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13 December 2024 | Story Martinette Brits | Photo Stephen Collett
Dr Francois Jacobs
Dr Francois Jacobs received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry on Monday, 9 December.

Dr Francois Jacobs, a 30-year-old PhD graduate, has recently returned from an intensive training workshop in Harwell, Oxford, courtesy of the David Blow Bursary. This prestigious award recognises outstanding African researchers making significant contributions to macromolecular crystallography.

Dr Jacobs earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemistry on Monday, 9 December. While earning a PhD by the age of 30 was not part of his initial plan, he always aspired to pursue higher education. “From a young age, I had a strong desire to study at university. Once I got there, my ambition shifted towards obtaining a PhD,” he says, reflecting on the journey that led to this remarkable achievement.

Groundbreaking research on cancer and antibiotics

Dr Jacobs’ research addresses some of the most pressing health challenges of our time: cancer and antibiotic resistance. Using crystallography, he investigates the interactions between newly developed anticancer and antibacterial compounds and biological structures such as proteins at the atomic level. This work is vital in combating the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and advancing cancer treatments.

"For me, it's about seeing humans thrive and reducing the suffering caused by illness," he explains. "I lost my grandmother to cancer, and I hope my work can spare someone else’s loved one from a similar loss."

Prestigious workshop with global experts

The "DLS-CCP4 Data Collection and Structure Solution Workshop," hosted by Diamond Light Source, offered Dr Jacobs an unparalleled opportunity to learn from leading experts in macromolecular crystallography. The workshop covered critical skills such as growing protein and DNA crystals, preventing degradation during data collection, and processing complex data. Participants also gained insights directly from the engineers and scientists behind the facility’s cutting-edge software and synchrotron technology.

“It was an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the field,” says Dr Jacobs. “Not only did I acquire new skills, but I also forged new collaborations with potential research partners who can help take my work to the next level.”

The David Blow Bursary, which enabled Dr Jacobs to attend this workshop, is awarded to  African researchers conducting impactful macromolecular crystallography studies.

"This training has been transformative," he adds. "It is a fantastic experience for any aspiring researcher, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to learn from these experts. Many researchers who attend workshops like this go on to work at the Diamond Light Source itself. I am eager to see where this training will take me."

A vision for the future

As Dr Jacobs continues his research, he remains driven by the hope that his work will lead to life-saving advancements in healthcare. “I want my research to provide hope and solutions for individuals battling cancer and bacterial infections,” he says.

His achievements exemplify the transformative power of education, research, and collaboration, and his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring researchers across Africa. 

News Archive

UFS appoints Dr Derek Swemmer as Registrar
2010-09-30

Dr Derek Swemmer

The University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Dr Derek Swemmer, current Registrar of the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), as its Registrar.

Dr Swemmer, who is currently recognised as one of the most experienced, competent and outstanding registrars in South Africa, will join the UFS as from 1 October 2010. He was Registrar at WITS since 1995.

“I am enthusiastic at the thought of working at the UFS under its new leadership and in a time of change. This appointment creates the opportunity for me to assess the many existing practices of the UFS and to seek to enhance these based on my own experience at WITS,” he said.

Dr Swemmer started his academic career as a part-time student assistant at the University of Pretoria (UP) in 1974. He also taught at the Christ’s Hospital Public School in the United Kingdom and was a full-time lecturer in the Department of English at the University of South Africa (UNISA) until he joined WITS as Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal in 1985.

Dr Swemmer holds a D Litt et Phil in English from the University of South Africa. He received numerous awards including the South African Golden Key International Honours Society Chapter Adviser of the Year in 2006 and 2008, an extraordinary second Certificate of Honour by the International Education Association of South Africa and the Golden Key International Leadership Council President’s Award.

Dr Swemmer chaired, amongst others, the WITS Issues Management Group and the WITS Crisis Committee; and was an Honorary Treasurer of the International Education Association of South Africa and an Honorary Secretary of the English Academy of Southern Africa.

He authored, co-authored and co-edited a number of text books, journals and magazines. He also delivered a number of papers at national and international conferences.

Dr Swemmer will be taking up the position as the single registrar of the UFS.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za  
29 September 2010
 

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