University of the Witwatersrand experts receive The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) annual awards
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) annual awards, sponsored by mining company South32, recognises outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology (SET), and innovation.
The hybrid, multi-city gala events of the prestigious so-called ‘Science Oscars’ took place on Thursday, 13 July 2023.
NSFT Winners 2023
Intergalactic communication
Professor Roger Deane is the Director of the Centre for Astrophysics at Wits and of the Wits Digital Dome Working Group. He is the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chair (SARChI) Chair in Radio Astronomy.
Deane won in the Communication category for his achievement of the R75 million digital upgrade of the Johannesburg Planetarium into the Anglo American Digital Dome, a Wits Centenary Project and flagship science and technology engagement facility.
He has clearly communicated cutting-edge astrophysics research – such as the first image of a black hole in the centre of our galaxy – with the public on a national stage, in combination with leading the communications and fundraising campaign.
Capacitating chemical catalysts
Nosipho Moloto (pictured middle above), Research Professor in Inorganic Chemistry in the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at Wits, holds the DSI/NRF/Nedbank SARChI Chair in Energy Materials and is the Deputy Director of the African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence in Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology.
Moloto was a co-winner in the Engineering Research Capacity Development category. Her work focuses on finding simple synthetic methods for semiconductor nanocrystals that can be used as essential components in the development of affordable solutions to produce clean water, renewable and clean energy, rapid diagnostics of diseases and fast and easy to operate sensors.
Moloto was also a finalist in the TW Kambule-NSTF: Researcher category.
‘Green ergonomics’
Andrew Thatcher (pictured right above), Professor in the Psychology Department, School of Human and Community Development, Faculty of Humanities at Wits, won in the Green Economy category, for his work on extending our understanding of Human Factors Ergonomics – or “green ergonomics” – to consider the entire Earth system. Ergonomics is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment.
Thatcher’s contributions have included theoretical developments, empirical investigations, and systematic reviews of the impact of these activities, leading to mutually supportive human-natural environment systems.
Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, says: “We are delighted that Wits has brought home three NSTF awards which, apart from recognising scientific research excellence, also acknowledge innovation.