Noko reappointed again as Chairperson of UFS Council
AppointmentsUniversity of the Free State November 5, 2025
The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) reappointed Mr David Noko for a second term as Chairperson during its meeting on 26 September 2025. His second term commenced on 1 October 2025, and it will come to an end on 13 September 2027. “It is an... Read more
UFS PhD student honoured with L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award
AwardsResearchUniversity of the Free State October 20, 2025
Runè van der Merwe, a final-year PhD student in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been selected as one of eight recipients of the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science National Programme Award in 2025. The accolade recognises exceptional early-career women scientists whose research... Read more
Legal reforms needed to combat unauthorised use of images
Free StateUniversity of the Free State October 5, 2025
If your image (physical image, voice, signature, likeness, etc.) has been used without your consent for commercial purposes, especially in the absence of a contract, proving your case in court would be difficult because South African law does not recognise the existence of a distinct image right. This is... Read more
UFS medical physics, oncology at forefront of AI-powered cancer treatment planning
ResearchUniversity of the Free State October 5, 2025
The Departments of Medical Physics and Oncology at the University of the Free State (UFS), together with Universitas Academic Hospital, was the first clinical site worldwide to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer treatment planning. In adopting the Radiation Planning Assistant (RPA), a web-based AI platform developed at MD... 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
Cias Tsotetsi is an UFS campus vice-principal
Free StateUniversity of the Free State December 16, 2024
The University of the Free State (UFS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Cias Tsotetsi as the Campus Vice-Principal: Academic and Research on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus as of 1 January 2025. Dr Tsotetsi is currently a senior lecturer and assistant dean at the Faculty of Education... Read more
Research into biodegradable polymers helps fight plastic pollution
Free StateResearchUniversity of the Free State October 1, 2024
A researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) is contributing to the fight against plastic pollution through her research into biodegradable polymers – large, chain-like molecules – as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Plastic pollution is a global environmental problem, with 19 to 23... Read more
UFS’ Paul Oberholster granted membership by world’s largest scientific honour society
Free StateUniversity of the Free State August 5, 2024
Prof Paul Oberholster, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) and environmental management researcher was recently nominated for full membership in Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society. As per its website, Sigma Xi is an international, multidisciplinary... Read more
What’s changed since SASL became South Africa’s 12th official language?
University of the Free State July 29, 2024
What’s changed since SASL became South Africa’s 12th official language? Opinion article by Nhlanhla Simelane, Student Assistant: Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies, Faculty: The Humanities, University of the Free State It has been a year since the president signed off on the amendment bill to... Read more
The month of June is International Pride Month, a time to celebrate and commemorate the strides that have been made by various LGBTQI+ persons and groups, as well as allies, to decriminalise homosexuality worldwide. It is also a time that symbolises solidarity, visibility, and resilience for this community. However,... Read more
