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16 May 2025 | Story André Damons | Photo Supplied
Prof Wynand Goosen
Prof Wynand Goosen, Professor and Lead for One Health in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of the Free State was nominated in the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher category of the 2024/25 NSTF-South32 Awards.

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 hosts celebration ceremony for Wayde and Rynardt
2016-09-13

“I really appreciate each and every one of you.
It is something I will always cherish.”

Video clip
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“I will continue to try and make you guys proud and represent Kovsies in a positive light.” With these words Wayde van Niekerk thanked his University of the Free State (UFS) family and emphasised the importance of this community in his life.

After returning from the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the 400 m Olympic champion made his first appearance on the Bloemfontein Campus at Mooimeisiesfontein on 9 September 2016. This formed part of a hero’s welcome on an open-top bus, arranged by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. The bus also stopped at Hoffman Square, Grey College, the Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre, and Twin City Mall in Bloemfontein.

Description: Wayde parade Tags: Wayde parade

Wayde van Niekerk thanked his fellow Kovsies for
their support.
Photo: Johan Roux

However, UFS students and staff will have their own opportunity to honour this achievement in true Kovsie spirit with a celebration ceremony on 15 September 2016 on the Bloemfontein Campus. Van Niekerk and fellow Olympian Rynardt van Rensburg, who reached the semi-finals in Rio and ran a personal best of 1:45.33 in the 800 m, will be welcomed back with this special event.

A humble Van Niekerk isn’t known for many words and his brief visit at Mooimeisiesfontein was no exception.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to support me,” he said from the open-top bus to a festive crowd close to the Main Entrance of the UFS.

“I really appreciate each and every one of you. It is something I will always cherish.”

 



Event:
Celebration ceremony for Wayde van Niekerk and Rynardt van Rensburg
Date: 15 September 2016
Time: 17:30
Place: Callie Human Centre (Bloemfontein Campus)

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