Rhodes honours Lutjeharms

Professor Johann Lutjeharms is a little embarrassed over the number of times he's appeared in Monday Paper over recent months. Not his fault, though, that the honours and awards pour in thick and fast, paying tribute to his internationally acclaimed contributions to the field of oceanography. The latest homage came in the shape of an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Rhodes University, presented to Lutjeharms at the university's April graduations. (In his graduation speech, he tackled the detrimental effects of too much state interference in the workings of universities and, specifically, scientific research.) Lutjeharms has collaborated with marine scientists at Rhodes for decades, and was involved in both the establishment and maintenance of the Southern Ocean Group at Rhodes for more than 25 years. "Professor Johann RE Lutjeharms is the pre-eminent physical oceanographer in Africa," reads the Rhodes nomination. The nomination further points out that Lutjeharms' research has spanned three oceans, and has produced seminal results that underlie much of the current research in these regions. With that kind of track record, don't be surprised if Lutjeharms graces our pages a few more times.