University of South Africa experts nominated for the ‘Science Oscars of South Africa’ 2022/2023

Known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa, the NSTF-South32 Awards are the most sought-after science awards in the country. This year’s theme is Ocean science for sustainable development, adopted from the United Nations (UN) theme for the decade 2021-2030.

Established in 1998, the NSTF Awards have since 2016 been organised in partnership with South32.

Every year in April, the nominees are announced. The Unisa nominees for 2023 are:

Prof Judy van Biljon – Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (Lifetime Award)
Prof Alex T Kuvarega – Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher)
Prof Usisipho Feleni – Unisa’s Nanotechnology and Sustainability Research Unit (NanoWS) in the School of Science (TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher)
Prof Lawrence Madikizela – Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher)

Prof Les Labuschagne

In his congratulatory remarks, Prof Les Labuschagne, the Executive Director of Unisa’s Department of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, commented that Unisa, in its 150-year existence, have had many world-class researchers and the NSTF-South32 Awards add to the university’s impact by recognising research excellence.

Labuschagne said the criteria for nominations are incredibly stringent. “Only the very best researchers are considered. Of the few that do qualify for nomination, even fewer are successful and are awarded these prestigious awards.”

“Unisa is proud of its nominees in demonstrating their excellence and achievements over time. Their research has impacted South Africa and its citizens, and for this they need to be recognised. We wish them all the best with these highly competitive awards,” he concluded.

The winners of the NSTF-South32 Awards will be announced on 13 July 2023.