National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) - NSTF AWARDS 2004: Press Release Embargo - 28th May 2005 And the winners of the NSTF Science and Technology Awards 2004 are … A glittering dinner to celebrate the 2004 NSTF Science and Technology Awards took place on 27th May 2005 at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng (previously known as Caesars Gauteng). The awards were presented by Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena. This, the seventh NSTF Awards event, recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). Significant achievers of our society were nominated for these awards, which saw 106 nominations (some in more than one category) in categories A to F, and 31 in the categories G, H and J (some again in more than one category). The task of the adjudicators was therefore extremely difficult and the list of finalists has grown in length from previous years. This is a tribute to the esteem in which these awards are held and the commitment from the community to the objectives of the awards. Nevertheless the challenge remains to get our young achievers to submit their nominations in greater numbers. Chief adjudicator, Denis Hunt, in expanding on the objectives of the awards said, "Our awards are to individuals and organisations and it is our hope that through this recognition we can encourage other individuals and organisations to greater efforts since it is only through the efforts of individuals, either on their own, or collectively in organisations, that science and technology will flourish. We do not recognise the outputs as such: there are many other awards such as the TT100 that recognise outputs." .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Winners in the respective categories were announced as follows: Category A: An Individual over a lifetime The winner Prof George F R Ellis - Emeritus Distinguished Professor, UCT Contribution: To general thinking in cosmology, specialising in general relativity theory. His first book 'The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time' was written with Stephen Hawking during the start of his career based at St John's College, Cambridge from 1962 to 1973 and is regarded as a standard work. When he returned to UCT as Head of Department of Applied Mathematics, he established a research group at UCT on cosmology and relativity which formed the base for his life work. The understanding of the universe and our relationships to it is fundamental to our self-knowledge. It informs and is informed by astronomical observances and our attempt to explore space. His more recent investigations question whether or not there was ever a start to the universe and indeed if there is only one or many. He has made contributions in the realm of thinking around religion and science, in particular, the functioning of the human mind and how humans relate to the cosmos. His belief is that ethics and morality are a very real part of the universe and that kenotic behaviour is deeply embedded in the universe. The list of outputs is phenomenal: 322 publications, 79 popular articles, 9 presentations, 16 public interviews and 10 books. Other achievements include many short term appointments abroad. He wrote a book on low income housing policy in the 1970's which incensed the authorities of the day and has been found of relevance in recent times. He was awarded the Templeton Prize (the 34th) for 2004 and the Star of South Africa in 1999. The runner-up Prof Peter Ian Folb - Chief Specialist Scientist, MRC, Cape Town .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category B: Through research and its outputs over the last five years or less The winner Prof Paul D van Helden - Co-Director, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch Contribution: For his ground-breaking contribution to understanding the dynamics of TB in SA's high-incidence society. His internationally acclaimed work has considerably advanced molecular biology/biotechnology in South Africa and assisted in laying the foundation for the establishment in 2004 of one of SA's first DST/NRF Centres of Excellence. He has challenged prevailing dogmas as he and his colleagues established a unique research system involving community clinics, clinicians and laboratory molecular biologists. He has initiated major new directions of TB research, obtained necessary funding, found local and international collaborators, co-ordinated and managed the projects -- all in the interests of finding new tools to diagnose, treat and prevent one of the world's most devastating diseases. A programme of basic research has been initiated to understand the mechanisms of drug resistance; to measure the extent of the problem; to challenge all the existing dogma and to re-examine fundamentals; to introduce rapid diagnostics; and to assess whether drug-resistant TB cases are from acquisition of resistance or transmission. He has shown that SA has the highest proportion of recently-transmitted TB in the world; that the incidence in the Western Cape is uniquely high in the absence of HIV; that re-activation is not as high as previously thought; that multiple infection has been shown to be not that uncommon and that drug resistance can be identified with a few simple tests which can then inform treatment. The technology can now identify micro-epidemics as they occur and the results are beginning to be shown. The runner-up Dr Olive Shisana - Executive Director, Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS (SAHA) Research Programme, HSRC, Cape Town .