Highlights from the 2026 Frank Warren Conference

24 Jul 2026 | By Laa-iqa Rylands
The delegation of staff members and postgraduate students from the Department of Chemistry standing together in front of a South African Chemical Institute banner and a South African National Parks sign.
24 Jul 2026 | By Laa-iqa Rylands

Several staff members and postgraduate students from the Department of Chemistry recently attended the 17th Frank Warren Conference, held 5–9 July 2026 at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park.

Representing the department were Prof. Roger Hunter, Dr Kathryn Wicht, Assoc. Prof. Clinton Veale, and Dr Marwaan Rylands, together with postgraduate students Josef Späth, Tara Davids, Justin Powell, Liso Tshaka, Sean Collins, and Duncan McFarlane. Staff and students presented their research through oral and poster presentations, showcasing the exciting work being undertaken within the department.

Beyond presenting their research, the conference offered valuable opportunities for networking, engaging with leading researchers, and learning about new developments in the field.

Congratulations to our postgraduate students on their outstanding achievements:

· Tara Davids – Second Place in the Poster Presentation competition.

· Justin Powell – First Place in the Poster Flash Presentation competition.

We congratulate Tara and Justin on these well-deserved awards and thank all our staff and students for representing the Department of Chemistry at the conference.

A group of seven conference attendees, including award winners Justin Powell and Tara Davids, joyfully posing with their certificates in front of a South African Chemical Institute banner.
A large group of attendees gathered outside the thatched-roof conference centre for a group photo during the 17th Frank Warren Conference in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.
Justin Powell smiling as he is presented with his certificate for First Place in the Poster Flash Presentation competition.
The delegation of staff members and postgraduate students from the Department of Chemistry standing together in front of a South African Chemical Institute banner and a South African National Parks sign.
Tara Davids smiling warmly as she is presented with her certificate for Second Place in the Poster Presentation competition.