Professor Cyril O'Connor, former dean of the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, has been awarded an A2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The faculty now has four A-rated scientists. They also have the highest number of rated researchers of any South African engineering faculty.

A-ratings are awarded to "researchers who are unequivocally recognised by their peers as leading international scholars in their field, for the high quality and impact of their recent research outputs".

O'Connor enjoys an outstanding international reputation for his research in minerals processing. He is well respected both by his colleagues and by leaders of industry.

He recently stepped down after nine years as dean of the faculty but will return to the faculty after a short sabbatical as director of the Minerals Processing Research Centre.

He will also take up the new Anglo Platinum Chair in Minerals Processing.