Campus announcements
International honour for VC and other highlights
26 March 2024Dear colleagues and students
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is proud to announce the appointment of Vice-Chancellor interim Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy by Pope Francis to the esteemed Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Read about this and other recent achievements involving UCT staff.
1. VC appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences
The Vice-Chancellor interim, Emeritus Professor Reddy, has been appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences by Pope Francis. Article 2 of the academy indicates its purpose as being “ … to promote the progress of the mathematical, physical and natural sciences and the study of epistomolgical problems related thereto”. The academy membership comprises a maximum of 80 scientists, and includes in its current and former composition a number of Nobel laureates.
Established in 1603, the academy underwent a significant transformation under the reformative vision of Pope Pius XI in 1936. Its selection process for membership is anchored in the recognition of exceptional contributions to science and a sterling moral character, free from any bias based on ethnicity or religion. Inductees into the academy are appointed for life through the authoritative decree of the Pope.
This appointment reflects UCT’s ongoing contribution to global dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge. With this recognition, UCT continues to foster connections between academia and the broader community, furthering the mission of both the university and the Pontifical Academy.
Pope Francis will bestow on Professor Reddy the insignia of his appointment during a Solemn Pontifical Audience in September 2024.
2. Three UCT academics named among 12 Remarkable Life Scientists
Three exceptional UCT academics have been recognised among Africa’s 12 remarkable life scientists in an inspirational book for young people. The academics are Professors Elelwani Ramugondo, Kelly Chibale, and Mpiko Ntsekhe.
Over the past 10 years, the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Schools Engagement Programme (KWTSEP) has been engaging local schools with the aim of raising students’ awareness of leading African science; to stimulate students’ interest in pursuing careers in science. This aims at promoting an interest in science through interactions between researchers, students, and teachers.
A former KWTSEP scientist now working in the United Kingdom Dr Tabitha Mwangi has written an inspirational book targeted at high school children but which may also be useful in shaping career journeys of students already in university. The book, 12 Remarkable African Life Scientists, draws stories from 12 African researchers who have broken the proverbial glass ceiling in their field of research despite their humble backgrounds.
This not only highlights the outstanding calibre of UCT’s academic community but also reinforces the university’s position as a leader in research and innovation. UCT continues to foster an environment of excellence, where scholars are empowered to pursue cutting-edge research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.
3. UCT academic appointed SAMRC President and CEO
Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, a distinguished academic and esteemed cardiologist at UCT, has been appointed as the President and chief executive officer of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), effective from 1 July 2024. Currently serving as the head of the Department of Medicine and the clinical lead for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and cardiovascular computed tomography at Groote Schuur Hospital, Professor Ntusi has a wealth of expertise and experience. Additionally, as the professorial chair of the Department of Medicine in UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences and the director of the SAMRC/UCT Extramural Unit on the Intersection of Non-communicable Diseases and Infectious Diseases, his leadership has already had a profound impact on medical research and healthcare in South Africa.
4. Three academics among Clarivate’s highly cited list
Three academics – Professor Estelle (Vicki) Lambert, Professor Dan Stein and Associate Professor Darren Martin – have been recognised as some of the most frequently cited scholars globally, as per the Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list released by Clarivate, a data analytics company.
This list not only honours individual achievements but also underscores the critical role of collaborative and cross-disciplinary research in addressing complex challenges. Highly regarded by the global scientific community, it spotlights those who have significantly influenced their respective fields through their scholarly contributions, and embodies the pinnacle of research achievement. The prolific contributions of these researchers, recognised globally through citations by peers, are a testament to their exceptional impact in the world of science and social sciences.
5. Researchers receive various Wellcome awards
Professor Anthony Figaji, a clinician and researcher in the Division of Neurosurgery at the Neurosciences Institute, has received the prestigious Wellcome Discovery Award, which offers funding for established researchers across various disciplines. This grant supports innovative research ideas with the potential to bring about substantial shifts in understanding, ultimately enhancing human life, health and wellbeing.
Two other academics, Dr Melissa Nel and Associate Professor Esmita Charani, have been named as this year’s recipients of the prestigious Wellcome Career Development Award. Their recognition marks the start of pioneering research set to profoundly improve health outcomes in Africa.
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