The rankings highlight the growing international impact of UFS research in food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and climate resilience.
Recognised researchers include Prof Michael MacNeil and Prof Arno Hugo in Animal Science and Veterinary Science, as well as Prof Maryke Labuschagne and Prof Zakkie Pretorius in Plant Science and Agronomy.
Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, says: “Proud to see UFS agricultural scientists recognised among the world’s leading researchers, affirming our growing global research impact and excellence. This recognition reflects sustained investment in collaborative, interdisciplinary research addressing pressing challenges in food security, sustainability, and climate resilience.”
Recognition highlights research impact and collaboration
Prof Paul Oberholster, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, says: “Scientists across disciplines are all contributing towards solutions to complex challenges in science and technology, agriculture, sustainability, and social development.”
He notes, “In an increasingly competitive global higher education environment, international research visibility remains critical for institutional reputation, partnerships, and long-term academic sustainability.”
Research supports food security and sustainable agriculture
Prof Arno Hugo says the recognition acknowledges years of research investment and collaboration.
“Any researcher appreciates recognition for the impact of research pursued throughout a career. It is also recognition for colleagues and collaborators across departments and institutions,” he says.
His research centres on lipid quality, fatty acid composition, meat quality, sodium reduction in processed animal products, and the use of natural alternatives instead of chemical preservatives. Current projects investigate how dietary manipulation can improve the health and technological properties of animal fat tissue, as well as meat quality in both ruminant and monogastric animals.
Prof Hugo notes that all animal-related research studies are conducted in collaboration with colleagues in Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding, and Animal Physiology within the Department of Animal, Grassland and Wildlife Sciences at the UFS, alongside partners from the Departments of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, Microbiology and Biochemistry, and other South African universities.
He says focused and impactful research, combined with collaboration between institutions and disciplines, remains essential for advancing research in animal science and veterinary science.
Prof Maryke Labuschagne, Professor of Plant Breeding and holder of the NRF-SARChI Chair in Diseases and Quality of Field Crops, says the recognition reflects the importance of agricultural research in addressing global and local challenges.
“It is always encouraging to receive recognition for the work one does and it is a good motivation to constantly improve,” she says.
Her research focuses on improving the nutritional value of crops within the context of climate change, with direct relevance to food and nutrition security in Africa and internationally.
“Professionally, it shows that the research and work we do is relevant and points the way for the future,” she says.
Prof Zakkie Pretorius, Research Fellow whose research specialises in rust diseases of field crops, says the recognition was unexpected but encouraging. “Being acknowledged for career achievements, especially in retirement, comes as a surprise. It motivates me, however, to keep going and add value wherever professionally possible,” he says.
Prof Oberholster says international rankings such as those published by Research.com strengthen the global visibility and credibility of both the faculty and the university.
“Our scholars continue to demonstrate that locally grounded research can deliver globally relevant solutions across agriculture, nutrition, and environmental systems. This achievement recognises researchers who are not only producing excellent science, but also enabling meaningful change across sectors,” remarked Prof Reddy.