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category C: An Individual through activities other than research and its outputs over the last five years or less The winner Dr Steve J Lennon - Executive Director (Resources and Strategy), ESKOM, Johannesburg Contribution: Firstly as a scientist who has made an individual contribution to S & T throughout his career, more intensely when younger, but nonetheless even now. Secondly as a technology manager in ESKOM who approached decision-making and leadership with an incomparable level of innovative thinking and, thirdly, in the wider arena of S & T where through dedication and hard work the system of innovation has benefited. His style of introducing innovative thinking, management and measurement in order to lead teams to higher endeavours is evident in the achievements: To the environmental impact of ESKOM undertakings through the growth and impact of an environmental assessment group; the achievements of the NSTF over the period 1997 to 2004, characterised by the Maths and Science Initiative, the NSTF awards, the Growth and Innovation Study and the convergence with FEDSET; the SA AIDS Vaccine Initiative(SAAVI), a world class scheme to support the AIDS Vaccine development; the establishment of the SA Power Utilities Research Advisory Board (SAPURAB) where ESKOM and its competitors consult with the industry stakeholders on the necessary direction for industry related research; the ESKOM contribution to research rising from 0,01% to 0,6% of turnover under his leadership and the legacy projects with the WSSD. The runner-up Dr Theresa-Anne Davies - Chief Executive Officer, JOBWORX, Durban .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category D: A corporate organisation over the last ten years The adjudicators, faced with two equally outstanding organisations, one in the public domain, one in the private, concluded that choosing between them would rely on somewhat arbitrary factors and elected to make a joint award. The joint winners Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biological Institute, Cape Town Contribution: The consolidation and management of research on issues relating to the flora of SA, especially the species-rich and highly threatened plant diversity of the winter rainfall area of SA. The research programme was designed to contribute to government in terms of four international conventions i.e. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) and the Convention on International Trade in Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The success of the KRC is reflected in the high productivity of its scientists, with over 300 publications, contributions to government initiatives such as the National Biodiversity Strategy with Action Plan (NBSAP) and the National Action Plan for desertification, service to national and international scientific programmes such as IGBP, GCTE, IUCN and IPCC, efforts to train students in biodiversity science resulting in the award of 15 MSc and 7 PhD degrees and initiatives to develop scientists from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. KUMBA Resources Research and Development, Pretoria Contribution: Following in the footsteps of the Iscor Research and Development Unit, to the business success of KUMBA and in so doing has become one of the leading research and technology centres of excellence for the mining and minerals industry in SA. Innovative solutions are recorded in the company's operations that cover a range of projects between Kumba's four commodities namely iron ore, coal, mineral sands and base metals. Examples of these solutions are improvements in iron ore beneficiation, processes for low grade iron ore, and adaptation of selected technology for the production of Ferrosilicon powder to improve dense medium separation of iron ores. In coal, processes to re-treat discard material economically have been developed and in base metals, Kumba R&D was instrumental in the establishment of the Kumba Heavy minerals business through development of unique mineral processing routes for high slimes content material as well as the development of in-house ilmenite smelter capabilities. The process technology developed for treatment of high slimes deposits, the particular waste material handling, the furnace control, the patented beneficiated titanium slag and the intellectual property developed on slag granulation treatment, are all unique and contribute to innovative technology knowledge on these subjects. .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category E: An SMME over the last three years The winner Groupline Technical Ceramics Pty (Ltd), (GTC) Jet Park, Ekurhuleni Contribution: The commercialisation of South African developed Powder Injection Moulding technology and, in so doing, has created a sustainable business with employment opportunities and significant prospects of growth and furthermore, has extended the technology base through innovative developmental work. GTC, established in 1999 began to make use of powder injection moulding techniques and in particular ceramic injection moulding developed in earlier years with the CSIR but not exploited. Over time this has developed and grown to where currently GTC is the only manufacturer in possession of the technology to injection-mould powder materials in SA and the company has become a reputed supplier of oxide ceramics to the SA and European Market. Materials employed include oxide and non-oxide ceramics as well as allowing for the possibility of manufacturing cemented Carbides and metals. GTC has taken up a professional role within the materials related community of SA, being involved in furthering tertiary education in materials, and presenting