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UFS emerging researchers receive first ‘Science Oscars’ nominations

09 May 2024 | Story André Damons | Photo Supplied

Science Oscars Winners 2024 — From top-left to right: Drs Claudia Ntsapi, Mpho Mafa, Angélique Lewies, Yolandi Schoeman, and Bimo Nkhata are dedicated to innovative solutions spanning from addressing brain aging to enhancing food security, developing xenograft scaffolds for regenerative medicine, transforming degraded terrains into vibrant landscapes, and protecting precious water resources. Prof Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen's research team investigates the dynamics of mountain ecosystems in terms of pollination, seed dispersal and other aspects of plant reproductive ecology and vegetation community, largely assessing the impacts of climate change and invasive alien plants on these systems.

A neuropsychologist, a biochemist, a cell biologist, and an ecological engineer from the University of the Free State (UFS) have all received their first nomination in this year’s NSTF-South32 Awards. The four researchers have been nominated in the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher category.

These emerging researchers are part of a group of nine UFS researchers nominated for the ‘Science Oscars of South Africa’. Two other researchers; Prof Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen, Associate Professor and Subject Head: Department of Plant Sciences and the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU), and Dr Bimo Abraham Nkhata, Senior Lecturer at the UFS Centre for Environmental Management (CEM), have also been nominated in the categories Green Economy and NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) respectively.

Preserving human brain health with age

Dr Claudia Ntsapi, who is passionate about exploring innovative solutions to address the gradual decline in normal brain function associated with aging, says the research that led to her nomination focuses on preserving human brain health to delay or prevent age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease.

The nomination, she says, reaffirms the growing impact of their research efforts and reinforces her commitment to contributing toward enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by age-related neurodegenerative diseases and their families.

“Leveraging advanced cell-based models that mimic human cellular environments, my research investigates the potential benefits of medicinal plants as supplementary treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. By utilising cutting-edge techniques, such as the innovative CelVivo ClinoStar 2 System, we strive to gain insights into the safety and efficacy of underexplored medicinal plants in preserving cognitive function and slowing disease progression.

“By exploring the untapped potential of bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants and nutraceuticals, our research group aims to contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the discovery of new avenues for intervention to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by age-related brain conditions,” Dr Ntsapi explains.

Improving food security, and renewable resources for circular economy

A humbled and excited Dr Mpho Mafa says his nomination is based on the impact and quality of research his group (carbohydrates and enzymology Laboratory: CHEM-Lab) produced since 2020.

“My research group uses biochemical, enzymological, and biotechnological techniques to study the physiological and biochemical functions of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and carbohydrate metabolism during wheat interaction with rust disease-causing fungi or wheat infestation by a virulent Russian wheat aphid (RWA) biotype,” he said.

“The findings from these studies allow us to identify the key genes, enzymes, metabolites and biochemical processes used by wheat plants to reduce the effects of rust fungi or RWA damage, leading to improved plant health and yield. Thus, my research group uses innovative biochemistry/biotechnology approaches to protect the second-most important grain crop in South Africa against rust diseases and aphid attack.”

In addition, Dr Mafa uses the CAZymes in the field of lignocellulosic biorefinery to produce value-added products (VAPs), such as fermentable carbohydrates used in the production of second-generation biofuel for the circular economy.

“I want to thank the NRF-Thuthuka for funding the lignocellulosic biorefinery project which aims to improve the conversion rate of lignocellulose to VAPs through enzymatic catalysis processes.” Dr Mafa says.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

According to Dr Angélique Lewies, this achievement was truly a team effort from her dedicated colleagues at the Robert WM Frater Cardiovascular Research Centre. She says the nomination validates her team’s hard work and dedication, and recognises their efforts to advance the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

“Our team has developed xenograft tissue scaffolds from non-human sources with a reduced potential to induce immune responses in human recipients, which are common causes of calcification, degradation, and failure of surgical scaffolds. We pioneered a processing technique that promotes cell infiltration, remodelling, and regeneration of the tissue. These xenografts are versatile, showing promise for use in various surgical disciplines, including cardiac and plastic surgery,” Dr Lewies says.

Induced pluripotent stem cells created from recipient skin cells, she explains, can be combined with the processed tissue, creating custom tissue products for improved patient-specific outcomes. Their research has successfully developed a method for processing bovine pericardium that not only mitigates calcification but also preserves mechanical properties and enhances host cell infiltration, significantly increasing the longevity of the tissue when used clinically.

Environmental and sustainability challenges

“This nomination is both an honour and an affirmation of the importance of ecological engineering in addressing today’s environmental challenges,” says Dr Yolandi Schoeman.

“It represents a recognition of the value and impact of integrating natural processes with engineering principles to create sustainable and resilient ecosystems whilst addressing some of our most pressing sustainability challenges,” Dr Schoeman says.

