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26 October 2023 | Story André Damons | Photo SUPPLIED
Dr Yolandi Schoeman
Dr Yolandi Schoeman, a postdoctoral fellow in the Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) at the University of the Free State (UFS), attended the 2023 World Women Scientists Conference in China.

Dr Yolandi Schoeman, a postdoctoral fellow in the Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) at the University of the Free State (UFS), represented South Africa at the recently concluded 2023 World Women Scientists Conference in China.

She was part of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals (SACNASP) delegation at this global event, which was made possible through a collaboration between SACNASP, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST). She was also invited to participate in a panel discussion on science and the future of women in science.

Dr Schoeman, a distinguished scientist and ecological engineer in South Africa, said it is an honour to have received the invitation to represent South Africa at the conference. The event, co-sponsored by CAST and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, took place from 13 to 15 October 2023 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China.

Foster international collaborations and partnerships

“It was a great experience to represent South Africa at the 2023 World Women Scientists Conference,” Dr Schoeman said. “It's a tremendous privilege to be part of such a prestigious global event and to have the opportunity to showcase South Africa's contributions to the field of science on an international stage.

“I had hopes for this conference which were multifaceted. I hoped to foster international collaborations and partnerships with fellow women scientists from around the world. These collaborations between China and the University of the Free State, including the Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa, can lead to groundbreaking research, shared knowledge, and innovative solutions to some of our planet's most pressing challenges.”

She said she would like to think she achieved what she set out to, and realised her hopes of establishing important international networks for future collaboration between the UFS and China, especially related to addressing sustainability challenges in Africa. 

With the overarching theme of "Openness, Trust, Innovation, and Development”, the conference focused on fostering a global community with a shared future for humanity, and advancing the goals of sustainable development. 

Importance of conference for women scientists 

According to Dr Schoeman, the importance of this conference for women scientists cannot be overstated. “It provides a unique platform for women scientists to showcase their achievements, share their experiences, and build networks with peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds,” she said. 

“The conference is a powerful avenue to address gender disparities in science and promote inclusivity, ultimately paving the way for more women to confidently pursue and excel in STEM fields. I aimed to contribute my insights and expertise to discussions on advancing science, technology, and innovation. 

“I looked forward to learning from the experiences and accomplishments of other women scientists, gaining new perspectives and ideas that can be applied in my own work. Overall, my goal was to return from the conference with enhanced knowledge and a broader network to make a positive impact in the field of science, both in South Africa representing the UFS and on a global scale.”

Alliance of World Women Scientists

Dr Schoeman, who works closely with Prof Paul Oberholster, Director of the CEM and an expert in wastewater treatment, was also invited to participate in the launch of the Alliance of World Women Scientists. This alliance, which was launched during the conference, seeks to bring together women scientists from across the globe, along with academic institutions and organisations representing them. 

Dr Schoeman's participation in this global gathering is a testament to her dedication and contributions to the field of science. South Africa takes pride in her representation at this prestigious event and looks forward to the insights and collaborations that will emerge from her involvement.

News Archive

Research into surrogate milk important to wildlife conservation
2017-05-08

Description: Prof Garry Osthoff Tags: Prof Garry Osthoff

Prof Gary Osthoff from the UFS Department of
Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology,
will soon work on a milk formula for elephants.
Photo: Supplied

Research is being done at the University of the Free State (UFS) to analyse and synthetically imitate the unique milk of various wildlife species. This research is not only of scientific value, but also serves the conservation of South Africa’s wildlife species. At the forefront of this research is Prof Garry Osthoff from the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology.

Orphaned rhino calf pulled through with surrogate milk
“There is still a lot of research to be done. Naturally the research is of scientific importance, but with surrogate milk having the same composition as the mother’s milk of a specific species, orphaned calves or cubs of that species could be pulled through during a difficult time of weaning. Bearing in mind that exotic animals fetch thousands and even millions of rands at auctions, it goes without saying a game farmer will do everything possible to provide only the best nourishment to such an orphaned animal. In such a case, synthetically-manufactured milk would be the right choice,” says Prof Osthoff.

The fruits of his research were recently demonstrated in Germany when a rhino calf was left orphaned in the Leipzig Zoo. Prof Osthoff’s article: “Milk composition of a free-ranging white rhinoceros during late lactation” was used as a directive for applying surrogate milk for horse foals (which is already commercially available), since the composition of horse and rhino milk largely corresponds. The surrogate milk was used with great success and the rhino calf is flourishing. He mentions that such an orphan is often given the wrong nourishment with the best intentions, resulting in the starvation of the animal despite the amount of cow’s milk it devours.

With surrogate milk having the same
composition as the mother’s milk of a
specific species, orphaned calves or
cubs of that species could be pulled
through during the difficult time
of weaning.

Milk formula for baby elephants in the pipeline
With baby elephants left orphaned due to the increase in elephant poaching for their ivory, several attempts have been made to create a milk formula in order to feed these elephants. To date, many elephants have died in captivity from side effects such as diarrhoea as a result of the surrogate formula which they were fed.

Prof Osthoff recently received a consignment of frozen milk which he, together with researchers from Zimbabwe, will use to work on a milk formula for elephants. They are studying the milk in a full lactation period of two years. During lactation, the composition of the milk changes to such an extent that a single surrogate formula will not be sufficient. Four different formulas should probably be designed.

Prof Osthoff says that of the different species he has researched, elephants are the most interesting and deviate most from the known species.

Although his research to develop surrogate milk is adding much value to the wildlife industry, and although he finds this part of his work very exciting, his research focus is on food science and nutrition. “What is currently authentic in milk research is the study of the fat globules with content, the structure and composition of the casein micelle, and the prebiotic sugars. The knowledge which is gained helps to improve the processing, development of new food products, and development of food products for health purposes,” says Prof Osthoff.

 

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