technical papers at seminars organised by material and technology related associations (SAIT, PMS, Universities, etc.) The company has also chosen to approach the market with a professional approach both in terms of marketing (branding, advertisements) and its technology by presenting papers, forming associations with tertiary institutions and ISO-listing. The runner-up Hazleton Pumps (Pty) Ltd, Centurion In this category, the panel was struck by the singular achievement of the Mmatshidi Soap Manufacturer of Orkney and the MD Motlalepule Moroeng, entrepeneur, who has developed and grown a business for the manufacture of detergents and other cleaning products in the Klerksdorp Poverty node, the Kanana region. She started some four years ago with the manufacture of a bar soap based on an indigenous method of extracting animal fat and with assistance from various agencies has established a thriving business. The panel recommended that she be given a certificate to recognise her special achievement in adverse circumstances. .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category F: A Not for Profit Organisation over the last three years The winner Agribusiness for Sustainable Natural African Plant Products (ASNAPP), Stellenbosch Contribution: The development of a number of thriving agri-businesses that are serving as role models for communities across Africa serves to dispel the perception that the economic empowerment of rural communities is not sustainable in the long term. Through its partnerships, applied research, technology transfer and capacity-building, ASNAPP is tapping the continent's rich natural plant heritage and enabling agri-entrepreneurs to generate an income and compete effectively in the market. In the process ASNAPP is using technology to conserve the environment, expand the continent's indigenous knowledge and create a culture of knowledge-sharing that supports the spirit of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). Features of the approach are the use of indigenous plants, the development and preservation of Africa's indigenous knowledge systems through an extensive data-base of African crop profiles and projects targeted at specific plants for commercialisation and the use of modern technologies such as hydroponics. Interventions ranging from germplasm collection and propagation trials through to agronomic practices for optimum yield and sustainable production apply across the entire value chain of each crop. USAID has selected ASNAPP to spearhead its Sub-Saharan programme with a seed fund of R1.5m. The runner-up The South African Society for Intelligent Transport Systems (SASITS), Johannesburg .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category G: ESKOM Research Capacity Development Awards: Researcher, for Research Capacity Development over the last 5-10 years The female winner Prof S Priscilla Reddy - Director Health Promotion Research and Development, MRC, Parow Contribution: Has been to create a science out of the study of behaviour and health promotion and garnering methods from a range of disciplines which has led to a zealous approach to changing lifestyle through public intervention. The MRC AIDS Research Programme was established in 1996 and became the foundation for the National Health promotion R & D Group in 2000. She has through this group tackled tobacco and other substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour and other diseases attributable to lifestyle. From tobacco control research, tobacco consumption has declined by 25%; adult smoking is down from 35% to 26%. This has saved an estimated R300 million per annum and will avert between 5 000 and 20 000 premature deaths. The male winner Prof Jonathan D Jansen - Dean, Education, University of Pretoria Contribution: As Dean of the Dept of Education at Pretoria, a very large number of students, numbered in the hundreds have passed through the Faculty and had some input from Prof Jansen as well as many others at other institutions through his involvement directly or indirectly with the institutional development to which he provided input. These include supervision to completion more than 20 black and female PhD students. His own contribution must be measured in the growth of output of graduates and postgraduates in the field of education throughout the country, his enhancement of the research culture at several historically disadvantaged black universities, his recruitment and support of young black scholars from across the world as well as the list of publications produced over the period. He has led more than 8 major research teams in SA on topics ranging from mergers in higher education, to institutional cultures, research and policy implementation studies. In each case these research teams consisted of young black researchers and, in each case, the research was turned into a published book as well as multiple academic journal entries in the names of these emerging scholars. He recently received the UP's highest award for research excellence (the Chancellors Award in 2003) and was invited to receive the Honorary Doctorate in Education from the University of Edinburgh (2005). .