?Five senior academics from Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) were among the 44 leading scholars and scientists inaugurated as new members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) at the annual Awards Ceremony on 23 October. At the event, two young researchers from SU were welcomed to the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS).
As the official national Academy of South Africa, ASSAf has as core function to honour the country's most outstanding scholars by electing them to membership of the Academy. ASSAf members are drawn from the full spectrum of disciplines. The 44 new ASSAf members bring the total membership of ASSAf to 730.
Two of the five newly elected ASSAf members from SU are from the Faculty of Science. They are Prof Resia Pretorius, a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Physiological Sciences, and Prof Johann Rohwer, Professor of Systems Biology in the Department of Biochemistry.
The other SU academics are Prof Reinette Biggs, Co-director: Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) and DST/NRF SARChI Chairholder in Social-Ecological Systems and Resilience; Prof Anna-Maria Oberholster, Professor of Genetics: Genetics Department, Faculty of AgriSciences SU experts honoured by the Academy of Science of SA; and Prof Frank Tanser, Professor of Global Health and Director of Population Health Innovation at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation
ASSAf represents the country in the international community of science academies. The Academy mobilises its members – internationally renowned scholars elected by their peers – to provide authoritative advice to government and other stakeholders based on scientifically rigorous analysis of evidence and consensus of diverse experts. In addition, ASSAf also recognises and rewards scholarly achievement and excellence in the application of scientific thinking for the benefit of society.
New Members are elected each year by the full existing membership. Membership of the Academy is a great honour and is in recognition of scholarly achievement. Members are the core asset of the Academy and give of their time and expertise voluntarily in the service of society.
SU Vice-Chancellor and Rector Prof Wim de Villiers extended congratulations to the new cohort of scholars inaugurated into ASSAf. “This honour reflects their academic excellence and dedication to societal impact. I am especially proud of our SU academics among them, whose achievements propel our vision to lead as Africa's foremost research-intensive university, inspiring our community and advancing impactful research across South Africa and beyond," De Villiers said.
Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, said it was a huge honour for SU academics to join the ranks of ASSAf. “They all embody the academic excellence and innovative spirit that Stellenbosch 肆客足球 stands for. Their contribution to advancing knowledge in their respective fields and fostering Stellenbosch 肆客足球's commitment to research excellence, as well and contribution to skills training for Masters and Doctoral candidates, and 'grantship' is acknowledged. I wish them the best as they continue to push the knowledge boundaries beyond 2024," Moyo said.
ASSAf Young Academy new members
During the ASSAf Awards Ceremony, the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) inaugurated ten new members. Two academics from SU have been welcomed to SAYAS - Dr Yaseera Ismail is a Senior Lecturer at SU who specialises in Quantum Information Communication and Processing and Dr Caitlin Uren is a lecturer in Human genetics, bioinformatics and pharmacogenetics.
SAYAS was launched in 2011 to enable South Africa's young scientists to fully participate in local and internationally relevant research and development agendas.
It provides a national platform where leading young scientists from all disciplines in the country can interact and access international networking and career development opportunities.
SAYAS members are young scientists below the age of 40, have PhDs and are deemed excellent in their fields of expertise. SAYAS members come from all disciplines including pure and applied sciences, humanities, social sciences and the arts.
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