Her work primarily revolves around ecological engineering — a field that combines natural processes with engineering principles to address environmental and sustainability challenges. “I lead projects that transform degraded terrains into vibrant, functioning landscapes through bio-intelligent design, essentially converting ecological liabilities into assets. These systems are in many cases designed from microscopic level into mega supercell systems. We've developed over 20 conservation blueprints that integrate these principles at a landscape level, also preparing them for biodiversity financing.”

By founding and institutionalising the Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa (EEIA), the EEIA aims to spread this innovative approach, emphasising the importance of both scientific rigour and ecological viability continent-wide in Africa. The goal is to create sustainable, economically sound, and ecologically robust solutions that not only regenerate but enhance environmental health and resilience for the benefit of ecosystems and communities.

Addressing water challenges in South Africa

Dr Bimo Nkhata sees his nomination as a personal milestone and as a reflection of the importance of the work he is doing to address water challenges in South Africa. The nomination also reinforces his commitment to the cause, and inspires him to strive for even greater achievements in the future, he says.

“My research and work on sustainable water management is of utmost importance for South Africa because the country faces significant water quality challenges due to pollution from various sources, including agriculture, industry, and urbanisation. Sustainable water management practices ensure the availability of sufficient and clean water for various sectors, supporting economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

“My research and initiatives contribute to protecting and preserving the country’s precious water resources, ensuring they remain clean and safe for both human consumption and ecosystem health,” explains Dr Nkhata.

Ensuring a sustainable future for the earth

For Prof Steenhuisen, this nomination is a humbling experience which will go a long way to highlighting her research group’s research.

“This nomination was certainly not earned alone; I have a fantastic collaborative support team being recognised for all the late nights and monumental efforts of the team is a huge privilege and honour. It will hopefully attract funders and interest to further support our project needs,” she says.

According to her, their research team, dubbed the QPAIR lab for Qwaqwa Plant-Animal Interactions Research lab, investigates the dynamics of mountain ecosystems in terms of pollination, seed dispersal and other aspects of plant reproductive ecology and vegetation community, largely assessing the impacts of climate change and invasive alien plants on these systems.

Prof Steenhuisen says everyone should be working towards ensuring a sustainable future for the earth in terms of conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services that can lead to food security, resilient ecosystems and healthy human livelihoods. Climate change, the loss of biodiversity due to land degradation and the spread of invasive alien species threaten these services and especially sensitive systems such as those found in our mountains.

• The awards ceremony will take place on 11 July 2024.

News Archive

Official opening ceremony of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus

2006-02-15

Official opening ceremony of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus
11th February 2006 – Multipurpose Hall

Opening Speech:
Prof. Peter A. Mbati
Campus Principal

Successfully rising to the challenges of incorporations and mergers – developing a vibrant and academically stimulating satellite campus of the University of the Free State.

Thank you Mr. Program Director and good morning ladies and gentlemen.

I wish to once again welcome all of you to the official opening ceremony of the University of the Free State QQ campus. Thank you for taking time to share with us an important date in our campus academic calendar. I bring you greetings from our Rector and Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Fourie.

During such occasions we try and reflect on important matters that have affected us as an institution in the preceding year, commit ourselves to specific objectives for the current year, while planning for the proceeding year.

Today I shall be talking on Successfully rising to the challenges of incorporations and mergers – developing a vibrant and academically stimulating satellite campus of the University of the Free State’.

SRC inauguration
I would like to congratulate the SRC President and the entire SRC leadership for being elected into important positions of student leadership and authority.

As a university we are proud of the quality of our student leadership on the Qwaqwa campus. I am confident that you young leaders will rise to the challenges of your office and discharge your duties with diligence and without fear or favour. That you will rise above your party affiliations and provide effective leadership to the entire student body on campus.

Leadership is complex and requires you to be objective, just and fair in your approach to the many challenges that you will encounter. You will be judged not by the populist decision that you take when confronted with difficult choices, but rather, on the wisdom that you exercise in reaching consensus in decision making processes.

The era when management and student leadership viewed each other with suspicion and as adversaries is long gone. Management, academic and administrative staff, parents and students must have common agendas in as far the quality growth and development of our university is concerned and to strive towards academic excellence. I leave the challenge to you students, and more so to the inaugurated student leaders to define your agenda in achieving this noble objective. I trust that you will make the right choices.

Brief history of incorporation
On the recommendations of the National Working Group of Higher Education, the Qwaqwa Campus of the then University of the North was incorporated into the University of the Free State on 1st January 2003. We suddenly had to move from a campus that was originally semi-autonomous and with its own culture developed over almost 20 years, into a campus that had to operate as a fully integrated campus of the UFS, a 100 year old institution with its distinct culture.

