The University of the Free State (UFS) continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading research-intensive institution, with several academics receiving their first National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings and others achieving improved ratings following re-evaluation.
The NRF rating system is one of South Africa's most important measures of research excellence, recognising researchers whose work has made a significant impact nationally and internationally. According to the NRF, the system is designed to build a globally competitive science system by benchmarking the quality of South African researchers against the best in the world.
To date, six UFS researchers have received new NRF ratings, while two researchers have improved their existing ratings. The outcomes of 51 rating applications are still pending.
The latest NRF ratings reflect the growing strength and diversity of research at the UFS, with recognised excellence spanning theology, history, sustainable food systems, plant sciences, and physics. These achievements underscore the university's commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and addressing complex societal challenges through high-quality research.
Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, congratulated the researchers, saying “Research excellence is not built overnight. These ratings reflect years of dedication, innovation, and intellectual leadership across diverse disciplines and demonstrate the breadth of talent across the UFS.”
Gratifying to have work recognised
As additional NRF rating outcomes are announced, the UFS anticipates further recognition of its researchers, reinforcing the university's position as a globally connected institution committed to research excellence and impactful scholarship.
A proud Dr Passemiers says it is gratifying to have his work recognised by peers, both locally and internationally. As historians, he continues, their research is often a solitary, time-consuming endeavour, which can occasionally cloud one’s perspective. “Receiving this validation is a reassuring confirmation that my work is on the right track. I focused on establishing a clear niche within my field, which required dedicating significant time to research and writing while strategically planning my long-term trajectory. Throughout this process, I also tried to prioritise quality over quantity in my publications.”
According to him, his research focuses on the transnational histories of decolonisation in Southern Africa. He examines how regional liberation struggles and the forces opposing them were deeply interconnected. “Currently, I am writing a biography of Manelisi Ndibongo, an overlooked South African freedom fighter whose political life was shaped by the currents of African decolonisation and Cold War politics. Additionally, I am investigating Namibia’s political history during South Africa’s occupation, with a specific focus on historical referendums.”
For Dr Resane, this rating is a sense of achievement, one that make him excited.
Describing the process of applying for rating, he says: “There is some emotional toll as application is full of rhetorics and one would like to ensure there are no mistakes in application, thinking of the stress of waiting for a period of 3 years before the next attempt. I feel motivated to increase my research output so that the next rating will be higher.”
An important milestone
Dr Resane’s research is about Pentecostal Studies and Public Theology in general. He has also started writing a book on African Epistemologies: Towards Decolonisation of Theology. I am also co-authoring a book with a friend in USA on Communion Ecclesiology.
Dr Jayaramu, whose research is mainly directed towards the development and characterization of advanced functional and luminescent material development for application in field of optoelectronics, energy, environmental remediation, radiation dosimetry and security technologies, says he is happy, honoured, and grateful to have received the NRF C2 rating. “This recognition is an important milestone in my research career and provides encouragement to continue pursuing meaningful and impactful research. I am sincerely grateful to my mentors, colleagues, collaborators, and the University of the Free State for their support throughout my research journey.”
His research interests also focus on the development and fundamental understanding of rare earth and rare earth free doped phosphors, persistent luminescent materials and nanomaterials. My current research focuses on the synthesis of novel luminescent materials for use in LED devices, optical thermometry, persistent luminescence, anti-counterfeiting and latent fingerprint detection.
“I'm also studying photocatalytic materials based on semiconductors for degradation of emerging environmental pollutants and wastewater treatment. My research deals with understanding the relationship between defects, charge-transfer processes, energy transfer and the resulting optical and photocatalytic properties of these materials.
“I want to continue to further extend my research programme by collaborating with international and multidisciplinary partners and design novel materials, useful in photonics, security, environmental remediation and energy-related technologies. I also hope to form new collaboration arrangements, mentor young researchers, publish high quality research and seek competitive funding for research. I am looking forward to establishing an independent research programme in the long-term and to helping the creation of innovative solutions to current scientific and technological challenges.”
“Every NRF rating reflects a commitment to knowledge, curiosity, and impact. Recognition through the NRF rating system is more than an individual achievement. It strengthens the collective research reputation of the UFS. As we celebrate these successes, we remain committed to supporting our researchers whose work drives meaningful and responsible societal futures,” remarked Prof Vasu Reddy.