The University of the Free State (UFS) honoured its leading scholars on Friday, 5 December, at the 2025 Exceptional Academic Achievers Awards - an evening dedicated to celebrating the people whose scholarship, teaching and research are shaping responsible societal futures.
Opening the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, reflected on the meaning of excellence at the UFS: “Tonight, we celebrate not just individual achievements, but the collective pursuit of knowledge that transforms lives, inspires excellence, and creates pathways to a more just and sustainable future.”
Her message set the tone for an evening that recognised the university’s top performers in learning and teaching, research, supervision, innovation, and scholarly leadership.
Honouring excellence in research and innovation
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Vasu Reddy, highlighted the significance of research excellence in advancing human understanding. “Excellence is not an act. It is the result of dedication, passion and aspiration. Your achievements are more than milestones. They are beacons of possibility. Thank you for raising the bar for all of us.”
He added, “Research and innovation are the engines of progress, and today we celebrate those who keep it running at full speed. When curiosity meets courage, research becomes a force for change.”
The highest research honour of the night - the Exceptional Established Researcher Award – was presented to Prof Maryke Labuschagne (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences), recognising for her breakthrough contributions, sustained productivity and global impact.
“This is a fantastic recognition,” says Labuschagne. “The were so many people who supported me through the years. The impact across the continent was through collaboration. I am so proud to be part of the University of the Free State.”
In the category of emerging excellence, the Exceptional Young Achiever Award celebrated rising research leaders, including Prof Wynand Goosen (NAS) as the top awardee and Dr Olive Khaliq (Faculty of Health Sciences) as runner-up.
These awards reflect the university’s commitment to nurturing scholars whose work strengthens global knowledge systems while addressing South Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Celebrating teaching that transforms lives
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthea Rhoda, underscored the central role of teaching excellence in the university’s mission. “Exceptional teaching ignites minds, and learning is the courage to keep the flame alive. We celebrate those who have turned classrooms into launchpads for greatness. Your achievements remind us that education is the heartbeat of progress.”
The university’s highest honour in pedagogy – the Vice-Chancellor’s Award in Learning and Teaching - recognised educators whose work has transformed the student learning experience through innovation, care and academic leadership. This year’s winner, Dr Frelét de Villiers from the Humanities Faculty, was overjoyed at being awarded the top prize.
“It is always great to be recognised for the work we do,” said de Villiers. “It is important to lead by example. If you are passionate about your work, colleagues and students will also feel inspired to do the same.”
Additional excellence in curriculum design, assessment innovation, and interdisciplinary learning pathways was acknowledged through the UFS Learning and Teaching Awards, which celebrate staff across faculties who demonstrate teaching that inspires, empowers, and endures.
A celebration of Impact across the institution
Beyond the flagship awards, the ceremony recognised outstanding supervisors, interdisciplinary research teams, research support professionals and income generation leaders. Each contributed to the enabling environments that make academic innovation possible.