The National Research Foundation (NRF) recently hosted its prestigious 2025 NRF Awards. The event took place at the NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel on 07 August 2025.
These awards recognised exceptional individuals and organisations whose contributions have significantly advanced South Africa’s research landscape.
The event brought together leading minds from academia, science, and innovation. They came together to celebrate excellence and collaboration. The event highlighted the transformative power of research.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Mosa Moshabela, Chairperson of the NRF Board, highlighted that the awards honour individual excellence. They also celebrate the collective power of science to transform society.
“We honour individuals whose contributions continue to put our country on a global map of research,” he said. “These awards recognise not only personal achievements, but also the role that science, technology and innovation play in shaping a more just, inclusive and sustainable future in this country, on the continent and in the world.”
Professor Moshabela praised the award recipients for exemplifying academic rigour, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether in laboratories, communities, or global platforms, these individuals are mentors, collaborators, and trailblazers.
He further commended the NRF for its visionary approach in recognising Next Generation Researchers and Early Career/Emerging Researchers. He noted the importance of nurturing young talent to ensure a sustainable research ecosystem.
“This is critical for our human resource development needs. I also wish to congratulate and commend the NRF Board, the NRF Executive and staff for working hard over the years to lay the basis and justification for today’s celebration,” he added.
Reflecting on the NRF’s broader mission, Professor Moshabela said he is proud of the Foundation’s role. It supports and enables a vibrant and diverse research community.
“The mandate of the NRF is to promote and support research through funding, human capital development, and the provision of research infrastructure. These remain critical in our collective pursuit of a knowledge-based economy and society,” he emphasised.
The 2025 NRF Awards once again reinforced the importance of research as a driver of innovation. Research also fuels societal progress and global competitiveness. The awards spotlight the dedication of those who push the boundaries of knowledge.
The awards were presented across two categories—NRF ratings-based awards and Special Awards. One special winner received a special award. This award was given to Professor Jill Farrant. She is from the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Cape Town.
The awards further awarded other academics who play key roles in research and innovation. Under the category of Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers, Mr. Avela Sogoni received an award. He is from the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Dr Thulani Andrew Chauke is from the Department of Adult, Community and Continuing Education at University of South Africa. He received the Research Excellence Award. This award is for Early Career/Emerging Researchers.
The award further had focused research advancement award that is awarded to institutions. The winners were Durban University of Technology and University of the Western Cape.
These awards recognized individuals in the academic sphere and science. They also highlighted the growing role of researchers. This is true both in South Africa and abroad in shaping the education sector. Numerous academics were awarded awards according to their respective categories.
To read more about winners at the 2025 NRF awards, visit the NRF website at https://www.nrf.ac.za/the-2025-nrf-awards-celebrate-south-africas-sicence-stars/
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