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DRD hosts another successful International postdoctoral day

The Directorate of Research Development (DRD) at the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted another successful International postdoctoral day, celebrating the diversity of the institution’s cohort of postdoctoral fellows.

The significance of this annual event, now in its second year, is a celebration of cultural diversity and academic excellence that postdoctoral fellows add to the institution. The event took place on Friday (1 November 2024) in the Centenary Complex. The fellows introduced their cultural heritage to guests at the event through their culinary heritage, including music and dance.

One item that is special about the current cohort of postdoctoral fellows at the UFS, Prof Reddy said, is that they represent a diverse cohort of people, disciplines, cultures, and identities and that is what enriches the UFS.

The postdoctoral fellows that took part in the day, represented countries such as Zambia, India, Nigeria, China, Iran, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon.

Dr Matin Naghizadeh, a postdoctoral fellow from Iran, as well as Seithati Ramonaheng from the UFS Office for International Affairs, commended the planning and coordination of the event.

Prof Vasu Reddy poses with some of the fellows at the annual International postdoctoral day. From left to right: Dr Lucia Leboto, Dr Jacqueline Njikam, Dr Mutale Mazimba, Dr Mamosa Thaanyane, Dr Lize van Wyngaard, Prof Reddy, Dr Glen Taylor, Senior Director: Research Development (DRD), Dr Theresia Kanyopa, Dr Matin Naghizadeh, Dr Elham Jalali, Jampies, Dr Sarojini Jeeva Panchu, Dr Sara Abdalla and Dr Adeboya Ominiyi.

Date: 08 November 2024

Author: André Damons

Photo: Supplied

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ARU secures two Norwegian-South Africa grants for mountain research

The Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) at the University of the Free State (UFS) has achieved another milestone by securing two Norwegian-South African grants. The latest funding, awarded through a combined Norway-South African bilateral programme (NatuRA) and through Norway’s NORPART programme (INTEREST), will support capacity development and knowledge exchange in the field of mountain research in both South Africa and Norway.

The NatuRA programme, titled ‘Sustainable use of natural resources in Alpine and mountain grassland ecosystems under global change’, focuses on bringing together complex ecological data and traditional knowledge in Alpine areas in South Africa (Qwaqwa Maloti) and Norway (Fjordlands) within communally managed mountain rangelands. NatuRA was proposed by the University of Bergen and was co-developed with the ARU (UFS), the University of Pretoria, and the University of Venda, in partnership with local rangeland custodians (including the Royal Houses in Qwaqwa, and Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge).

The “RangeX” project site on top of the Maloti-Drakensberg, at Witsieshoek, on which Norway-South African projects ‘NatuRA’ and ‘INTEREST’ will build on and add to for social-ecological understanding of alpine systems.

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, commented: “This second wave of grants confirms the ARU’s local and international standing. It is a great achievement ahead of other successes, including the looming second Southern African Mountain Conference scheduled from 17 to 20 March 2025. NatuRA is a bilateral project, with NOK4 000 000 (= R6 464 440, valued on the date of the exchange rate). The UFS – via the ARU – is the lead South African partner. I am exceptionally proud of our leadership in the ARU, and even more so, our leadership in mountainscape research.”

Date: 07 November 2024

Author: Precious Shamase

Photo: Supplied

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UFS delegation visits BUAN to strengthen ties in research and education

During an inspiring journey, a delegation from the University of the Free State (UFS) recently visited the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) with an ambitious goal: to solidify a collaboration that was sparked during the visit of BUAN’s Vice-Chancellor to the UFS and subsequent discussions in Namibia. The atmosphere was one of shared purpose and excitement as the UFS representatives, led by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the Vice-Dean: Agriculture, and the Vice-Dean: Postgraduate and Research, embarked on this significant academic endeavour.

During the discussions, the UFS delegation had a pivotal meeting with the BUAN’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, Prof Samodimo Ngwako, who had previously visited the UFS.

With the way forward clear, both the UFS and BUAN teams agreed on ‘quick steps’ to launch the collaboration – the swift signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), followed by the first exchange of students and staff, and the launch of co-supervised research projects. While specific timelines and milestones are to be confirmed post-MoU, both teams are keen on joint funding applications, especially in areas relevant to agricultural and natural resources both within Africa and beyond.

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) delegates that recently visited the University of the Free State to solidify a collaboration.Date: 05 November 2024

Author: Jacky Tshokwe

Photo: Supplied

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UFS trauma surgeon inducted as American College of Surgeons Fellow

Dr Emmanuel Arko-Cobbah, Senior Lecturer and Medical Specialist in the Department of Surgery at the University of the Fee State (UFS), says he hopes his induction as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), will show the world that South Africa also produces great doctors from whom they can learn.

Dr Arko-Cobbah was part of 1 800 candidates from around the world, but mostly from North America, with about 600 from other countries outside of the US and Canada.

According to Dr Arko-Cobbah, he hopes to put the UFS on the map with this lifelong fellowship so that the world can know South Africa also produces great doctors and that they can learn from these doctors. “The other side of the coin is for me to inspire others to also aim to get into the American College, and to dream even bigger than this. If I could do this, then anybody can. Partner with God, and dream big dreams, and make big plans. That is what I was taught by Pastor At Boshoff since I was a student, and God has always been faithful.”

Dr Emmanuel Arko-Cobbah, Senior Lecturer and Medical Specialist in the Department of Surgery at the University of the Fee State (UFS) and a trauma surgeon, has recently been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Date: 04 November 2024

Author: André Damons

Photo: Supplied

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UFS Study Abroad Fair 2024: Expanding global opportunities for students

The University of the Free State (UFS) hosted its annual Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday 16 October 2024 at its Bloemfontein Campus. The event is designed to connect students with international opportunities and broaden their academic horizons.

The fair brought together key international partners, including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Fulbright US Student Program, the Southern African–Nordic Centre (SANORD), Campus France, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), to showcase a variety of study, research, and exchange programmes open to UFS students. The event, which took place at the Conlaurês Gazelle residence, attracted a large turnout of students and staff eager to explore opportunities to study and conduct research abroad.

The staff of the UFS Office for International Affairs (OIA), which organised the event, said they were excited to have such a diverse representation of global education networks.

The Study Abroad Fair aligns with the UFS’s commitment to promoting internationalisation as part of its strategic plan. Through partnerships with global institutions, the UFS aims to provide students and staff with international exposure that enriches their academic experience and enhances their research capabilities. The OIA encourages students who missed the fair to visit their offices for more information on study abroad opportunities.

Date: 29 October 2024

Author: Thembani Hoho

Photo: Supplied

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EnSci lecturer brings engineering solutions to real-world problems

“Engineering or technology is all about using the power of science to make life better for people, to reduce cost, to improve comfort, to improve productivity, etc.” These words by NR Narayana Murthy align with Sandile Dladla’s vision for his research and teaching in engineering. He believes that engineering should serve the people, the economy, and contribute to a better quality of life. This passion drives his work at the University of the Free State (UFS), where he is committed to creating impactful solutions, particularly in water management, and mentoring students to become future engineering leaders.

Dladla is also involved in research and collaborations through projects such as the Higher Education Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa (HEP SSA) project, funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Through his involvement in the HEP SSA project, Dladla contributes to efforts that aim to equip engineers in sub-Saharan Africa with the skills needed to address local and global challenges.

The HEP SSA project falls under the broader Africa Catalyst Phase 5 initiative, which aims to strengthen professional engineering bodies in sub-Saharan Africa. Dladla believes that these organisations are key to promoting engineering professionalism and building local capacity to address sustainable development challenges.

Excited about growth and knowledge exchange, Dladla is looking forward to his upcoming UK visit.

Dladla has been selected to visit the University of Lincoln’s Institute of Agri-Food Technology in the United Kingdom, where he will observe the latest advancements in engineering education. “I look forward to learning from industry-based approaches to curriculum review and building capacity through exposure to innovative teaching methods,” he says. This visit is also to strengthen the professional network between academia and industry.

Date: 23 October 2024

Author: Leonie Bolleurs

Photo: Supplied

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DHET International Scholarship Sessions Spark Interest at UFS

The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus recently hosted two information sessions on international scholarships, led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). These sessions were initiated by the Office for International Affairs.

Dr Temwa Moyo, acting Director for International Scholarships at the DHET, gave a comprehensive presentation on Erasmus+ programmes, which provide universities with opportunities and funding to collaborate on curriculum development for new programmes, capacity building in higher education, and full scholarships for joint master’s degrees, to name a few.

“The UFS has a significant international footprint, including on the African continent. Our department’s role is to stimulate international collaboration among institutions and to strengthen national collaborations to share best practices and build networks and capacity. This is the idea of the Erasmus + programmes,” explained Dr Moyo.

Overall, the DHET international scholarship sessions on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus were a resounding success, with both students and staff attending in numbers. These sessions inspired students and staff to explore the exciting possibilities of global engagements.

Prof Tameshnie Deane appointed as Vice-Dean in the Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Prof Tameshnie Deane as Vice-Dean: Research, Postgraduate Studies, and Internationalisation. Prof Deane officially assumed this role on 1 July 2024, following over two decades as a Professor and Head of the Criminal Law Unit at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Prof Deane, who has approached this new position with great enthusiasm, describes it as a significant opportunity. ‘’This role allows me to influence the future of academic research and postgraduate education at UFS,’’ she said.

Prof Deane is also committed to advancing the internationalisation of the Faculty of Law. “We aim to provide opportunities for international collaboration and exchange, which will broaden the scope and impact of our research and postgraduate programmes,’’ she said.

Improving research quality and output remains a core objective, with Prof Deane identifying this as central to her new role.

One of the initiatives Prof Deane is eager to lead is the development of strategic partnerships with industry and academic institutions. “Collaborations like these will provide invaluable resources for research projects,” she noted.

To foster these partnerships, Prof Deane plans to leverage technology to strengthen communication and collaboration, support relationship-building events, and promote interdisciplinary projects that encourage diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.

Prof Tameshnie Deane, Vice-Dean: Research, Postgraduate Studies and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Date: 17 October 2024

Author: Anthony Mthembu

Photo: Supplied

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World Food Day highlights NSH’s impact on food security and student success

“Our dream is to eradicate food insecurity on campus entirely,” says Annelize Visagie, Head of the Food Environment Office at the University of the Free State (UFS). “We want every student to focus on their studies without worrying about where their next meal will come from.”

The NSH (No Student Hungry) Programme, launched in 2011, was designed to support academically deserving students who do not qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or other bursaries with food bursaries.

The programme provides either a daily meal at the dining hall or a monthly food parcel, which includes fresh vegetables harvested from university food gardens on the Bloemfontein Campus and the Paradys Experimental Farm, established in collaboration with Kovsie Act and the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences).

In celebration of World Food Day, the UFS recognises the important role food security plays in student success. With ongoing support from donors, staff, and student volunteers, the NSH Programme not only meets students’ immediate food needs but also equips them to make a lasting impact in their communities in the future.

Students working in the UFS food gardens, where fresh vegetables are grown to support the No Student Hungry Programme. These student-led initiatives contribute to food parcels, ensuring nutritious meals for those in need

Date: 17 October 2024

Author: Leonie Bolleurs

Photo: Supplied

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Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo Wins Prestigious Global Health Award

Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo, an academic in the Division of Public Health within the Faculty of Health Sciences, at the University of the Free State (UFS), has won a prestigious Global Health Award at the margins of the Global Health Summit in London, the UK.

Dr Mulondo, who is a Novartis Reimagining Healthcare Scholar and a Visiting Scholar at the Beaver College of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University, in the US, was a finalist in two categories: ‘Mental Health and Well-being’ and ‘Rising Star’. She won the Zenith Global Health Award under the category ‘Mental Health and Well-being’. The awards ceremony took place on 28 September and saw health professionals and academics gather in Europe for the auspicious occasion.

Dr Mulondo, who was invited to attend the summit for the first time, joined a panel of speakers on the session theme ‘mental health and climate change’ where she shared insights on eco-anxiety – the intersection of climate change and mental health which was coined by Albrecht as the chronic fear of environmental change.

Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo, academic in the Division of Public Health within the Faculty of Health Sciences at UFS.

Dr Mulondo flew to London from New York after participating in the 79th United Nations General Assembly’s Summit of the Future and Science Summit, as well as the New York Climate Week. She further provided insights into the adoption of the Pact for the Future which was adopted during the Summit of the Future. “With only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets on track to be achieved by 2030, 18% stagnant and 17% regressed to pre-2015 when the goals were first adopted (SDG Report 2024), Mental Health still remains among 10 global health issues to track according to the World Health Organisation (WHO),” says Dr Mulondo.

Date: 17 October 2024

Author: André Damons

Photo: Supplied