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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

Varsity Hockey Final: Kovsies vs UJ, 18 May - Kovsie Astro at 18:45
2015-05-13

Photo: VarsitySportSA.com
Spotlight photo: SASPA

Following the success of KovsieNetball, KovsieTennis, and KovsieRugby’s respective victories in the 2014 Varsity Netball, 2014 USSA tournament, and both the 2015 Varsity Cup and the 2015 Varsity Sevens, it is now KovsieHockey’s turn to grab glory.

Kovsies will host the University of Johannesburg (UJ) hockey side in the 2015 Varsity Hockey final. The details are as follows:

Date: Monday 18 May 2015
Time: 18:45
Venue: Kovsie Hockey Astro, Bloemfontein Campus
Entrance: Free

The UFS hockey ladies have been undefeated throughout the Varsity Hockey tournament this May, beating the 2014 defending champions, Maties from Stellenbosch University, 3-1 in the semifinal on 11 May. UJ outplayed the University of Pretoria Tuks 2-0 in their semifinal clash to earn a final match against Kovsies.

Having beaten UJ 5-1 on 4 May, Kovsies should be confident as they head into the final to be played in front of their home crowd.
 
KovsieHockey undefeated Varsity Hockey 2015 record:

• Kovsies 3 - 0 Maties (Semifinal)

• Kovsies 9 - 0 University of Cape Town

• Kovsies 6 - 2 Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

• Kovsies 2 - 1 University of Pretoria Tuks

• Kovsies 5 - 1 University of Johannesburg

• Kovsies 4 - 0 University of Witwatersrand

• Kovsies 3 - 0 Stellenbosch University Maties

• Kovsies 2 - 1 North-West University Pukke

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