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04 April 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Stephen Collett
Prof Frank Zachos
Prof Frank Zachos recently delivered his inaugural lecture on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

Prof Frank Zachos, a scientist and Head of the Mammal Collection at the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Vienna – one of the world’s largest natural history museums – recently delivered his inaugural lecture at the University of the Free State (UFS) on the Bloemfontein Campus.

His lecture was titled: Of bat bombs and super moms – the wondrous and wondrously curious world of mammals.

Prof Zachos, an affiliated researcher at the UFS, says he chose mammals as the topic of his lecture because he is a mammalogist and curator of mammals at the Natural History Museum. Additionally, he collaborates with Prof Paul Grobler, Head of the Department of Genetics, on mammal projects.

Exposure to almost unparalleled biodiversity in SA

With a mixture of entertaining fun facts and some proper research results, he presented his lecture, providing an overview of some of the most interesting aspects of mammals. These included their different ways of reproduction: the platypuses laying eggs, the tiny marsupial offspring growing in a pouch, and placental mammals having long gestation times. Furthermore, he compared levels of biodiversity in South Africa and Europe and highlighted some particularly bizarre mammals, such as the aye-aye, naked mole-rat, the platypus, and two extinct South African ungulates from their collection in Vienna – the quagga and the blue antelope.

Prof Zachos also discussed his own research on blue antelope genetics, as well as research on other species, in the context of the detrimental impact humans have on mammals and other wildlife.

Moreover, his lecture included a reference to Project X-Ray, a story of how the US army pursued an unsuccessful plan to use bats as carriers of mini bombs in World War II.

Prof Zachos, who is specifically known for his research on the systematics, biogeography, and genetics of red deer, as well as his theoretical work on the species problem (‘what is a species?’ –  one of the most hotly debated topics in evolutionary biology), is affiliated with the UFS due to his longstanding collaboration with Prof Grobler. He says they have known each other for a long time, have published together, and that he has also served as an external reviewer for several theses coming from the Department of Genetics.

“Apart from this personal connection, what made this collaboration particularly interesting to me from a professional viewpoint, is the rich wildlife biodiversity and the research focus of Prof Grobler’s research group, which overlaps significantly with my own longstanding interests,” adds Prof Zachos.

“Working with Prof Grobler, I am involved in studies on the genetic diversity and structuring of different mammal species occurring in South Africa. The opportunity to spend time in the field for sample collection and other activities is definitely also a highlight,” remarks Prof Zachos.

Ideal combination of academic and personal growth

Regarding his connection with the UFS and its impact on shaping the future direction of his research, he states that he has a strong interest in antelopes – a group of mammals not found in Europe, but very prominent in South Africa. “Apart from that, people in the Department of Genetics have expertise in relevant areas that I personally do not have, for example bioinformatics. For me, it is the ideal combination of academic and personal growth, and I am very grateful to have this unique opportunity.”

He believes that his affiliation with the UFS and its Department of Genetics will continue to provide him with opportunities to expand his research and knowledge to different species and ecosystems.

Beyond science, he says that he has developed an interest in the country as well. “I have been reading books about South Africa, and I consider myself very privileged to have a second academic home here, which gives me the opportunity for exchange with people of different backgrounds,” he comments.

News Archive

First Rand Foundation contributes funding towards students with disabilities
2017-01-02

 Description: First Rand Foundation Tags: First Rand Foundation

Photo: iStock

Bursary funding for eight students with disabilities at the University of the Free State was recently approved by the First Rand Foundation. The grant of R2 497 440 will be paid over three years: R800 000 (2016/17), R824 000 (2017/18), and R873 440 (2018/19).

This grant from the First Rand Tertiary Education Fund is a result of the negotiations between the UFS Office for Institutional Advancement and the First Rand Foundation (FRF).

Qualifying students with disabilities will be encouraged to apply for bursaries according to criteria and requirements set by the First Rand Foundation. The selection process will be handled by a panel from the UFS. The Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) at the UFS will be instrumental in the process of identifying students with disabilities who meet the criteria and requirements for funding.

CUADS already have a system in place to support students with disabilities in their studies and during exams. Students also have access to specialised exam and test venues for alternative test and exam procedures, as well as computer facilities.

Specialised support services include an amanuensis (scribe) service during tests and exams, accommodating extra time, individual tutor sessions provided in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning, South African Sign Language interpreter coordination, provision of accessible study material, and individual disability support.

 

“The centre aims to ensure that the university increasingly becomes a universally accessible environment that is welcoming and accepting to people with diverse abilities.”

According to Martie Miranda, Head of CUADS, the centre aims to ensure that the university increasingly becomes a universally accessible environment that is welcoming and accepting to people with diverse abilities. “Therefore disability awareness training and advocacy within the UFS, and specifically among staff members, is one of our priorities,” she said.

According to Thandeka Rantsi from the FRF, the company will furthermore support students in CUADS with regards to the needs ensuing from the #feesmustfall protests. “Exactly R34 000 was approved by the FRF for 14 students towards residence and meal expenses, as well as scribe and reader assistance during additional assessments,” she said.

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