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10 September 2018 Photo Anja Aucamp
Health forum celebrates 50 years of research
Throughout the years many renowned researchers shared their work via the Faculty Research Forum in the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences.
Fifty years ago, visionaries in healthcare established a research forum. Throughout the years, many renowned researchers shared their work via this platform. On 30 and 31 August 2018, the Faculty Research Forum in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted their annual event, and celebrated the forum’s 50th anniversary. The programme was characterised by high-quality presentations covering a range of relevant topics, with exhibitors displaying current and innovative technology in the health sciences field. 

On the shoulders of giants

According to the Faculty of Health Sciences Dean, Prof Gert van Zyl, the Faculty Research Forum is a highlight on their calendar. “We owe all our gratitude and appreciation to the founders of the forum, as well as 50 years of researchers who share their research with us each year.” This year was no exception, with interesting and relevant presentations. Evaluations committees comprising external and faculty adjudicators awarded prizes to research articles and student presentations. The level of work showcased once again proved that health science research on campus is alive and well – contributing to the study field. 

Small success

During the FP Retief Lecture, keynote speaker Prof Tahir Pillay shared his passion for new diagnostic probes for laboratory medicine using nanobodies and next generation technology. Prof Pillay is Chief Specialist, Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of Pretoria. He is also involved with the National Health Laboratory service, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and the Director of the Division of Clinical Pathology and Clinical Pathology training programme. 

A captive audience appreciated his explanation of what alpacas, llamas, and sharks have in common. These animals have small, single-chain, stable antibodies, significantly improving the possibilities in the field of antibody technology – a chance discovery with far-reaching impacts. 

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KovsieSport celebrates three varsity tournaments' titles
2015-04-21

Both staff and students celebrated the Shimlas, KovsieTennis, and KovsieNetball’s achievements.
Photos: Hannes Pieterse

 

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In this week of graduation ceremonies, the University of the Free State had more than its academic achievements to celebrate. The Shimlas’ brilliant triumph in the Varsity Cup as well as the achievements by KovsieTennis and Kovsie Netball was celebrated at a colourful event on the Bloemfontein Campus.

At the celebrations, which were well supported by the campus community, the Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Jonathan Jansen, congratulated all three teams on their outstanding achievements. Not only did the Shimlas walk off with the Varsity Cup, they also won every game they played. AJ Coertzen, the Shimlas’ captain, said: “Although we were well prepared and physically fit, the fact that we played for one another contributed much to our success. As a team, we have grown from friends to brothers.”

KovsieTennis was congratulated on wearing the USSA tennis crown for the fourth consecutive year. In addition, they have the following triumphs to their name: 2007 – SASSU (South African Students Sports Union) (Ladies); 2008 – USSA (University Sport South Africa) (Ladies) and 2009 USSA (Men). Duke Munroe, captain of the KovsieTennis team took the opportunity to thank the team personnel. He believes that hard work behind the scenes by the coach, Marnus Kleinhans, and the team manager, Janine de Kock, contributed greatly to the team’s success.

KovsieNetball was also praised for their successes. In 2014, under the captaincy of Karla Mostert, they won gold at the Varsity Netball championships. They also won the National Premier League. The UFS is also proud of its netball players in various national teams: SA Under 19-23, the Protea groups, and the SA University team.

At the celebrations, Karla said: “The environment and the people you surround yourself with dictate how easily you achieve success. Our achievements and successes are evidence of the quality of the coaches, supporters, and facilities available to us.

After the event on the Red Square, the teams made an appearance in the Callie Human Centre, where they were enthusiastically congratulated by graduands, their families and the university management. Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the UFS, also praised the teams for their achievements. “You are a team without individual stars. That is the sort of team I want to be part of.”

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