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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.

News Archive

Dr Cawood awarded prestigious British Academy Newton Advanced Fellowship
2016-08-02

Description: British Academy logo Tags: British Academy logo
Description: Newton fund logo Tags: Newton fund logo

“I am absolutely thrilled to be associated with such esteemed organisations as the Newton Fund and the British Academy.” This is what Dr Stephanie Cawood, from the Centre for Africa Studies (CAS) at the University of the Free State (UFS), had to say on being awarded a prestigious British Academy Newton Advanced Fellowship. It is part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Grant will assist research on the meaning of museums, monuments, spaces, and discourse

She received a grant of £62,904 (R 1,177,949.35), that will enable her to conduct research that will compare how liberation struggles have been memorialised in South Africa and Uganda. The focus will be on museums, monuments, spaces, and discourse.

The idea is to analyse the relationship between memory, space, and power, said Dr Cawood. The project will run over three years, and will involve comparative fieldwork between liberation movements in South Africa and Uganda.  Dr Johnathan Fisher from the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham will be Dr Cawood’s research partner. “Building a research network between the institutions involved is an important aspect of this research,” said Dr Cawood.

Fellowship will enhance international footprint and collaboration

“I believe it will contribute significantly to my intellectual engagement, career advancement, and international footprint”.

“I believe it will contribute significantly to my
intellectual engagement, career advancement,
and international footprint”

The award also has the potential to further relations at a broader level between the UFS and the University of Birmingham. It will also strengthen a collaborative relationship between the CAS and International Development Department.

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for championing the humanities and social sciences, and counts many world-leading scholars and researchers among its ranks.

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