Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
17 January 2024 | Story Nonku Nonkululeko | Photo Supplied
Edward Netherlands
Dr Edward Netherlands, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology.

Dr Edward Netherlands, Senior Lecturer and notable figure in the field of zoology and entomology at the UFS, was recently honoured with a nomination in the Emerging Researcher category of the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum-South32 (NSTF) awards.

“It really is a great honour. Having my efforts and contributions acknowledged at this level is truly humbling,” he expresses. The recognition not only validates his work, but also motivates him to push boundaries and leave a lasting mark in the field of blood parasites and their effect on African wildlife.

Advancing knowledge through research

Dr Netherlands’ impactful research is centred on blood parasites that infect ectotherms, particularly amphibians and reptiles. Over the past six years, he has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to shedding light on the ecology, systematics, and evolutionary biology of these parasites. His work has led to the discovery and description of more than 20 new species, significantly enriching the understanding of their diversity and evolution in the African context. Furthermore, his exploration of the life cycles of these parasites has provided valuable insights into their complex relationships with hosts and vectors, offering a new perspective on classification and ecology.

Implications for society and biodiversity

Beyond scientific curiosity, Dr Netherlands’ research carries implications for society and biodiversity. “My research on various blood parasites of ectotherms, which include species closely related to malaria and trypanosomes, contributes to a broader understanding of vector-borne diseases and their impact on the ecosystem. By studying these asymptomatic blood parasites and their interaction with wildlife, we can gain insights into the dynamics of these diseases. This knowledge has implications for wildlife conservation and public health, as understanding the ecology and transmission of these parasites is vital for developing effective strategies to control vector-borne diseases and protect biodiversity,” he highlights.

It really is a great honour. Having my efforts and contributions acknowledged at this level is truly humbling.

 

The power of collaboration

Dr Netherlands acknowledges that collaboration has been a keystone in his research journey. His partnerships with other researchers, institutions, and organisations locally and internationally have enabled comprehensive studies and data collection. “Working with colleagues from different backgrounds has enriched my research and facilitated the exchange of knowledge and ideas,” he says.

Dr Netherlands envisions a future where his contributions extend beyond individual studies, integrating diverse perspectives to address complex research questions. He inspires future researchers to explore the fascinating world of parasitology and its relevance to conservation and public health.

Advice for aspiring researchers

For aspiring researchers, Dr Netherlands emphasises the following: “Perseverance, collaboration, and pursuing passion-driven topics. Despite challenges, never lose sight of your goals. Seek opportunities for collaboration; this can enrich your research and open doors to new possibilities. Lastly, share your findings and knowledge with the broader community, as effective science communication is vital for creating a positive impact on society,” he concluded.

News Archive

Arts Festival Rally promises to be great fun
2009-05-20

The annual Amazing Rainbow Rally, presented by the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and UFS Marketing, will take place on Friday, 17 July 2009 during the Volksblad Arts Festival on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.

This year all the checkpoints will be on the campus and around the Arts Festival grounds. Corporate companies in Bloemfontein and departments at the UFS may still enter teams and checkpoints.

The closing date for entering teams is 26 June 2009. A team consists of two team members who must work together to complete a route with various checkpoints. The team, who finishes first after having successfully completed all the tasks, is the winner. Last year, Dr I Babst en Dr L Solomon from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health were the winners of the Rally.

The closing date for entering a checkpoint is 17 June 2009. Teams must complete tasks at every checkpoint before proceeding to the next checkpoint. The company sponsoring the checkpoint will also be responsible for handling the activity at the checkpoint.

The “Arts Festival” Rally promises to challenge teams physically, mentally and even artistically. Festival goers will also have the opportunity to see what teams get up to and how their favourite team is doing.

The Rally will be presented for the fifth time in 2009. The main goal of this year’s Rally is to raise funds for the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health’s “Beds of Hope Campaign”. This campaign seeks to increase the number of intensive care beds in the paediatric and neonatal wards. Currently around 250 children and babies in central South Africa cannot receive the life-saving care they need because of a lack of facilities.

For more information and entry forms, contact Ms Adéle van Aswegen at 051 401 3535 or e-mail to vanasweg.stg@ufs.ac.za . You can also visit our website at http://bedsofhope.ufs.ac.za  


Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept