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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.
Sports physician receives prestigious award from SASMA
2009-11-25
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Dr Louis Holtzhausen, Director of Kovsie Health at the University of the Free State (UFS) was recently awarded an honorary membership of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA). Dr Holtzhausen received this award from the Executive Committee of SASMA, together with prominent names in the profession such as Prof. Tim Noakes, Director of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine and founding member of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Science Academy, Prof. Martin Schwellnus, Professor of Sports Medicine, UCT and Sports Physician at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and Prof. Wayne Derman, also from UCT and recently the Chief Medical Officer of the National Olympic Committee of South Africa for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
This award by SASMA goes to members of the medical and scientific community who have made significant contributions to the advancement of sports medicine. Dr Holtzhausen has been the President of SASMA and over the last two years the membership of this organisation has increased with 30%. He also established essential working relationships with key sports bodies in the country, including Sports and Recreation South Africa, the South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) as well as with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs |