Three researchers ̶ an engineer, an entomologist, and an expert in the field of bio-energy ̶ at Stellenbosch University (SU) are among the finalists in the prestigious 2012/13 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) and BHP Billiton Awards held annually to celebrate outstanding contributions to Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) in South Africa.
The winners will be announced on Thursday, June 27 at a gala event at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park where Mr Derek Hanekom, Minister of Science and Technology, and official Patron of the NSTF Awards, will be presenting the awards.
According to the organizers of the award ceremony, it is an exceptional honour to be a finalist, given the quality of the nominees and the fact that they all have made outstanding contributions to SETI, thereby qualifying to be a winner.
Prof Hanno Reuter of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and his team have been nominated in the category for a team or an individual's outstanding contribution to SETI through research leading to innovation in corporate institutions; small, medium or micro enterprises; and non-governmental, community-based or non-profit organizations.
Reuter and his team came up with a new cooling and water distribution system for improved power generation (fossil, nuclear and solar). They developed technology that increases efficiency at power plants and reduces life cycle and operational costs.
Also among the finalists, is Dr John Terblanche, senior lecturer in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, who received a nomination for a TW Kambule Award in the category for emerging researchers for his outstanding work on insect responses to climate change.
Through his research, Terblanche provides valuable information to policy makers and managers to better predict and control changes in insects that transmit diseases to people and destroy crops. His work also contributes to improving the lives of millions of people across Africa.
Prof Emile van Zyl of the Department of Microbiology has been nominated in the category for outstanding contribution by a researcher to SETI in the development of research capacity over the last five to 10 years.
Van Zyl is recognised internationally for his work in Yeast Biotechnology. In 2007, he was awarded the National Department of Science and Technology's Senior Chair of Energy Research (Biofuels). In addition, more than 70 masters and doctoral students obtained their degrees under his direct supervision and co-supervision. Van Zyl also played a strategic role in setting up a bio-energy policy and framework for Africa in collaboration with NEPAD and the African Union.
- Prof Dan Stein, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cape Town has been nominated in the category for outstanding contribution by an individual to SETI over a lifetime. He is also the Director of the Unit for Anxiety Disorders at the SU.
Visit www.nstfawards.org.za for more information.
