Winners of the 2018/2019 NSTF-South32 Awards

The national NSTF-South32 Awards are the largest science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation awards in South Africa. Known as the ‘Science Oscars , they were the first science awards in the country. The focus is on spreading information about SET to the public, which includes the year-long engagement programme with students and learners called the Share ‘n Dare Programme. The Brilliants Programme recognises outstanding Grade 12 performers in physical science and mathematics, exposing them to the SET network and future career opportunities.

This year a record number of 161 nominations, 20 percent up on last year, were adjudicated in 13 categories. Of these, 27 were nominated for more than one category. There were 60 finalists, 19 in more than one category, giving a total of 79. It is an extraordinary honour to be an NSTF-South32 Award finalist given the quality of the nominations received, the fierce competition, and the growing interest from the community over the years.

Outstanding contributions to SET and innovation were awarded and celebrated in the following broad areas under 13 categories:

Scientific research

Innovation

Management and related activities

Capacity development in engineering research

Environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and green economy

Water research and innovation

Data management

Science Communication

The special annual theme award was made for a contribution towards ‘Materials for inclusive economic development’. This was made in recognition of the ‘International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements’ declared by the United Nations (IYPT2019). Jansie Niehaus, NSTF Executive Director and spokesperson, says “It is an honour to be nominated, an outstanding achievement to reach the finals as well as an exceptional milestone and celebration of excellence to win one of these awards.”

TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging researcher through research and its outputs, by an individual up to six years of research work from the commencement of the research career, predominantly in South Africa: Dr Mardé Helbig, Senior Lecturer: Computer Science Department, University of Pretoria and Dr Hlumani Ndlovu, Lecturer: Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Dept of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT)

TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher through research and its outputs, by an individual from six years up to 15 years of research work from the commencement of the research career, predominantly in South Africa: Prof Lindiwe Innocentia Zungu Executive Dean: Graduate Studies, University of South Africa

Lifetime Award, by an individual over 15 years or more: Prof Robin Crewe, Senior Research Fellow Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria