Researchers from the University of the Free State (UFS) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences have received international recognition in the 2026 Research.com rankings in Mathematics, Materials Science, and Chemistry, highlighting the university’s growing global research visibility and scientific impact.

The rankings are based on the D-index (Discipline H-index), which measures discipline-specific research impact using bibliometric data from leading international databases, including OpenAlex and CrossRef.

Among the recognised researchers is Prof Abdon Atangana, a leading applied mathematician at the UFS, who was ranked the top mathematics scientist in Africa in the 2026 rankings. His work in applied mathematics has contributed significantly to global research in fractional calculus, scientific modelling, and applied systems.

Other recognised researchers include Prof Maxim Finkelstein and former UFS postdoctoral fellow Dr Muhammad Altaf Khan in Mathematics; Prof Hendrik Swart and Prof David Motaung in Materials Science; and Prof Jeanet Conradie in Chemistry.

“Global rankings affirm that the UFS is not only producing knowledge, but shaping the intellectual architecture of science across mathematics, materials science, and chemistry. Our colleagues make us all proud with this recognition. These achievements reflect the power of sustained collaboration, mentorship, and intergenerational scholarship in building impactful research ecosystems,” remarked Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies.

Recognition reflects growing international research profile

Prof Paul Oberholster, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, says: “The recognition of researchers across disciplines such as mathematics, materials science, chemistry, plant science, and animal science reflects the faculty’s growing international research profile and the sustained quality of its scholarly output.”

He adds: “More than anything, it reflects the genuine impact of research carried out in the faculty.”

Research addresses global scientific and technological challenges

Prof Maxim Finkelstein, A1-rated researcher from the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science, focuses on stochastic modelling and the mathematical theory of reliability, with applications in engineering and life sciences. His work explores how the lifetime and reliability of engineering and biological systems can be modelled and applied in real-world contexts.

“Statistical science provides the essential framework for turning massive, sometimes messy data into actionable insights across numerous disciplines,” he says.

Prof Hendrik Swart, NRF B1-rated researcher and holder of the SARChI Research Chair in Solid-state Luminescent and Advanced Materials, says the recognition acknowledges years of collaborative scientific work and international research engagement.

“It is both fulfilling and humbling to be named in the 2026 Research.com Ranking of Best Scientists in Materials Science. Professionally, it recognises the combined efforts of my students, postdoctoral fellows, collaborators, and colleagues who have helped our research programme succeed,” he says.

Prof Swart’s research on luminescent materials, nanotechnology, and sensing technologies has contributed to advances in solid-state lighting, latent fingerprint imaging, energy-related applications, and materials optimisation. His work on rare-earth-doped phosphors and nanostructured materials has also contributed to understanding energy transfer mechanisms and emission optimisation in advanced materials.

Prof David Motaung says advanced materials research has significant potential to address real-world challenges on the African continent.

His research focuses on nanomaterials and sensor technologies aimed at applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial safety, health-care diagnostics, toxic gas detection, and air-quality monitoring. According to Prof Motaung, international collaboration remains essential to ensure that South African research remains globally competitive and visible.

“One can walk fast alone, but one walks far with others,” he says.

Prof Jeanet Conradie, Research Fellow in the Department of Chemistry, says the recognition reinforces her commitment to continuing meaningful research and mentorship beyond retirement.

“Science is a lifelong journey, and this acknowledgement reinforces my enthusiasm to remain actively involved in meaningful research and collaboration,” she says.

Her research combines computational chemistry, sustainable energy, electrochemistry, and water purification research, including the development of environmentally sustainable materials for water treatment.

Prof Conradie says chemistry research continues to play an important role in addressing global challenges such as clean water, sustainable energy, environmental protection, health, and industrial development.

Prof Oberholster says international rankings such as those published by Research.com strengthen the global visibility and credibility of both the faculty and the university.