UKZN Academics Inducted into Science Academy

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In recognition of their contribution to the advancement of science in South Africa, several UKZN Professors are among 32 scientists inducted into the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) this year. 

The UKZN academics are Professor Paula Watt of the School of Life Sciences; Professor Francesco Petruccione of the School of Chemistry and Physics and Professor Andrew Forbes, Honorary Professor in the School of Chemistry and Physics. 

ASSAf has a membership of 426 scientists, with a significant representation from UKZN, and these members are drawn from a wide range of disciplines; offering their expertise in the service of society. 

Last year’s ASSAf inductees from UKZN included the South African Research Chair in Fluorine Process Engineering and Separation Technology, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath; Dean and Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Professor Kesh Govinder; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Professor Nelson Ijumba.

ASSAf is the official national science academy of South Africa functioning primarily to select South Africa’s most outstanding scholars for membership of the academy. ASSAf members are drawn from the full spectrum of disciplines. 

Apart from the newly inducted members, UKZN maintains prestigious representation within the Academy.  South African Research Chair in Gravitating Systems, Professor Sunil Maharaj, was elected as the ASSAf Treasurer for the cycle 2012-2016, and Emeritus Professor Patricia Berjak of UKZN’s School of Life Sciences was elected as one of ASSAf’s two Vice-Presidents for the same period. 

As the official national Academy of South Africa, ASSAf has as its core function the election of the country’s most outstanding scholars for membership of the Academy.

 -          Sally Frost