Two esteemed UCT scholars receive Royal Society medals

In recognition of their “highly distinguished, multidisciplinary contribution to the furtherance of science”, two University of Cape Town (UCT) academics are among a list of esteemed scholars who have received medals from the Royal Society of South Africa for 2024.

The Royal Society of South Africa is the country’s premier, multidisciplinary scientific organisation. For a century, the society has played a leading role in being the public face of South African science and aims to foster and advance pure and applied science, facilitate the exchange and development of scientific ideas and knowledge, and recognise and reward excellence in research and scholarship.

Prodigious researcher

Professor Dan Stein, the chair of UCT’s Department of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has received the society’s John F Herschel Medal, in recognition of his lasting contribution to the fields of neuroscience, clinical psychiatric research and mental health epidemiology.

According to the society, Professor Stein’s contributions to the field of clinical neuroscience, anxiety and other related conditions have exemplified excellence in multidisciplinary research and have brought the country well-deserved international recognition.

“His prodigious research publication record and contribution to public mental health further illustrate the breadth and impact of his work in a distinguished career. We consider him a truly deserving recipient of this medal,” the society said.

Outstanding contribution

In addition, Emeritus Professor Michael Meadows from the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science in UCT’s Faculty of Science has received the Marloth Medal for his outstanding contribution to the field, both locally and aboard.

“His work has extended to the field of paleoecology and the development of the next generation of scientists in the field.”

Meadows is a physical geographer and a National Research Foundation B-rated scientist. His work has focused on a broad range of research activities under the physical geography umbrella, including quaternary science, land degradation, remote sensing, geographical education and sustainability science.

“His work has extended to the field of paleoecology and the development of the next generation of scientists in the field. The transdisciplinary nature of his work as a physical geographer and sustained high level of scientific output over four decades, as well as his service to his team and discipline internationally and at home, make him a truly deserving recipient of the Marloth Medal,” the society added.