The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has once again spotlighted the significant achievements of Unisa's academic elite, awarding Professors Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana, Lindiwe Zungu, and Usisipho Feleni at its esteemed 11th Scientific Merit Awards.
This recognition highlights not only their individual contributions to health research but also the broader impact they have on the scientific community and society at large.
Mkhize-Kwitshana and Zungu were honoured with the prestigious Research Capacity and Transformation Award, while Feleni earned the Bronze Award, showcasing a remarkable blend of experience and innovation in medical science.
Understanding and transforming health research
The Research Capacity and Transformation Award recognises established scientists who have significantly contributed to capacity-building initiatives and transformation in health research within South Africa. This includes promoting diversity in the research workforce, particularly focusing on race and gender in the health sciences, and developing emerging scientists from historically disadvantaged institutions.
"This award represents a milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform health research in South Africa," says Mkhize-Kwitshana, whose groundbreaking research has revealed crucial insights into the immunology of co-infections, including HIV/TB and neglected tropical diseases. "Our findings have shown that integrated treatment approaches can significantly improve patient outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings." Her research team has successfully mentored over 20 PhD and master's students, with 80% being from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Zungu, reflecting on her two decades of pioneering research in Occupational Health and Safety, shares, "Our work has fundamentally changed how we approach workplace safety, especially for vulnerable workers in high-risk sectors." Her recent studies in the mining sector have led to the implementation of new safety protocols, reducing workplace incidents by 35%. "We're currently developing gender-specific safety guidelines that will benefit over 100,000 workers in the construction industry," she adds.
Pioneering innovative solutions
Feleni's Bronze Award recognition stems from her innovative development of electrochemical biosensors for early disease detection. "Our latest biosensor technology can detect SARS-CoV-2 in water systems within minutes, compared to traditional methods that take hours," she explains. Her work at Unisa's Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS) has already attracted international collaboration opportunities, with three major research institutions partnering on future projects.
The SAMRC's rigorous selection process for these awards considers not only research output but also the broader societal impact of the work. Award recipients must demonstrate exceptional innovation, research leadership, and commitment to developing future scientists. According to the SAMRC evaluation committee, this year's recipients exemplified excellence across all criteria.
These accolades also reflect the progressive vision of Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Since the introduction of 10 catalytic research niche areas at Unisa, the institution has seen a 40% increase in research output and a 60% rise in postgraduate enrolments, fostering a culture of creativity and innovativeness among its researchers and students, all committed to finding solutions to impactful national and global issues.
Looking ahead, all three professors are embarking on ambitious new research projects. Mkhize-Kwitshana is launching a large-scale study on emerging infectious diseases, Zungu is developing AI-driven workplace safety monitoring systems, and Feleni is expanding her biosensor technology to detect various waterborne pathogens.
