South Africa’s A-rated researchers recognised at the 2019 National Research Foundation (NRF) awards with Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande and Buti Manamela, and Dr Molapo Qhobela, NRF CEO.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) welcomes the A-rating of seven of its researchers by the country’s National Research Foundation (NRF). The ratings were formally awarded at the NRF awards on Thursday, 12 September 2019.

A-ratings are awarded to researchers acknowledged as leading international scholars in their fields. The quality and impact of their research is assessed through the NRF rating system, which is based on peer review.

Of the year’s 21 A-ratings across the country, seven were from UCT. One, Professor Gary Maartens, was awarded an A rating for the first time; the other six were re-evaluated and retained their A ratings.

• Professor Gary Maartens from the Department of Medicine
  Maartens is an international authority on the therapeutic aspects of HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB), drug-resistant TB and antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings.

• Professor Igor Barashenkov from the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
  Barashenkov’s studies on the mathematical aspects of solitary waves and localised patterns have revolutionised a range of areas in mathematics and physics, and have strong practical applications in nonlinear optics, magnetism and ferrofluids.

• Emeritus Professor Douglas Butterworth from the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
  Butterworth – who has served as a consultant on fisheries management to South Africa and 11 other national governments, and to fishing industries in 10 countries – has studied many marine species, including anchovy, hake, krill, orange roughy, seals, tuna and whales.

• Professor Harold Kincaid from the School of Economics
  Kincaid’s work addresses topics on the philosophy of the social sciences, economics and medicine, as well as naturalism, and he conducts empirical work.

• Professor Don Ross from the School of Economics
  Ross’s research unites economic methodology, experimental economics and econometrics, cognitive science and the philosophy of science.

• Distinguished Professor Philippe-Joseph Salazar from the Centre for Rhetoric Studies
  Salazar has studied different forms and systems of rhetoric, conducting rhetorical analyses of international organisations, and publishing works on France’s long-standing relationship with Islam and the role of rhetoric in public affairs.

• Professor Dan Stein from the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health
  Stein’s research focuses on the psychobiology and management of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Feting research excellence

The annual NRF awards – during which South African academic and research excellence are celebrated – have special significance this year, as the NRF is celebrating 20 years of advancing knowledge, transforming lives and inspiring a nation.

Held in Somerset West, the event was attended by Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande and Buti Manamela, among others. Former CEOs of the NRF Dr Khotso Mokhele and Dr Albert van Jaarsveld were also present.