What’ question.
“We need to make sure that our research is conducted following rigorous scientific, standardised methods with sufficient quality assurance and quality control while still being cognisant of human health risks and societal impact,” adding that research should also be in line with achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and not be done simply because its ‘cool’.
“We need our research to help answer the environmental crisis that we have not only created, but will continue to create in the future,” Prof Greenfield said.
Professorial Inaugurations as a rite of passage
Professor Bettine Van Vuuren, who acted as the VC Functionary for the evening used her remarks to highlight how the professorial inauguration is an important rite of passage.
“The inauguration of Professors is a public ceremony, in which newly appointed professors are inducted into the office by the Vice-Chancellor or the functionary Vice-Chancellor as I am this evening, to deliver their inaugural address. Today we gather to witness Professor Greenfield’s entry into this illustrious community of scholars at our University. It celebrates his contribution to the discipline, and his impact on society. Professors provide a University with identity, with character, with academic legitimacy and most importantly, with its integrity. The inaugural lecture is a rite of passage, following the confirmation of the appointment of a professor. It stands out as a moment of pride for the incumbent, his family, fellow scholars, the university, and society,” she said.
A career of service
Professor Greenfield shared insights into his career journey, which began at Rand Afrikaans University in 2004 when he assumed the role of aquarium technician while pursuing his PhD, a position he held for 11 years. His teaching experience spans both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including courses in Ecology, Ecophysiology, and coordinating the Tutored master’s course in aquatic health since 2013.
His primary research focus centers on ecotoxicology, particularly examining the impacts of metals, persistent organic pollutants, and microplastics on the environment. Additionally, he has delved into the physiological effects of climate change on invertebrate species along the South African coastline.
Prof. Greenfield is a distinguished researcher with a substantial body of work, comprising 38 peer-reviewed journal articles, 1 book chapter, and 2 technical reports, all published in reputable journals and presented at major conferences. His contributions extend to organising conferences, reviewing manuscripts, and serving as an external examiner and moderator for academic programs. Notably, he attained his NRF C2 rating in 2020.
He has also played a pivotal role in postgraduate student training, supervising 28 MSc and three PhD students to completion, co-supervising five MSc, one MTech, and one PhD student, and currently guiding three PhD candidates (two in examination) and one MSc student. Prof. Greenfield’s commitment to ethical research is evident through his membership in the Faculty of Science Ethics committee for seven years and his current role in the Faculty Health and Safety Committee. Since 2016, he has served as the Deputy Head of the Department of Zoology.
A brief response by Professor Johan Janse van Vuren, Emeritus professor in Zoology at UJ, followed the address by Professor Greenfield.