Scientists tackle one of Africa’s most destructive invasive trees
ResearchStellenbosch University May 23, 2025
A major new book on the ecology and management of one of the most destructive invasive weeds in Africa,is now available online. The book, titled The Ecology and Management of Invasive Prosopis Trees in Eastern Africa, is the outcome of a large, decade-long collaborative research project involving six universities... Read more
New study finds emerging pathogen inside brown locusts
ResearchUniversity of the Free State May 23, 2025
A new study by researchers from the University of the Free State (UFS), the National Health Laboratory Service, and the University of Venda has confirmed for the first time that common brown locusts are carriers of pathogenic yeasts that can cause severe infections in humans – especially in people... Read more
NRF, Costech sign MoU to deepen bilaterial scientific cooperation
National Research FoundationResearch May 23, 2025
The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and expand their scientific partnership. The signing took place during the 13th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC), hosted by Saudi Arabia’s King... Read more
Cutting off parasite’s energy supply could help fight malaria
ResearchStellenbosch University April 25, 2025
In 2023, malaria caused 597 000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with most occurring in Africa, where the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is most prevalent. Once inside an infected person’s body, the parasite relies on glycolysis—breaking down glucose (a sugar)—to produce energy and stay alive. A... Read more
New report offers insight into SA teens’ smartphone habits
ResearchStellenbosch UniversityWestern Cape March 12, 2025
Today’s teenagers are the first generation to grow up with constant online connectivity. As smartphones become more ingrained in their lives, what do we know about how they use them? A new research report by academics at Stellenbosch University sheds light on this question by providing empirical evidence of... Read more
Nigerian PhD researcher thrives at WSU state-of-art labs
Eastern CapeResearchWalter Sisulu University February 19, 2025
A Nigerian doctoral researcher from Rivers State University, Rachael Elijah Ekong is advancing ground-breaking research on bioactive compounds from African medicinal plants during her academic visit to Walter Sisulu University, fostering international collaboration in Natural Products Chemistry. Focus of Ekong’s research Her research focuses on isolating bioactive compounds from African... Read more
NRF, FirstRand renew black academics advancement programme
National Research FoundationResearch February 13, 2025
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) aimed at deepening transformation in the country’s academic cohort. The Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP), aimed at supporting the development of Black South African academics and South African academics... Read more
New report highlights the impact of early Grade 1 entry and gender disparities in SA education
ResearchStellenbosch University February 12, 2025
A new report by the group, Stellenbosch University’s Research on Socio-Economic Policy (Resep), highlights critical challenges in South African education and presents new insights drawn from comprehensive administrative data. The study finds that children who enter Grade 1 at the minimum age of 5½ years face a significantly higher... Read more
UKZN next gen solar manufacturing project promotes sustainable energy
KwaZulu-NatalResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal February 3, 2025
A group of scientists from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) are joint collaborators on an R70 million Swansea University-led research project to develop and manufacture sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in Africa, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable energy. Currently, more than 500 million people in Africa lack access... Read more
15 years of SA-CERN scientific excellence, partnerships
National Research FoundationResearch January 30, 2025
The high-energy physics community gathered at NRF-iThemba LABS in Cape Town from 20 – 21 January 2025 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the South Africa-European Organisation for Nuclear Research (SA-CERN) Programme. Funded jointly by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the NRF, the programme represents... Read more
