'Queen of Rain' Jill Farrant featured on 21 Icons

Professor Jill Farrant, of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, is featured in 21 Icons, a photographic project by Australian-born photographer Adrian Steirn dedicated to honouring the work of men and women who have shaped the world around them for the better.

The 21 Icons project is inspired by the life of Nelson Mandela, and tells the stories of people who have continued his legacy. Other icons featured on the show include Albie Sachs, Anant Singh, Preggs Govender and Pieter Dirk-Uys.

Professor Farrant, African/Arab States recipient of the 2012 L'Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, is a leader in the field of plant response to drought conditions. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms used by so-called 'resurrection plants' to 'return to life' within 24 hours after rain. Her research is likely to be critical in the development of drought-tolerant crops that might combat food insecurity in Africa in the face of climate change.

21 Icons, featuring Jill Farrant, aired on SABC 3 on Sunday 16 November. Watch the full show: