UKZN’s Professor Gert Kruger Honoured with Fellowship

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A luminary figure in UKZN’s Pharmaceutical Sciences discipline, Professor Gert Kruger, has been made a Fellow of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) for 2023.

Kruger’s nomination for the Fellowship followed his substantial contributions to the South African Journal of Chemistry (SAJC) which were acknowledged by his peers.

The pathway to this prestigious recognition was not carved out overnight, rather it is the result of Kruger’s steadfast commitment and unwavering devotion to the field of chemistry.

Criteria for this prestigious Fellowship were stringent, requiring the nominee to be a current full member of the SACI in good standing and a member of the institute for at least 10 years!

‘I am very honoured,’ he said before giving some background to his initial association with the SAJC, a journey initiated by Professor Tony Ford’s invitation in January 2006. Over the years, this association became an integral part of his identity. ‘I never expected a reward as I see my service to the journal as part of my responsibility as a scientist.’

Professor Tricia Naicker of the Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, congratulated Kruger, stressing that his nomination was a tribute to his significant role in shaping the SAJC.

‘Professor Kruger has contributed 17 years of exceptional assistance as an unpaid volunteer, in the publication of scientific information and vision at SAJC since he joined as an organic section editor in 2006,’ said Naicker. ‘His dedication extended beyond the ordinary, encompassing various transformative initiatives that shaped the journal’s journey into the 21st century.’

Nomination statements submitted by Naicker and Ford are a testament to the profound impact of Kruger’s leadership. Serving as the editor-in-chief of the SAJC from 2014 to 2017, Kruger steered it through monumental changes as the journal transitioned to an online format, adopted an open-access policy, integrated plagiarism screening, launched a new website, and embraced ORCiDS. Kruger’s hand was on each of these milestones, testifying to his proactive role in implementation and management.

And his commitment wasn’t confined to technical upgrades as he actively fostered inclusivity within the journal’s editorial team, paving the way for the first Black editor-in-chief (2017-2019) and the first female editor-in-chief (2018-2020). He championed the inclusion of young, high-achieving chemists as editors, furthering knowledge transfer and fostering diversity.

The orchestration of co-editors-in-chief streamlined the journal’s processes, speeding up its operations and enhancing its efficiency. Kruger’s contributions extended far beyond mere managerial prowess as his visionary efforts sustained the journal’s relevance, fostered innovation, upheld open access and ensured unwavering quality across all dimensions.

The fruits of his labour were evident in the journal’s steadfast presence across recognised platforms, securing a place in global indices and earning a steady ascent in impact factor. From a modest 0.5 in 2006, the impact factor surged to an impressive 2.9. His indomitable dedication emerged as the cornerstone of the SAJC’s legacy, turning it into a beacon of excellence in the realm of chemistry research.

The story didn’t stop there, for Kruger’s passion and determination found new avenues of expression. His recent accolades include the NRF (National research foundation) South Africa-Japan and MRC (Medical research foundation) BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, SA) grant which he has used to embark on a quest to unveil reaction paths for enzyme reactions, with a focus on novel HIV protease and Metallo-Beta-Lactamase inhibitors, employing the Parallel Cascade Molecular Dynamics approach.

In the Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit at UKZN, he diligently pursued the synthesis, computational chemistry, and biotesting of cage compounds, contributing significantly to the understanding of these complex molecules.

With a legacy encompassing more than 100 mentored graduate students and over 400 peer-reviewed scientific papers, Kruger’s impact is undeniable. His journey wasn’t just a personal ascent; it was a profound influence that shaped the realm of chemistry research. His academic family tree stands as a testament to the lasting legacy he has etched, an embodiment of dedication, passion, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied