Staff Reporter
Two researchers from the University of the Free State (UFS) have been nominated for the Science Oscars for their outstanding work and contributions to science over the years.
The university said plant sciences research fellow, Professor Zakkie Pretorius, and the director for the Centre for Environmental Management, Professor Paul Oberholster, were nominated for the 2019/2020 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) – South32 Awards.
Pretorius was nominated in two categories; the Special Annual Theme Award: Research and Development and Innovation in Plant Health as well as the Lifetime category.
The Special Annual Theme Awards are presented in recognition of the International Year of Plant Health, 2020, as declared by the United Nations.
Oberholster was nominated for the NSTF-Water Research Commission Award.
This award is for an outstanding contribution to science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa.
The nomination is in terms of sustainable water management, knowledge generation and solutions over the past five to 10 years.
It is also awarded in recognition of demonstrated leadership and impact.
“The NSTF-South32 Awards are referred to as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa and are the largest, most comprehensive, and sought-after national awards of its kind in the country. It was also the first science awards in South Africa,” the UFS said in a statement.
Oberholster said it was a privilege to be nominated and selected as finalist.
“I always believe the best person will win the award. At this level of competition, it can go both ways,” he said.
“I was nominated by the university for my scientific contribution to water resource management in South Africa over the past 10 years, with special reference to the field of passive wastewater treatment.”
Oberholster has previously been nominated in the innovation category but this is the first time he has been nominated for the NSTF – Water Research Commission Award.
Pretorius, who has extensive expertise in diseases of field crops – specifically rust diseases of small grain cereal crops – was recently awarded honorary membership by the Southern African Plant Breeders’ Association.
