Prize sponsor: proSET (Professionals in SET), a sector of the NSTF representing over 50 professional bodies and learned societies

• Dr Zamani Cele – Senior (Sr) Researcher: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

For being a dedicated medicinal chemist focused on advancing health through innovative biomaterial research

• Prof Olaniyi Amos Fawole – Chair-holder: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)-National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, University of Johannesburg (UJ); Founding Director: Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), UJ; Full Professor (Extraordinary): Stellenbosch University (SU); Visiting Full Professor: University of Bari Aldo, Italy; and also in the NSTF-Agricultural Research Council category*

For pioneering sustainable postharvest solutions, reducing food losses and influencing industry and policy

• Dr Mubeen Goolam – Sr Lecturer: Cell Biology, Department (Dept) of Human Biology and Neuroscience Institute (Inst), University of Cape Town (UCT)

For generating the first African-specific models of the brain to study neural development and disorder from a uniquely African perspective

• Dr Yaseera Ismail – Sr Lecturer: Physics Dept, SU

For implementing the first satellite-based quantum communication link on the Southern Hemisphere and the longest intercontinental link between SA and China of 12900 km

• Prof Tjaart Krüger – Associate Professor: Dept of Physics, University of Pretoria (UP); and also in the Special Annual Theme category*

For the development of a unique experimental equipment to investigate the quantum design of photosynthesis for bio-inspired solar technologies

• Prof Yin-Zhe Ma – Full Professor and Head: Astrophysics Group; Stellenbosch-Groningen Joint Research Chair, SU

For discovering the missing baryons in the universe

• Prof Musa Siphiwe Doctor Manzi – Associate Professor: Geophysics, School of Geosciences, Wits; Director: Seismic Research Centre, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

For his scientific work on near-surface mining, energy, and environmental geophysics 

• Prof Magda Minguzzi – Associate Professor: School of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, Nelson Mandela University (NMU); Researcher: Inst for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR), NMU

For her groundbreaking research, conducted in partnership with the KhoiSan Peoples, that focuses on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Indigenous living heritage.

• Prof Glen Nwaila – Director: African Research Centre for Ore Systems Science (CORES); Associate Professor: Economic Geology; Deputy Head: School of Geosciences, Wits

For his contribution in transforming critical minerals exploration in SA and the world through a modernisation of geostatistical, geometallurgical, and machine learning methods, multi-scale geoscience data, thought leadership in mining strategy, and uncertainty-quantified mineral policy frameworks.

• Prof Samuel Oluwatobi Oluwafemi – Professor and Project Leader: Nanomaterials Synthesis and Applications Laboratory, Dept of Chemical Sciences, UJ; and also in the Engineering Research Capacity Development and the Special Annual Theme categories*

For the development of cost-effective synthesis of nanomaterials-bioconjugates for efficient and minimally or non-invasive cancer phototherapy

• Prof Susan Taljaard – Principal Researcher: CSIR; Honorary Professor: Nelson Mandela University 

For her contribution bridging science and policy, driving sustainable coastal management solutions for Africa

Prize sponsor: South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS)

• Prof Ndzondelelo Bingwa – Associate Professor: Institute (Inst) for Catalysis and Energy Solutions, University of South Africa (UNISA)

For his work in conversion of biomass and bio-derived compounds into sustainable fuels and fuel additives

• Dr Rachael Dangarembizi – Senior (Sr) Lecturer: Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa), University of Cape Town (UCT)

For being a pioneering African neuroscientist advancing neuroinfectious disease research, securing major funding, mentoring future scientists, and earning global recognition for her groundbreaking work on cryptococcal meningitis

• Dr Mahlatse Kganyago – Sr Lecturer: Remote Sensing/GIS, Department (Dept) of Geography and Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg (UJ); and also in the NSTF-Agricultural Research Council category*

For the use of space technology and AI to enhance the understanding of agricultural systems and achieve food security for all

• Prof Shahida Moosa – Head: Medical Genetics, Tygerberg Hospital; Professor: Medical Genetics, Stellenbosch University (SU); and also in the NSTF-SAMRC Clinician-Scientist category*

Genomics for Health in Africa – leveraging the power of the African genome for precision health in Africa

• Dr Isaac Mphele Nape – Lecturer and Researcher: School of Physics, Structured Light Lab, Wits & IBM Collaboration (Research Office), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

For his work in shaping light for future quantum technologies

• Dr Bathabile Ramalapa – Sr Researcher: CSIR; Extra-ordinary Sr Lecturer: Material Science Innovation and Modelling, North-West University (NWU)

For pioneering affordable, effective bio-based treatments and medical devices tailored for African healthcare needs

• Prof Thandiwe Sithole – Associate Professor: Dept of Chemical Engineering, UJ

For her work in turning waste materials into valuable products while purifying water and tackling invasive species, driving sustainability and innovation for a healthier planet

• Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh – Sr Researcher: Green Engineering Research Group, Dept of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology (DUT)

For his multidisciplinary research interest, leadership and innovation, with over 50 postgraduate mentees, his work continues to shape sustainable environmental engineering

• Dr Robin Drennan – Director: Research Development, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

For his work in research and innovation management and stewardship that will enable our collective future

• Dr Brian Masara – Executive Officer: South African Institute of Physics (SAIP)

For being a transformative leader advancing physics for socioeconomic development through strategic governance, education initiatives, international collaborations, and public engagement, ensuring SAIP impact across SA and the continent

• Dr Jabu Mtsweni – Head: Information and Cyber Security Research Centre; Technical Lead: National Policy Data Observatory, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

For being a leading cybersecurity expert, heading a large team, developing and deploying solutions, shaping national policy, and building SA's cybersecurity capacity

• Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre (AMTC) – Mr Karl du Preez, Director

For shaping the future of engineering – where students turn bold ideas into breakthrough innovations in drones, automation, and renewable energy

• Prof Anne Fitchett – Retired Honorary Associate Professor: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

For facilitating entry into engineering and the smooth passage of undergraduates since 2004 creating an enabling environment that supports a passion for engineering and the enrolment of postgraduate researchers

• Prof Andrew Forbes – Distinguished Professor: Wits; Director: South African Quantum Technology Initiative; and also in the Special Annual Theme category*

For being a key driver of capacity building in quantum science and technology in SA

• Prof Samuel Oluwatobi Oluwafemi – Professor and Project Leader: Nanomaterials Synthesis and Applications Laboratory, Department (Dept) of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg (UJ); and also in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher and the Special Annual Theme categories*

For the development of cost-effective synthesis of nanomaterials-bioconjugates for efficient and minimally or non-invasive cancer phototherapy

• Prof Craig Sheridan – Chair: Water Research, Claude Leon Foundation Water Stewardship Programme; Full Professor: School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, Wits; and also in the NSTF-Water Research Commission category*

For supporting young researchers in solving socially relevant and pressing societal needs

• Vehicle Dynamics Group (VDG) – Prof Pieter Schalk Els, Leader; Professor: University of Pretoria (UP); Deputy General Secretary: International Society for Terrain Vehicle Systems (ISTVS), Europe-Africa Region; Editor: Journal of Terramechanics

For their work in improving vehicle comfort, safety and efficiency in challenging environments by developing a fundamental understanding of vehicle technology, training students and working closely with industry

Sponsor: WRC since 2017

• Prof Liza Korsten – Professor: Plant Health and Food Safety; Co-Director: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)-National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of Pretoria (UP); President: Africa Academy of Sciences; and also in the Lifetime, Science Diplomacy in Africa, and NSTF-Agricultural Research Commission categories*

For her contribution in turning water science into solutions for SA’s future

• Prof Ajay Kumar Mishra – Professor: Department (Dept) of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape (UWC)

For his contribution in developing cost-effective and high-performance nanomaterials used for economical and sustainable water treatment systems

• Dr Sean Perry – Chief Executive Officer (CEO): AMD Solutions; and also in the Innovation: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise category*

For revolutionising water management with eco-friendly, natural solutions for treating acid mine drainage, protecting ecosystems and supporting sustainable development

• Prof Craig Sheridan – Chair: Water Research, Claude Leon Foundation Water Stewardship Programme; Full Professor: School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits); and also in the Engineering Research Capacity Development category*

For contributing in conducting research into solving water challenges in SA, using collaboration to ensure research is meaningful

• Prof Bongani Ncube – Chair-holder: DSTI-NRF South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in Governance and Economics of Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions; Full Professor: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

For addressing complex water governance and economics for equitable access to water and assisting institutions to operate efficiently while building capacity at various levels

