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14 June 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Suplied
Jeremiah Hlahla, a UFS student completing his PhD in Botany at the University of Debrecen as part of an exchange initiative funded by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme.
As part of an exchange initiative facilitated by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme, Jeremiah Hlahla, a student at the University of the Free State (UFS), is nearing the completion of his PhD studies at the University of Debrecen in Hungary. Hlahla’s journey, which began in February 2024 and is set to conclude in July 2024, has been a remarkable learning opportunity. “As a first time-traveller to Europe, I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with people from different countries and cultures,” he said.
The benefits of international collaboration
Hlahla is currently pursuing a PhD in Botany, focusing on plant stress physiology. “My current PhD project investigates the physiological, biochemical and morphological responses of vegetable-type soybean, or edamame, to combined drought and heat stress,’’ he explained. He considers the University of Debrecen the ideal institution to complete his research due to its extensive expertise and resources in similar projects. He noted that his colleagues at Debrecen conduct significant work on plant protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, including salt and drought stress, as well as proteins and amino acids in barley and other legumes.
Given the vast knowledge available on similar projects, Hlahla has found substantial engagement with his work at the University of Debrecen. “Upon arrival, I delivered an introductory lecture presenting my UFS project on the synergistic effects of combined drought and heat stress on the physiology and biochemistry of edamame. It was an engaging session as everyone could relate to my work and asked many questions,’’ he said.
Insights gained from the exchange
Hlahla has also gained valuable lessons that will assist him in his research career, including biotechnology and physiology tools. “I learned how to prepare samples and use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to quantify proteins and amino acids,’’ he said. These techniques are beneficial not only for his current work but will also support future soybean research.
As his experience at the University of Debrecen nears its end, Hlahla reflects on the collaborations and friendships he has formed, which stand out as a significant highlight.
Delegation from university in Mexico visits the UFS
2009-09-01
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From the left are: Prof. Schalk Louw, Prof. Wijnand Swart, Dr Victor Pinto, UACH, Dr Lizel Hugo, National Museum, Dr Nahum Marban, UACH, Ms Henda Landman, Department of Zoology and Entomology at the UFS, Ms Louise Coetzee, National Museum, Mr Vaughn Swart, Department of Zoology and Entomology at the UFS, Dr Samuel Ramirez, UACH, and Dr Driekie Fourie, ARC-Grain Crops Institute in Potchefstroom.
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe
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| A delegation from the Autonomous University of Chapingo (UACH) in Texcoco, Mexico visited the University of the Free State (UFS) recently to hold exploratory discussions with various scientists affiliated to the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, including the Centre for Plant Health Management (CePHMa). The visit builds on an institutional agreement that was signed between CePHMa and the University of Chapingo in 2006. The Mexican delegation was hosted by Prof. Wijnand Swart, Cluster Director: Technologies for Sustainable Crop Industries in Semi-arid regions, and consisted of Dr Victor Pinto (entomologist), Dr Samuel Ramirez (entomologist) and Dr Nahun Marban (nematologist). Prof. Schalk Louw from the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the UFS chaired a meeting with the three Mexican visitors and colleagues specialising in in acarology and nematology from the National Museum in Bloemfontein and the ARC-GCI in Potchefstroom, respectively. Discussions focused mainly on opportunities for collaborative research and student exchange between the aforementioned institutions and University of Chapingo. |