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UFS student thrives in exchange programme with the University of Debrecen

14 June 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Suplied

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.

News Archive

UFS Centenary ends with a weekend of festivities

2005-02-04

The University of the Free State ’s (UFS) Centenary celebrations will come to an end this weekend with a packed programme.

“We celebrated this momentous milestone of the UFS since 28 January 2004 and want to end the year on a high note,” said Mr Jan Ras, Centenary Coordinator.

The weekend will start on Friday 4 February 2005 when Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will open the UFS officially. This will be followed by an historic photo of all staff and students who are on campus that day. All staff will be wearing their academic gowns and the Centenary emblem will be depicted.

The annual Kovsie Engen Rag, with We thank you South Africa as theme, will take place on Saturday 5 February 2005 . The procession will start at 08:00 from the UFS Kovsie church and will move down Nelson Mandela Drive and right into Markgraaff Street exit until it reaches St Andrew’s Street. From here it will turn right into Kings Way where it will stop at the Art Market at 10:00 . Prof Frederick Fourie will then propose a toast on the procession. Afterwards the groups and orchestras will step out and the floats will move through the center of town around Hoffman Square and then back to the UFS campus.

According to Mr Ras a reunion for the Student Representative Council (SRC) will also take place this weekend. About 100 former SRC members are expected to attend the planned activities.

The weekend will be concluded on Sunday 6 February 2005 with a special service of devotion, hosted by all the interdenominational groups on the campus. The service starts at 18:00 for 18:30 in front of the Main Building of the UFS and will be a celebration of praise, thanks and worship, followed by a message from Dr Wollie Grobler. The evening will be concluded with a mass choir and a fireworks display.

“Members of the public are welcome to attend the service of devotion and are requested to bring a candle for the purpose of the mass choir. Although chairs will be arranged in front of the Main Building , people are requested to bring extra pillows and blankets to sit on,” said Mr Ras.

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