As of January 1, 2024, Prof Lourens Swanepoel (on the left photo) has achieved a C1 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), following his previous Y2 rating held from 2019 to 2023. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, housed within the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture. Prof Swanepoel also serves as the interim NRF SARChI Chair in Biodiversity Value and Change.
Prof Swanepoel completed his undergraduate studies in Animal Nutrition at the University of Pretoria. He furthered his academic pursuits at the Centre for Wildlife Management at the same institution, where he obtained both his MSc and Ph.D. degrees. His research specialisation is in carnivore ecology, with a specific focus on carnivore conservation ecology, predator-prey dynamics, population and community ecology, as well as the anthropological dimensions of carnivores within human-altered landscapes.
In his academic career, Prof Swanepoel has successfully supervised numerous postgraduate students, including Master’s and Ph.D. candidates. His scholarly contributions are extensive, with numerous publications in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals dedicated to ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife management.
Prof. Eastonce Tendayi Gwata (on the left picture) is a C2 National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher. He is a specialist in Crop Genetic Improvement with special emphasis on tropical legumes. He previously worked at the Crop Breeding Institute (Harare, Zimbabwe) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Nairobi, Kenya). Currently, Eastonce is a full Professor at the University of Venda (South Africa). He is recognised as one of the leading scientists in legume genetic improvement, particularly in Africa. He received awards / recognition from the Australia International Development Assistance Bureau (AIDAB), Rockefeller Foundation (USA), the University of Florida (USA), Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture (Florida Chapter, USA), WHO’s Who in Science and Engineering (Marquis, USA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), among others. Currently, by invitation, he is serving on the scientific committee of the Executive Committee of the African Plant Breeders Association. To date, Eastonce has developed new legume cultivars in several tropical legumes including pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) and soybean (Glycine max) that are adapted mainly to the semi-arid SADC / southern Africa mega-environment. In addition, he has supervised / co-supervised more than 25 postgrad-uate students and published 16 book chapters as well as over 150 peer-reviewed research / con-ference / technical papers. His current research is focusing on the molecular aspects of N2-fixation and proteomics of legumes.
The Executive Dean of The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, Prof Natasha Potgieter in appreciating the NRF rated researchers said “I am incredibly proud to be part of a community that includes such talented and accomplished individuals like yourselves. Your accomplishments reflect the highest standards of excellence, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great feats in your research pursuits. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Your achieve-ments are a source of pride for all of us, and I look forward to witnessing your continued success in the years ahead.”
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