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category H: TW Kambule NRF Research Awards: Senior Black Researcher over the last 2 to 5 years The female winner Dr Olive Shisana - Executive Director, Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS (SAHA) Research Programme, HSRC, Cape Town Contribution: To the improvement of the evidence-base for decision-making in the critical research field of the social aspects of HIV/AIDS and health in SA through personal research leadership and involvement in numerous pioneering large-scale research projects; powerful research networking and collaboration across disciplinary, institutional and national borders; ongoing emphasis on research excellence and enhancing the impact of scientific evidence, and extensive research capacity-building in partnership with local and international universities and donors. The Nelson Mandela/HSRC study on HIV/AIDS prevalence was completed in 2002. This benefited from the HSRC Master Sample framework and included testing of HIV prevalence levels. Questionnaire design, sampling and ethical issues had to be regularly surveyed and the training of fieldworkers and the use of several methodologies monitored. A special contribution has been the broadening of the target audience, introducing the possibility of follow-up work; emphasising collaboration in research teams of experts to get a multi-disciplinary perspective on results and involving decision-makers in the planning and the use of the media to support the process. The study was the first to use WHO/FHI second generation surveillance methodology to collect and link behavioural social and biological measures on a national basis. The follow-up study is also addressing viral load testing on those who are HIV positive. The secondary educators programme also looks at CD4 lymphocyte counts. The results of the findings have led to: four neighbouring countries using the model; UNAIDS/WHO revising their global estimates of HIV/AIDS prevalence; the Actuarial Society revising their models for HIV/AIDS prevalence predictions; and allocation to provinces from Treasury have been revised. The male winner Dr Giovanni Hearne - Senior Lecturer, Physics, University of the Witwatersrand Contribution: The study of the fundamental properties of experimental materials at extremely high pressure and temperature conditions. These include classes of advanced materials with potential applications as ultra-sensors, ultra-hard materials and mineral assemblages of geophysical interest. In this regard he has developed laboratory capabilities which rank amongst the foremost in the southern hemisphere. He has made excursions into a number of topics in industrial and applied physics including research on malaria, waste-water treatment, water treatment in aquaculture, mineral processing and biological activity/toxicity of fibrous minerals such as asbestos. A high number of students have received training in his labs in recent years, many of whom are now in R & D in industry. Some 35 or so publications in international peer-reviewed journals have been produced and a number of invited presentations at both national and international conferences made. He has been instrumental in helping to establish the African Laser Centre, the first network centre of excellence for SET established under NEPAD. .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Category J: TW Kambule NRF Research Awards: Junior Black Researcher over the last 2 to 5 years The female winner Dr Debra Meyer - Senior Lecturer Dept Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg Contribution: To research in the chemistry of HIV/AIDS over a wide range of topics, in particular over the period 1998 to the present on immunogens as potential vaccine components. Whilst still an MSc student she applied for funding to study HIV/AIDS in the USA where her research work in the direction of finding a vaccine commenced. Her approach is unique in that she looks at factors augmenting the concurrent HIV/Mtb infection as well as studying extracts from South African plants for activity against HIV. In one strategy her research makes an attempt at directly addressing hypervariability of envelope proteins of HIV. She has successfully demonstrated how the immune system responds to hypervariable immunogens. A new plant extract has recently been identified with the ability to inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. This presents exciting possibilities for trials, evaluation and the establishment of a supportive role in the overall strategy of HIV treatment. She has, in addition, contributed by way of community service to the spreading of information on the subject of HIV/AIDS either on her own or with collaborators on a substantial scale and has authored many publications. The male winner Prof Vikash Sewram - Chief Specialist Scientist, MRC, Parow Contribution: As a chief specialist scientist in the PROMEC unit of the MRC he carries out research into areas of food safety and cancer epidemiology. Food safety research involves the identification, occurrence and exposure assessment in humans of a diverse range of naturally occurring toxins and/or carcinogens, present in South African foods and indigenous plant medicines intended for human consumption. Epidemiological studies, on the other hand, are aimed at elucidating the role of social and dietary factors on the risk of developing, for example, oesophagal cancer and, where necessary, inform and reduce hazards that these factors may pose to the South African population, through health education and health promotion. The results of his work include a number of technological innovations including, inter alia, a novel analytical method for mycotoxin assessment in foods for human consumption, the introduction of the testing of hair and nails by spectrometry to identify fumonisin mycotoxin exposure of individuals in order to facilitate the assessment of the role of these toxins in disease causation and an analytical method for the analysis of maize-based baby foods in Brazil and other practical applications of similar investigations.