SU women scientists score at SA awards
THREE Stellenbosch University (SU) female scientists carved their names not in stone, but in gold, silver and bronze at the recent South African Women in Science Awards (Sawisa).
In a first for the university, and a victory for women in Women’s Month, SU’s eminent female scientists Dr Evodia Setati, Professor Karen Esler, and Professor Soraya Bardien respectively came first, second and third in the same category of the annual Sawisa awards ceremony held in Polokwane.
Setati (Institute for Wine Biotechnology) was a winner in the category Distinguished Woman Researchers in Natural (Life and Physical) and Engineering Sciences, while Esler (Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology) and Bardien (Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics) finished second and third.
Setati won the award for her work on the microbial ecology of the vineyard and wine fermentation ecosystem and how this is influenced by farming practices.
Her research contributed to an improved understanding of the South African vineyard and wine fermentation microbiome and its possible contribution to wine chemical and sensorial properties.
Describing the award as a sign of progression, she said: “It means I am finally reaping the fruits of my labour.
“It means more exposure to potential collaborators, especially from historically disadvantaged institutions.
“It is an important recognition for the relevance and impact of my research.”
Setati has published extensively in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and supervised many postgraduate students.
Esler was honoured for her research excellence in ecology, including ecosystem restoration and invasion biology. An NRF-rated researcher, she is considered a world leader in her field and has supervised many postgraduate students.
“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,” she said.
Bardien is internationally recognised for her research on Parkinson’s disease. She received an award for her work on the genetic causes and mechanism underlying this condition in patients.
Southern African Society for Human Genetics chairperson and steering committee member of the Southern African Human Genome Programme, Bardien served on the Specialist Committee of National Research Foundation for rating South African researchers (in the Health Sciences category). – Staff Writer