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UFS researcher Zandile Mncube reaches new heights at International Mountain Conference in Austria

10 November 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied

In a remarkable milestone for both her academic and personal journey, Dr Zandile Mncube, a 27-year-old newly conferred PhD graduate from the University of the Free State (UFS), recently presented her research at the prestigious International Mountain Conference (IMC2025), hosted by the University of Innsbruck, Austria. The event marked not only her debut on the global research stage but also her first international trip and first flight – an experience she described as transformative.

A mountain of research: From UFS weather stations to the global stage

Dr Mncube's journey to this international platform began with encouragement from Prof Ralph Clark, Director of the Afromontane Research Unit, and Dr Melissa Hansen, Lecturer in the Department of Geography, who recognised her potential and urged her to submit an abstract to the conference.

"Prof Clark proposed that I write an abstract for this conference," Dr Mncube explained. “I had been managing the UFS weather stations and had just begun using their data, so I based my abstract on that work.”

Her submission was accepted, earning her the opportunity to showcase her research alongside an impressive array of global scholars. The IMC2025, held biennially, brings together experts from across the world to discuss diverse aspects of mountain studies. Dr Mncube formed part of a strong South African delegation that included two students from UFS and one from the University of Cape Town (UCT).

"It was inspiring to see how diverse and multidisciplinary the field is," she said. "It was good to see that, as South Africans, we do fit into the global research stage and can hold our own through the quality of our work.”

Vision for the future: expanding research horizons

Having been part of the UFS community since 2017 - serving in various roles from student assistant to her current practical and research position – Dr Mncube is now looking ahead to further her research career.

"I want to explore more on the research side of things," she shared. “While I’ve gained valuable experience that could lead to lecturing, my immediate goal is to deepen my involvement in research and fieldwork within Geography.”

A transformative experience and a call for greater support

Describing her participation at the IMC as a "transformative experience, both professionally and personally," Dr Mncube reflected on how it broadened her understanding of global scientific collaboration and highlighted the vital contribution of African researchers.

She noted there remain "notable gaps in data and contextual understanding that African researchers are uniquely positioned to address," particularly in underrepresented mountain regions.

Dr Mncube strongly advocates for more South African students to be supported in attending international conferences. She observed that several of her peers at the IMC had earned recognition through the Southern African Mountain Conference 2025 (SAMC), further illustrating the value of regional and international engagement.

"If more students are supported to attend conferences like IMC, it could open doors for them to engage in global research and collaborations that extend far beyond our borders," she said.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation, she concluded by thanking Prof Clark and Dr Hansen for their guidance and support, which made her international debut possible.

News Archive

Exciting open day and Albert Einstein program at Boyden Observatory

2005-05-06

National Science Week, which will be held from 7-14 May 2005, is an annual country-wide celebration of science, led by the Department of Science and Technology. The department selected a proposal by the Boyden Science Centre to coordinate a week of activities in the Bloemfontein area as one of the many projects in the country.

The project for Bloemfontein and surrounding areas will be delivered though a collaboration between the National Museum in Bloemfontein and the University of the Free State (UFS), including the Research Institute for Education Planning, the Department of Physics and other departments in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The purpose of National Science Week is:

to create awareness of the important role that science play in people’s daily lives;
to encourage our youth to consider studying and improving their performance in mathematics and science; and
to attract more of our youth into science, engineering and technology (SET) careers.

World Year of Physics and Albert Einstein Program at Boyden Observatory

The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) declared the year 2005 as the World Year of Physics (WYP). In recognition of this declaration, the great contribution of Physics to the development of technology, and its importance in our everyday lives will be featured strongly during the National Science Week 2005.

On Saturday 7 May 2005 there will be a public programme at Boyden Observatory from 15:30 as a contribution to the World Year of Physics. The programme will be presented in collaboration with the Bloemfontein branch of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa and will include short presentations on astronomy, space exploration and the sun.

The main presentation will be at 19:00 the evening on the life and work of Albert Einstein. The programme will also include observing sessions through telescopes of objects like the sun, Jupiter and Saturn. There will also be an exhibit on Albert Einstein. Attendance is free but booking is required. For bookings, phone 051-4012561.

Public lecture programme:

Next week the following exciting public lectures will be presented as part of the Science Week activities:

Monday 9 May 2005

National Museum:

A discussion on Apocalypse Then: the greatest mass extinction of all time. The lecture will be presented by Dr Jennifer Botha, Paleontologist at the National Museum.
Bookings: 051-4479609 (entrance is free).

UFS campus:

All lectures at Kine 2, Medical Faculty, UFS campus. Follow directions from the DF Malherbe Road entrance.
Bookings: 051-4012561 (entrance is free).

Tuesday 10 May 2005:

A discussion on the Tsunami disaster of 26 December 2004 at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).

Wednesday 11 May 2005:

A discussion on Is there life out there? at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).

Friday 13 May 2005:

A discussion on Hunting Black Holes at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty). The lecture will be presented by Dr Phil Charles, Director: South African Astronomical Observatory.

Science awareness day at the National museum

The science week will be concluded on Saturday 14 May 2005 with a special Science Awareness Day at the National Museum, Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein.

The excellent exhibits at the museum will be supplemented with activities, career information and video shows. The duration of the programme will be from 10:00-16:00. For enquiries, please call 051-4479609.

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

6 May 2005

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