Maties science hat-trick
Women scientists honoured for research contributions at awards ceremony
STELLENBOSCH University scored a hat trick when three of its eminent female scientists made a clean sweep in the Distinguished Woman Researchers in Natural (Life and Physical) and Engineering Sciences category at the annual South African Women in Science Awards.
The awards, held at the weekend in Polokwane, are part of the Department of Science and Technology’s celebration of Women’s Month.
This year’s theme was “leveraging science, technology and innovation to enhance inclusive growth and development”. The awards aim to recognise and reward excellence by women scientists and researchers, as well as profile them as role models for younger women.
Dr Evodia Setati, of the university’s Institute for Wine Biotechnology, was winner in the category, while her colleagues Professor Karen Esler of the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology and Professor Soraya Bardien of the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics finished second and third respectively.
Setati was recognised for her research in microbial ecology of the vineyard and wine fermentation ecosystem, and how it is influenced by farming practices. Her research has contributed to an improved understanding of the South African vineyard and wine fermentation microbiome and its possible contribution to wine chemical and sensorial properties.
“The award is a sign of progression; it means I am finally reaping the fruits of my labour, and for my work it means more exposure to potential collaborators, especially from historically disadvantaged institutions,” said Setati.
Setati is also a commissioner on the International Commission for Yeasts, a trustee on the Pioneer Foods Education and Community Trust, and a sub-editor on the South African Journal for Enology and Viticulture.
Esler was honoured for her research in ecology, including ecosystem restoration and invasion biology. She is a world leader in her field and has supervised many postgraduate students.
About the award, she said: “I feel privileged to be counted among the winners. Research is rewarding and exciting, and if I can continue to promote women in higher education by providing a role model to others, I’d be satisfied.”
Esler has authored or co-authored more than 160 peer-reviewed journal publications, and also boasts a few books and book chapters. She is also the African associate editor for a top conservation journal, Conservation Biology, and serves as a review editor for the intergovernmental science-policy platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service’s global assessment.
‘THE AWARD MEANS MORE EXPOSURE TO POTENTIAL COLLABORATORS’
Bardien received an award for her work on the genetic causes and mechanism underlying Parkinson’sdisease in South African patients. She is a National Research Foundation-rated researcher, has published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and is the chairperson of the Southern African Society for Human Genetics. – Staff Reporter