News | Faculty of Science

Teaching beyond the classroom earns Thomas van Heerden top faculty award

Thomas van Heerden has received the Faculty of Science's 2026 Established Teacher Award for his student-centred teaching, academic mentorship and contributions to curriculum renewal.

UCT's Human Evolution Research Institute wins prestigious NRF Science Team Award for reshaping human origins research in Africa

For decades, Africa's human origins story was often interpreted elsewhere. UCT's Human Evolution Research Institute is helping change that, earning one of South Africa's highest honours for scientific collaboration.

From Conservation to Crisis Management: UCT alumni put science into action

What do tracking endangered vultures across Africa and managing Cape Town's response to water shortages, pandemics and energy crisis have in common? Distinguished alumni shares science experiences.

Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan holds a crocodile vertebra.

‘Every fossil bone is amazing’: Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan on a life in palaeobiology

As she prepares to retire from the University of Cape Town, the palaeobiologist reflects on apartheid-era barriers, scientific discovery and building opportunities for younger researchers.

RSVP: Distinguished Alumni Lectures

The UCT Faculty of Science Distinguished Alumni Lectures aim to highlight our outstanding alumni who are making significant contributions in their respective fields. Taking place on Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 18:00 SAST

UCT unveils isiXhosa mathematics glossary

In yet another move to bolster multilingualism and enable students to learn academic terminologies in their mother tongue, UCT recently launched an isiXhosa glossary for first-year mathematics.

College of Fellows warmly welcomes new inductee

It was a jovial celebration of scholarship, advancing science and strengthening South Africa’s capacity through generating knowledge when UCT celebrated the newest inductee to the College of Fellows

Dean's Dialogue: SFARS Policy & Implementation

Sarah will provide an update on progress to date, including an overview of SFARS-related data within the Faculty of Science. The presentation will be followed by an open discussion.

Pioneering research team and emerging scholars lead UCT's success at NRF Awards

The Human Evolution Research Institute were among South Africa's leading academics honoured at the National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards in Gqeberha on 3 September 2026.

Faculty of Science Photography Competition

Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students across the Faculty of Science. No professional photography experience is required. We are looking for your unique perspective on science. Competition closes 31 October 2026.

Submit your entry

Securing Biodiverse and Socially Just Bio-economies in a Rapidly Changing World

THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE INVITES YOU TO THE 2026 SEMINAR SERIES - Securing Biodiverse and Socially Just Bio-economies in a Rapidly Changing World by Prof Rachel Wynberg at 13:00 SAST on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Africa’s climate services need local detail and knowledge

Across Africa, people are restoring and managing mangroves, grazing lands and urban green areas in the face of increasing threats from climate change.