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14 June 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Suplied
Jeremiah Hlahla
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.

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UFS will be host to transformation leaders of Higher Education in South Africa
2013-05-03

03 May 2013

The University of the Free State (UFS) will be the host to about 100 delegates from all 23 South African universities for the Higher Education South Africa (HESA) transformation colloquium. This event is taking place from 6 to 8 May 2013 on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The theme of the colloquium is New Directions: The Question of Knowledge and the Transformation of Higher Education in South Africa. The delegates will include 13 vice-chancellors, as well as the Ministerial Oversight Committee on Transformation in Higher Education. Transformation managers from all universities will be participating and students will also make contributions.

The objectives of the colloquium are to explore progress, challenges and new directions relating to the transformation of higher education.

The colloquium is presented by the university’s Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice and the office of the Vice-Rector: External Relations, in cooperation with HESA.

Welcoming message from Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, UFS

Programme

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