2022/23 NSTF-South32 Awards announces ‘Science Oscars’ winners

Ukhozi Award: Silver Jubilee – NSTF Awards

For his significant contribution to the South African National System of Innovation and for the role he played in building strong relations between the DSI (as DST and later as DSI) and the NSTF.

Lifetime Award

For a contribution to the advancement of education scholarships through advanced research and publication, scholarly teaching, innovative university management especially in times of racial disharmony, science leadership, school improvement, educational innovation, capacity development, public engagement, and science advocacy.

TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher

Prize sponsor: proSET (Professionals in SET), a sector of the NSTF representing more than 45 professional societies

For a life’s work which has focused mainly on the immunology of tuberculosis and the development of new tools for its management and conducting research on new tests that can assist in the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis.

TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher (2 winners)

Prize sponsor: South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS)

For her contribution in electrochemistry, with emphasis on electro-analytical sensors and biosensors which comprise new chalcogenide-based quantum dot materials, nanoparticles, nanorods and nanocomposites that contain unique and specific features for use in electrochemical sensing and signalling of diseases such as HIV, TB, and cancer, as well as monitoring water contamination.

For a contribution which attempts to utilise concepts from evolutionary biology to address biological questions of health, biological, social, and economic relevance to humans which focuses on using knowledge of evolutionary biology of mammals to improve treatments of human medical conditions and to predict future consequences of climate change.

Management Award

For his contribution, centred on people, to future forestry development in SA and training future foresters, aimed at recognising the importance of communities in proximity to the forest resource in sustainable forest management and use.

Engineering Research Capacity Development Award (2 winners)

Sponsor: Eskom since 2003

For her contribution to capacity building through finding simple synthetic methods for semiconductor nanocrystals that can be used as essential components in the development of affordable solutions for the production of clean water, renewable and clean energy, rapid diagnostics of diseases and fast and easy to operate sensors.

For developing research capacity through the use of remote sensing techniques to support land use management focusing on the development of the science and the application of these techniques for terrestrial ecosystems.

NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) Award

Sponsor: WRC since 2017 

For providing a centre of excellence for cutting edge applied and interdisciplinary research and postgraduate training in water resources related research and capacity building.

NSTF-SAMRC Clinician-Scientist Award

Sponsor: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

For a contribution through pioneering the field of Global Surgery in Africa as part of a drive for greater equity, and access to, much-needed surgical care and finding measures to reduce the maternal mortality from caesarean sections in SA.

Green Economy Award

Sponsor: Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

For his work on extending our understanding of Human Factors Ergonomics or “green ergonomics” to consider the entire Earth system, which has included theoretical developments, empirical investigations, and systematic reviews of the impact of these activities leading to mutually supportive human-natural environment systems.

Data for Research Award

For the development of a powerful, open-access system for hosting, analysing and serving freshwater biodiversity data for SA, in order to facilitate freshwater decision-making.

Innovation Award: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (2 winners)

Sponsor: National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) since 2019

Through their revolutionary biomass conversion technology, their company is helping to replace chemicals derived from fossil fuels with biochemicals such as lignin, which they produce, and has successfully formulated and commercialised as a skin care brand.

For the design and development of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft which it is envisaged should create between 7 000 and 11 000 new jobs and the development of the necessary skills locally.

Communication Award

For the achievement of R75-million digital upgrade of the Johannesburg Planetarium into a flagship science and technology engagement facility, where he has shared cutting-edge, clearly communicated astrophysics research with the public on a national stage, in combination with leading the communications and fundraising campaign.

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Award

For their project to enhance resilience and promote mental health and well-being amongst SA learners, their parents, teachers and community through socio-emotional learning opportunities, therapeutic counselling, referrals, support groups and resilience-building workshops free of charge.

Special Annual Theme Award: Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

For excellence in marine geoscience research which forms the key to unlocking the blue economies of the world’s oceans and protecting our coastlines from the effects of climate change.