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10 October 2023 | Story Lacea Loader | Photo SUPPLIED
Prof Paul Oberholster
Prof Paul Oberholster, newly appointed Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Prof Paul Oberholster as Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences as of 1 January 2024. 

Strong networks and winner of prestigious awards for research, innovation, and leadership 

Prof Oberholster is currently the Director: Centre for Environmental Management at the UFS. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the UFS before obtaining a PhD in water resource management at the University of Pretoria. 

After several years in secondary education, Prof Oberholster started his scientific research career as a Senior Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2007. In 2017, he became a Chief Scientist (the highest scientific position at the CSIR, and senior management) managing large multidisciplinary projects on the African continent related to integrated water resource management and natural-based treatment solutions/ecological engineering. 

During his time at the CSIR, he acted as extraordinary professor and lecturer in several academic departments at different institutions, including Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, and the University of the Western Cape. During the same time, he received several prestigious awards for research, innovation, and leadership. 

In 2019, Prof Oberholster joined the UFS as Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and also received the National Science and Technology Foundation (NSTF) award in the category Water Research Commission, with a focus on natural-based passive phyco-remediation and phytoremediation treatment technology. In 2022, he was elected as a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in recognition of his academic achievements in South Africa, and in 2023 he was appointed as the Managing Director of the Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa (EEIA). 

Rated among top 2% in the world in the scientific category of engineering/technology, ecological engineering and environmental engineering. 

Currently, Prof Oberholster is rated among the top 2% in the world in the scientific category of engineering/technology, ecological engineering, and environmental engineering. “Prof Oberholster has an extensive and impressive international research standing and has established extensive networks and partnerships. He can lead and manage the faculty in support of the UFS Vision 130’s ultimate intent for the coming years to be a research-led, student-centred, and regionally engaged university,” says Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal. 

“It is a privilege to be part of the leadership team in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences – we will ensure that the faculty is known nationally and internationally as an excellent faculty serving our community. We aim to consolidate and build on the strengths of the university in order to extend its excellence in research and teaching and learning, which is imbedded in the UFS Vision 130,” says Prof Oberholster. 

Prof Oberholster will succeed the current Dean, Prof Danie Vermeulen, who will be retiring at the end of December 2023. 

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Intervarsity 2013 a paragon of friendly rivalry
2013-08-06

 

Photo: RooistoelTv
10 August 2013

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The recent intervarsity between the University of the Free State (UFS) and the North-West University was a huge success. This 70th celebration of intervarsity between the two institutions, which took place for the first time in 1927, is the oldest event of its kind in South Africa.

According to Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS, it is also the most comprehensive and most innovative intervarsity in the country and since 2010 includes all incorporated campuses of universities such as the University of the North. The focus is no longer on sports only, but also on cultural programmes and forums for discussion between student leaders.

Of the 32 sport and culture activities intervarsities between the UFS and the NWU, the UFS won 16, the NWU 13 and three ended in a tie.

Sports and cultural activities like debate were held across the Bloemfontein Campus. Record numbers of supporters attended the different matches, debating competitions and festivities. The first SRC Presidents’ Reunion that took place during the intervarsity is regarded as a special milestone in the history of the UFS.

“We are particularly satisfied that students of diverse backgrounds and campuses took part in and attended intervarsity events and in this way showcased the rich variety of Kovsies with great pride,” Buys said.

“The successful course of the intervarsity confirms that it is important for the UFS to maintain its proud history of almost 100 years with the NWU, but to also update in order to reflect our young democracy and in pace with a young generation of South Africans who are now our students,” Buys concluded.

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