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‘Science Oscar’ nomination is exciting and validating

16 May 2025 | Story André Damons | Photo Supplied

Being nominated for a ‘Science Oscar’ is exciting and validates nominees’ efforts, particularly in a field as challenging and essential as infectious diseases, for which they are recognised at the highest level.

This is according to Prof Wynand Goosen, Professor and Lead for One Health in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of the Free State (UFS). He was nominated in the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher category of the 2024/25 NSTF-South32 Awards for his landmark discovery of Mycobacterium bovis infection in humans in South Africa – the first confirmed cases in the country.

Prof Goosen, who previously won the NSTF-South32 Emerging Researcher Award, says the nomination is a powerful affirmation of the impact that focused, interdisciplinary research can have. It reflects not only his personal commitment but also the dedication of a talented and hard-working team. “I am honoured and humbled to be nominated. It is also a testament to the support and vision of UFS, particularly as we position ourselves as leaders in One Health research in South Africa,” he says.

Focus of research

He was nominated by Prof Vasu Reddy, UFS Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, and Prof Paul Oberholster, Dean for the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS) at the UFS, and Prof Nico Gey van Pittius and Prof Elmi Muller from Stellenbosch University (US). The NSTF Awards, known as the ‘Science Oscars’of SA, honour, reward, celebrate, profile and promote outstanding contributions to science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation in South Africa.

“The nomination,” Prof Goosen continues, “recognises our work in the field of zoonotic tuberculosis (TB) and other emerging infectious diseases at the human-animal-environment interface. Our research focuses on the molecular detection and characterisation of pathogenic mycobacteria in wildlife, livestock, and human populations, with the aim of informing better surveillance, diagnostics, and control strategies — particularly in high-risk ecosystems. This includes novel applications in wildlife TB surveillance and understanding the transmission dynamics between animals and people.”

Establishing a Kovsie One Health Research Unit

This research is critically important as South Africa continues to face a high burden of tuberculosis, including zoonotic TB, which often goes under-detected in rural and wildlife-rich areas. Understanding how these pathogens circulate between humans, animals, and the environment, explains Prof Goosen, is essential for effective disease control and to mitigate future pandemics. This work directly supports national health priorities, informs policy, and contributes to global strategies for One Health.

Prof Goosen and the team are in the process of laying the groundwork for the establishment of a Kovsie One Health Research Unit, which will serve as a collaborative platform for research spanning human, animal, and environmental health. One of their key projects involves expanding TB and AMR surveillance in wildlife-livestock-human interfaces, using cutting-edge diagnostics and genomic tools. They are also initiating partnerships with industry and international institutions to address emerging zoonoses and environmental pathogens in a transdisciplinary manner.

News Archive

UFS staff to get a minimum of 4,71 percent salary increase

2005-11-25

The University of the Free State (UFS) management and trade unions have agreed on a minimum of 4,71 percent salary increase for 2006 as well as a once-off non-pensionable bonus of R1200 payable in December 2005.

The agreement was signed today by representatives of the UFS management and the trade unions, UVPERSU and NEHAWU, in Bloemfontein.

Prof Niel Viljoen, Chief Director: Operations at the UFS and chairperson of the UFS Council’s representatives, and Prof Johan Grobbelaar, chairperson of the joint Union Forum, said: “The bonus is payable in December 2005 in recognition of the role that staff played during the year to promote the UFS as a university of excellence.”

He said the intention is to pass the maximum benefit possible on to staff without exceeding the limits of financial sustainability of the institution.
For this reason the negotiating parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Multiple-year Income-related Remuneration Improvement Model used as a framework for negotiations.

Proff Viljoen and Prof Grobbelaar said one of the factors that influence the model and therefore the negotiations is the level of subsidy the UFS receives from the government.

“As the state subsidy level is unfortunately not yet known, remuneration could vary several percentage points between a window of 4,71 and 5,5 percent. Should the state subsidy be such that the increase would fall outside this window then the parties will renegotiate.”

Proff Viljoen and Prof Grobbelaar said the R1200 bonus is payable to staff members who were in the employ of the UFS on UFS conditions of service on 21 November 2005 and who assumed duties before 1 October 2005. There are however some exceptions.

The agreement signed today also provides for restructuring funds of R752 000 to address partial backlogs in support services, including an increase in the medical allowance of 640 staff members.

The implementation date for the salary adjustment is 1 January 2006, but could be implemented on a later date due to logistical arrangements.

Proff Viljoen and Prof Grobbelaar said the UFS and unions could reach an agreement despite the declining phase in income and the generally more difficult financial environment in which universities operate.

Prof Grobbelaar said salary negotiations are never easy, but the model is an important tool. The model made it possible to tie up salary negotiations for November 2006. “This is unique for any higher education institution.”

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
24 November 2005

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