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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.
UFS professors invited to address the UN
2011-10-21
This month two senior professors from our university will give talks abroad at the offices of the United Nations (UN). Prof. Andre Keet, Director of the International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice, has been invited by the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to attend the ninth working session of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG) on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in Geneva, Switzerland from 23-27 October 2011.
Prof. Kwandiwe Kondlo, head of our Centre for Africa Studies, will attend a high-powered UN Global Expert Meeting on Political Economy for Development in Egypt from 28-29 October 2011. The meeting will look into the reconstruction of Egypt and Prof. Kondlo will address the meeting on applying political analysis to policy and programming regional perspectives.
In Geneva Prof. Keet will deliver a presentation on the role of education in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, focusing on the role of National Human Rights and Higher Education Institutions.