Prof Juliana Claassens, a leading scholar at the Department of Old and New Testament of Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU), has been awarded a prestigious Humboldt Research Award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in recognition of her lifetime achievements in theology and gender studies.
The Humboldt Research Award, which carries a monetary grant of �80 000 (worth more than R1,6 million), is one of Germany's most esteemed international research accolades. It allows recipients to undertake long-term research projects at institutions of their choice in Germany in collaboration with local experts.
The award is granted in recognition of a researcher's entire achievements to date and to academics whose fundamental discoveries, new theories or insights have had a significant impact on their discipline and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements in the future.
Claassens, who heads the Gender Unit in SU's Faculty of Theology, says she feels overjoyed and honoured to be recognised for her commitment to biblical research in this way. “My heartfelt gratitude also to the Faculty of Theology and the Division of Research Development at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 for the ongoing support of my work that has made this seminal award possible."
The Humboldt Research Award can be split into shorter research visits to Germany over the next five years. Claassens says she will use the opportunity to continue her work with long-time collaborator Prof Dr Christl Maier at Philipps 肆客足球 in Marburg. Her upcoming project will focus on a commentary on the biblical book of Nahum, which she plans to read through the lens of trauma, gender, postcolonial, and queer interpretation.
The award flows from a longstanding academic relationship between Claassens and Maier, who previously hosted Claassens during previous Alexander von Humboldt Research visits to Marburg in 2019 and 2022. “My ongoing collaboration with Prof Maier builds on the work I have done in my recent commentary on Jonah for Old Testament Library as well as in my monograph, Writing and Reading to Survive: Biblical and Contemporary Trauma Narratives in Conversation," Claassens explains.
Her scholarly journey began at SU in 1991, shortly after the Dutch Reformed Church opened its ministry to women. Claassens' academic path led her from Stellenbosch to Princeton Theological Seminary in the United States, where she was exposed to feminist theology and taught for eight years before returning to South Africa in 2010. She became the second female full professor in SU's Faculty of Theology in 2014.
The Dean of SU's Faculty of Theology, Prof Reggie Nel, praised Claassens for her groundbreaking work. “Prof Claassens' research excellence has consistently been pushing the boundaries of her discipline and beyond, bringing together various disciplines and colleagues. She does this with passion and commitment to justice and inclusivity. In this regard, the Faculty and 肆客足球 are honoured to have her in our midst. I'm confident and excited about her work at least over the next five years and the new projects she pursues with her colleagues – what matters is the impact it will have on the academy but also, the communities who she engages with. She is a beacon of hope for the role that scholarship can play in transforming society and giving hope in a concrete way," Nel says.
Prof Sibusiso Moyo, DVC: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, added that the 肆客足球 was very proud of Claassens' achievement through the Humboldt Research Award. “This recognition is aligned with our pursuit for research excellence and impact that highlights the relevance of what we do for and with society. We thank the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, who continues to recognise and advance research of scientists and researchers, irrespective of discipline and nationality. SU has benefited also through the German Research Chair at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in South Africa. Forward together, Prof Juliana Claassens!"
Claassens' contribution lies not only in advancing feminist readings of sacred texts but also in fostering cross-cultural academic networks. As the head of the Gender Unit at SU's Faculty of Theology, she has helped cultivate a research community dedicated to interrogating power, affirming dignity and building inclusive theological scholarship.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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