Sponsor: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) since 2023

• Dr Terusha Chetty – Deputy Director and Specialist Clinician Scientist: HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, SAMRC; Honorary Senior (Sr) Lecturer: Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

For her contribution in transforming maternal and child HIV care in SA by shaping national policies, improving treatment access, and pioneering innovative prevention strategies for mothers and their infants

• Prof Shahida Moosa – Head: Medical Genetics, Tygerberg Hospital; Professor: Medical Genetics, Stellenbosch University (SU); and also in the TW-Kamule-NSTF Emerging Researcher category*

Genomics for Health in Africa – leveraging the power of the African genome for precision health in Africa

• Prof Leigh van den Heuvel – Specialist Psychiatrist: Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town; Associate Professor: SU

For her outstanding contributions towards advancing knowledge in psychiatry and improving mental health outcomes of South Africans

• Prof Aneesa Vanker – Associate Professor and Paediatric Pulmonologist: Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town; SAMRC Post-doctoral Clinician Fellowship, University of Cape Town (UCT)

For her work on the impact of environmental factors on child health and lung disease

Sponsor: Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) since 2023

• Bioplastics and Biocomposites Team, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Dr Maya Mathew (John), Principal Researcher and Platform Leader

Bio-based materials and technologies for sustainable development

• Prof Schalk Grobbelaar – Associate Professor; Chairperson: York Timbers Chair in Wood Structural Engineering, University of Pretoria (UP)

The Wood Structural Engineering Programme drives sustainable timber construction through research, innovation, and collaboration to advance economic growth, social development, and environmental resilience

• Prof Nobanathi Wendy Maxakato – Associate Professor: Chemistry; Founder and Team Leader: Materials for Energy Research, University of Johannesburg (UJ)

The electrocatalysts under investigation will enable greener and more efficient catalytic energy conversion, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy

• Dr Hendrik Smith – Conservation Agriculture Facilitator

For being instrumental in the transformation to regenerative conservation agriculture through an on-farm, farmer-led, participatory systems research approach

Sponsor: Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) since 2024 managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)

• Centre for Community Technologies (CCT), Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Prof Darelle van Greunen, Director; Distinguished Professor: Information Technology, NMU

For uniquely bridging academic innovation and community empowerment, using technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for sustainable development, social change, and digital equity

• International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town component – Dr Luiz Zerbini, Director; Group Leader: Cancer Genomics

For being the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for research, training and technology transfer in the field of life sciences and biotechnology by championing scientific diplomacy through its global fellowship and training programme, using science to bring countries together in a unique manner to solve major global challenges

• Mr Bryan Johnston – Senior High Performance Computing (HPC) Technologist II: CSIR

For his work in advancing scientific computing in Africa by enabling hundreds of computational scientists through the deployment of advanced research computing systems, fostering of Africa’s largest virtual cyberinfrastructure community, and facilitating global collaborations and partnerships

• Prof Liza Korsten – Professor: Plant Health and Food Safety; Co-Director: DSTI-National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre of Excellence in Food Security; President: Africa Academy of Sciences; and also in the Lifetime, NSTF-Water Research Commission and NSTF-Agricultural Research Commission categories*

For championing Africa’s food future through science diplomacy and sustainable innovation

• Mr Steven Weerts, Research Group Leader and Principal Researcher; and Dr Susan Taljaard, Principal Researcher: CSIR; Honorary Professor: Nelson Mandela University – Coastal Systems and Earth Observation Research Group, CSIR

South African researchers support blue economic development in Africa through science diplomacy for sustainable coastal development and marine governance

Sponsor: ARC (NEW in 2025)

• Department (Dept) of Animal Science, University of Pretoria (UP) – Prof Carina Visser, Head; Associate Professor: UP

For the contribution to sustainable animal protein production in African landscapes

• Prof Olaniyi Amos Fawole – Chair-holder: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, University of Johannesburg (UJ); Founding Director: Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), UJ; Full Professor (Extraordinary): Stellenbosch University (SU); Visiting Full Professor: University of Bari Aldo, Italy; and also in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher category*

For his impactful research in sustainable postharvest technology and agroprocessing, driving food security and agricultural sustainability in SA

• Dr Mahlatse Kganyago – Senior Lecturer: Dept of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, UJ; and also in the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher category*

For the use of space technology and AI to enhance our understanding of agricultural systems and achieve food security for all

• Prof Liza Korsten – Professor: Plant Health and Food Safety, UP; Co-Director: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security; President: Africa Academy of Sciences; and also in the Lifetime, NSTF-Water Research Commission and Science Diplomacy for Africa categories*

For revolutionising food safety, blending science and practical solutions to protect fresh produce and public health across Africa

• Prof Stephanie Juliane Editha Midgley – Specialist Scientist: Climate Change, Western Cape Department of Agriculture; Extraordinary Associate Professor: Horticultural Science, SU

For her contribution in leading climate change adaptation and resilience in the agricultural sector

• BioSCape: The Biodiversity Survey of the Cape – Dr Jasper A Slingsby, Senior (Sr) Lecturer: Department (Dept) of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT); Director: Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment and Conservation, UCT; Honorary Research Associate: South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

For their work in collecting the largest airborne and ground biodiversity data set in Africa, bringing us closer to measuring, monitoring, and understanding global biodiversity using remote sensing

• Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy: Data Science – Mrs Marion Delport, Manager: Data Science; Research Fellow: Agricultural Economics Dept, Stellenbosch University (SU)

For leveraging on-farm big data capabilities for data-driven management decision making

• Ibali: Digital Collections, UCT – Dr Sanjin Muftić, Digital Scholarship Specialist

For an open-access, interactive repository for showcasing and building digital cultural heritage collections

• Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit, University of Pretoria (UP) – Dr Els Vermeulen, Sr Lecturer and Research Manager: MRI Whale Unit, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, UP

For their contribution in leading African whale research since 1985. The MRI Whale Unit bridges science, conservation, and communities to shape marine policies and protect ocean ecosystems.

• Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub (Wits-DIH) and NHLS National Priority Programmes (NPP) – Dr Naseem Cassim, Lead: Data Science, Wits-DIH, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits); Programme Manager: NPP, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)

For their contribution to curate, enhance and re-purpose the public health sector laboratory data repository through research that generates valuable insights into trends, anticipates operational changes for focused programmatic interventions and guides policy changes aimed at improved healthcare for all

• ZivaHub: Open Data, UCT – Ms Thandokazi Maceba, Data Curation Officer

For an open-access data repository serving as a publishing and access platform for research data and scholarly outputs available to all students, staff and the public

• CSIR Elections Analysis Team – Prof Pravesh Debba, Impact Area Manager: Smart Places Cluster, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

CSIR’s election prediction model can accurately predict the final outcome for each of the political parties, with as little as 5-10% of voting districts declared

• Innovation and Commercialisation Unit, Stellenbosch University (SU): comprising Innovus TTO, Launch Lab and USE) – Ms Ravini Moodley, Director: Technology Transfer Office, Innovus

For their contribution to innovation at SU

• Prof Mthokozisi Simelane – Associate Professor: Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg (UJ)

For his innovative diabetes management prototype, rooted in indigenous plants, which bridges tradition and science, promoting healthcare solutions, community empowerment, and sustainable development aligned with SDG goals

Sponsor: National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) since 2019

• Agrishelves Marketplace – Mr Lindelani Xhanti, Chief Innovation Manager

For their contribution in revolutionising agriculture by connecting farmers directly with consumers through innovative digital technology, promoting fair trade and sustainability

• Prof Namrita Lall – Research Chair, University of Pretoria (UP)

For the development and commercialisation of several innovative pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals from medicinal plants with novel mode of action

• Dr Sean Perry – Chief Executive Officer: SEAN PERRY; and also in the NSTF-Water Research Commission category*

For his innovative acne treatment, using indigenous plant extracts, combines biotechnology and sustainability to revolutionise skincare while empowering South African farmers and promoting biodiversity

• Prof Ryan Blumenthal – Senior Specialist, Forensic Pathologist and Associate Professor: Department (Dept) of Forensic Medicine, University of Pretoria (UP)

For his books, documentary series, conferences, and YouTube channel that have raised public awareness and understanding of forensics

• Centre for Research in Information and Cyber Security (CRICS), Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Prof Kerry-Lynn Thomson, Director; Professor: School of Information Technology

For working to integrate cybersafety awareness into the South African school curriculum using age-appropriate resources

• Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan – Professor: Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT)

For communicating the relevance of pre-historic biodiversity to the present and raising awareness about it

• DSTI/NRF Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA) – Prof Nicola Wagner, Director

For being a leading research center in Africa, focusing on economic geology and geoscience for society, providing postgraduate training and producing highly skilled individuals to support sustainable growth and clean energy initiatives.

• DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS): Communicating the Learning Journey – Prof Julian May, Director: University of the Western Cape (UWC); UNESCO Chair-holder: African Food Systems

For using strategic communication to reinforce the importance of place-based food systems in addressing food security challenges

• Mrs Wiida E Fourie-Basson – Media Officer and Science Writer, Stellenbosch University (SU)

For providing accurate, evidence-based content of science breakthroughs to a broader public audience and building science communication capacity in the Southern African region

• Ms Shakira Hoosain – Campaign Strategist and Senior Copywriter, University of Pretoria (UP)

For managing Research Matters, which is a multimedia-rich platform that consistently provides high quality science communication by sharing the latest interesting and innovative research and discoveries from researchers at UP with the media, and for managing, curating and editing RE.SEARCH magazine, a digital, themed quarterly publication

• Ms Hilary Kromberg – Creative Director and Chief Executive Officer: Jive Media Africa; Founder: Hip Hop U and Science Spaza

For pioneering unique participatory programmes for young people to vision and create a better future by bridging science, creativity and problem-solving through music and popular media

• Ms Duduzile Kubheka, South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO); and Prof Sally Macfarlane, UWC – Co-Chairs: African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and International Astronomical Union General Assembly (IAU-GA2024), Outreach and Education Committees

For using astronomy as a bridge between science and society, inspiring the next generation through inclusive, impactful, and culturally enriched STEM outreach

• Dr Lee-Ann Sade Modley – Senior Lecturer: University of Johannesburg (UJ)

For empowering underserved communities through integrated water resource management by using art to convey scientific information, fostering engagement and co-creating culturally relevant solutions for sustainability

• Dr Cheryl Ogilvie – Lecturer: Dept of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

For her contribution to education in and around the Ndumo Community, bringing about environmental change amongst the youth, adults and tribal leaders

• The Cosmic Savannah podcast team – Dr Jacinta Delhaize, Co-producer and Co-host; Lecturer: Dept of Astronomy, UCT

For providing listeners worldwide with a behind-the-scenes peek into Africa’s dynamic astronomy and astrophysics landscape, showcasing its groundbreaking discoveries, incredible telescopes and diverse voices, and inspiring the next generation of African scientists

• AmaQawe ngeMfundo – Prof Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi, Founder and Director; Deputy Dean: Research and Innovation, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape (UWC); Associate Professor: Physical Chemistry; Research Leader: SensorLab Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, UWC

For empowering marginalised South African learners by making STEM education accessible through hands-on learning, mentorship, localised instruction, and career exposure, equipping them with skills to solve community challenges and drive national development (STEM = science, technology, engineering and mathematics.)

• Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC) – Mr Balan Moodley, Chief Executive Officer; Executive Member: Board of Directors

For providing an approach to STEM that has helped 40,000 learners in 43 years

• Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE): Journal and Conference team – Teresa Hattingh, President

For making a substantial contribution to research capacity development in industrial engineering in SA

• Prof Somnath Bhattacharyya – Personal Professor: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

For his contribution in the development of nano-quantum technology based on hybrid carbon systems

• Prof Andrew Forbes – Distinguished Professor, Wits; Director: South African Quantum Technology Initiative; and also in the Engineering Research Capacity Development category

For being a key driver of capacity building in quantum science and technology

• Prof Tjaart Krüger – Associate Professor: Department (Dept) of Physics, University of Pretoria (UP); and also in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher category*

For the development of a unique experimental equipment to investigate the quantum design of photosynthesis for bio-inspired solar technologies

• Prof Samuel Oluwatobi Oluwafemi – Professor and Project Leader: Nanomaterials Synthesis and Applications Laboratory, Dept of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg (UJ); and also in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher and Engineering Research Capacity Development categories*

For implementing cost-effective synthesis of nanomaterials-bioconjugates for efficient and minimally or non-invasive cancer phototherapy

• Prof Francesco Petruccione – Professor: Quantum Computing, School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University (SU); Director: National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS)

For pioneering work in quantum computing, open quantum systems, and quantum effects in biological systems and harnesses novel theoretical models to drive breakthroughs in secure communications, sustainable development, and quantum information processing