Following incorporation, we not only had to continue with our core business of teaching, learning, research and community service, but we also had to engage in other important aspects such as exploring the most appropriate models of governance for the campus, encouraging dialogue and interactions at all levels between personnel at the different campuses with a view to developing trust between colleagues. And with the added dimensions such as participation in the transformation task team we in effect are at the fore front of developing a new institutional culture at the UFS and a truly South African University.

UFS Strategic objectives
The strategic and transformation priorities of the University of the Free State for 2006 – 2008 as approved by the Executive Management at its retreat in January 2006 are:

Quality and Excellence
Equity, diversity and redress
Financial sustainability
Regional co-operation and engagement

Central to this priority is the integration of the Qwaqwa campus as a valuable constituent part of the UFS, and the strategic reconfiguration of the campus in order that the UFS can play a meaningful role in regional engagement and development.

National leadership

The five strategic objectives cannot be viewed in isolation and run simultaneously and in concert with each other.

The Question must therefore be what we on the QQ campus, staff and students, parents and our broader community are willing to do to achieve these strategic objectives. The reconfiguration and strategic planning of this campus, and therefore its success, must be a collaborative effort between colleagues at QQ and on the main campus. We must all be ready to work together, to plan together, to shoulder responsibilities together and sometimes, to share the pain and disappointments together.

The second question must therefore be: are we prepared to go that extra mile for our campus to ensure that we claim our rightful stake within the ranks of well respected academic institutions of higher learning in this country? At this point in its history this campus requires committed men and women from across the cultural spectrum who appreciate the challenges ahead of us and who are ready to give of their best and to constructively engage at all levels to make this dream a reality. Because this dream is possible and this dream will be realized!

Quality and Excellence (1st strategic objective)

As mentioned by the Rector in his speech at the official opening ceremony of the university on the main campus on Friday 3rd February, the university will in 2006 pay extra attention to Quality and Excellence. This is informed by the Higher Education Quality Committee’s (HEQC) institutional audit which is scheduled to take place this year. Our university as well as several other HEI’s will be subjected to this audit. This will call for a lot of hard work on your part in preparation for a successful audit and in this regard therefore I request for your cooperation.

As a further step in confirming our commitment to quality and excellence, we have simultaneously introduced on the QQ campus and the main campus workshops on performance management systems to a cohort group. This will be expanded in 2006 to a wider group of managers on the QQ campus to include among others all Program Heads and Subject Heads. PMS is an invaluable tool for fair, effective and efficient management of a very important resource on campus – the human resource. Benefits of PMS include among others:

Instilling and enriching a culture of performance management (quality assurance) as an integral part of the day to day functioning of staff at the campus
Improving staff performance through mentoring, development and training

Tri campus project
One of the more important projects that we as a university undertook in 2005 was the Tri Campus Project which was coordinated by the Free State Higher Education Consortium (FSHEC) through Niel Butcher and Associates consultants.

The Tri-Campus project focused on the strategic planning for higher education campuses in the Free State that have been incorporated with UFS and CUT during the reshaping of the South African higher education landscape. The Bloemfontein Vista campus and the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the North were incorporated with the UFS, and the Welkom Vista campus with the CUT.

The planning process involved a range of research and consultation activities during the course of 2005. This included:

Conducting situational analyses of the Qwaqwa campus during which staff and students were widely consulted;
Consulting with the campus and with a range of stakeholders in the sub-region
Review of the Free State Provincial Growth and Development Strategy and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of the regions and other research of relevance to the sub-regions, province and country.

An operational framework for the reconfiguration of the campus with a range of possible Program Qualification Mixes has been produced. In December 2005, the Rector, the Vice Rector Academic Planning Prof. Magda Fourie and I discussed this document with senior members of the DoE in Pretoria, and we will soon be meeting with the National Minister of Education Me Naledi Pandor for her guidance and to seek support in the further refinement of the document and subsequent implementation.

Recapitalization
This year a further R 6 M has been budgeted for recapitalization. In about two weeks time the third of phase of renovations on campus will commence and attention will be given to the administration building, the humanities and the outstanding work in the lecture hall complex. There- after the library, sciences and education buildings will follow. As you will recall a substantial portion of the R 8.4 million in 2005 was used to upgrade the student residences and the lecture hall complex.

I am certain that the renovations and upgrading of our infrastructure and physical facilities including landscaping will create an enabling environment for you to enjoy your work and studies on this campus.

Renovations come with some measure of inconveniences and I therefore wish to request for your patience and support during this period.

Closing remarks
There is a heightened spirit of optimism on what the future holds for this campus. This is evident when I talk to a large cross section of staff and students of this campus – and I therefore invite all of you to come and be partners with us on this journey of optimism and hope of what the future holds for the UFS – QQ campus.

Thank you and God bless!

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