UCT scientists in running for top awards

Six UCT scientists have been named as finalists for the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) awards for 2005, which honour outstanding work in research and development in science, engineering and technology (SET). The six UCT nominees are Prof George Branch (zoology), Prof Johann Lutjeharms (ocean climatology), Prof Timothy Noakes (exercise science and sports medicine), Assoc Prof Candy Lang (materials engineering), Assoc Prof Alison Lewis (chemical engineering) and Dr Tania Douglas (health sciences). Branch, Lutjeharms and Noakes were all nominated in category A for work over a decade or more, described as a lifetime, in any field of activity including research and its outputs, or through activities in areas other than research and its outputs in any sector or discipline of SET. Lang and Lewis are both up for honours in category G, where the ESKOM Research Capacity Development Awards will be made to two individuals (a male and a female) in South Africa who have made outstanding contributions to the successful training and mentoring of black researchers/students over the past five to 10 years. Douglas, in turn, is a finalist in category J for young black researchers (a male and a female, separately) normally under the age of 40 who have made outstanding contributions to science, engineering and technology and who act as role models for others. Winners will be named as the NSTF's gala awards dinner as Emperor's Palace in Kempton Park on May 19.