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22 February 2018 Photo Johan Roux
UFS professor recognised as one of Africa exceptional young scientists Prof Abdon Atangana
Prof Abdon Atangana is from the University of the Free State’s Institute for Groundwater Studies.

Prof Abdon Atangana from the University of the Free State’s Institute for Groundwater Studies was recently announced by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) as one of 25 early career scientists who were elected to form part of the third cohort of the AAS Affiliates Programme, which recognises exceptional young African scientists.

The Affiliates will be part of the AAS membership pool from 2018 to 2022, during which time they will be supported to attend conferences, symposia and workshops and other activities that will improve their skills in proposal development, grant writing and pitching innovations to help them win more grants, improve their publication records and ensure that their research impacts their communities.

Brilliant minds

“We welcome the new cohort that represents some of the brilliant minds from the continent. The AAS is committed to ensuring that they are provided with the opportunities they need to develop their careers and contribute to the development of the continent,” said AAS Executive Director Prof Nelson Torto.

The third cohort saw the most competitive pool yet with an overwhelming number of nominations from across the five regions of the continent of PhD holders below the age of 40. This year’s Affiliates are also drawn from countries not covered in the previous two cohorts including, Ethiopia, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Other countries from which the 25 were selected are Benin, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, South Africa and Uganda.

Besides mathematical sciences, Affiliates also represent disciplines that include cultural sciences, humanities and social sciences, medical and health sciences, agricultural sciences, biosciences and geological, environmental, Earth and space sciences.

World class research leaders

The AAS is a pan-African organisation headquartered in Kenya, that aims to drive sustainable development in Africa through science, technology and innovation. The AAS set up the Affiliates programme in 2015 to recognise, mentor and help early career professionals develop into world-class research leaders.

News Archive

Great is what the UFS is and should be
2013-02-15

Photo: Johan Roux
09 February 2013

 

   YouTube Video - UFS Official Opening
   YouTube Video - Staff share their hopes and expectations for 2013

This passage from the book Good to Great by Jim Collis was the core message of Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS) at the official opening on Friday 8 February 2013.

Prof. Jansen warned the audience in a packed hall of the reasons why the UFS should not be good, but great.

“Good makes one become complacent. Good means you show up for class, but great means you are at the top of you class. Good means you simply do your work, but great means you’re the best amongst your peers. Good is ok, but great is what the UFS is and should be about,” Prof. Jansen said.

At the opening Prof. Jansen also highlighted a seven-point priority plan for the university in 2013.

These points are:

  • The growth in numbers and quality of postgraduate students
  • The planned westward expansion of the main campus (New Master Plan)
  • The drive for quality and productivity in research
  • The development of an advancement culture throughout the university
  • The acceleration of diversity and equity in all aspects of campus life, but especially in academic appointments
  • The building of a positive and supporting staff culture at the university
  • The continued investment in undergraduate student leadership

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