​​Elsevier congratulates the 2023 National Research Foundation Awards winners​

Elsevier, a global leader in scientific information and data analytics, was honored to partner with the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa as the Principal Sponsor for the annual Early Career/ Emerging Research awards. Each year, the NRF honors the outstanding contribution of high-achieving researchers in various award categories as South African researchers continue to deliver research excellence that greatly impacts society and contributes to the global knowledge base. The tremendous work of these researchers helps move science and technology forward and solve pressing societal problems.  

Recipients were honored at an awards ceremony opened by Professor Mosa Moshabela, Chairperson of the NRF Board, who congratulated and highlighted the performance of South African researchers. The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Bonginkosi Emmanuel "Blade" Nzimande, who provided a hopeful message that highlighted the future of research and development in South Africa.  The theme of this year’s awards focused on the prestigious Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project in South Africa. The SKA Project is an international effort to build the world's largest radio telescope with a collection area of one square kilometer and resolution that improves on the Hubble telescope’s capabilities. The guest speaker, Dr. Kenda Knowles, a Senior Research Fellow at Rhodes University and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRF-SARAO), presented the achievements of the SKA Project and its future. The SKA Project aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. 

The recipients of the Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers are: 

• Dr. Omowunmi Isafiade – Department of Computer Science Programme, University of the Western Cape 

• Professor Lawrence Madikizela – College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa 

• Dr Velaphi Msomi – Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology 

• Dr. Nweke Emmanuel – Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand 

• Associate Professor Nastassja Koen – Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town 

• Dr. Thandiwe Sithole – Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg 

• Professor Nastassja Koen – Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town 

Dr. Fulufhelo Nelwammondo, NRF Chief Executive Officer said: “We are very appreciative and grateful for Elsevier’s support, not only to the NRF, but for the Science System. We look forward to a great partnership ahead.” 

John Sterley, Elsevier Research Solutions Account Manager for South Africa, said, “We are proud to support NRF in recognizing the remarkable contributions of early career researchers. This partnership exemplifies Elsevier's unwavering commitment to nurturing the future of research and supporting those who drive innovation and knowledge dissemination."  

Elsevier congratulates the awardees and wishes them continued success with their research endeavors. Interviews with winners are shared in a video, which was produced by Elsevier. 

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Notes to editors 

About the National Research Foundation of South Africa 

The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) is a leading governmental agency dedicated to advancing the frontiers of knowledge, innovation, and research excellence in South Africa. Established with a mission to support and promote research across all disciplines, the NRF plays a pivotal role in driving the nation's scientific and technological advancements. 

As a cornerstone of South Africa's research ecosystem, the NRF actively nurtures a culture of scientific inquiry and discovery. It achieves this by providing funding, resources, and strategic support to researchers, institutions, and research-related initiatives. Through its programs, the NRF empowers scholars, early-career researchers and institutions to excel in their respective fields, fostering a vibrant research community that addresses critical societal challenges and drives economic development. 

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