The University of South Africa (Unisa) is celebrating another major milestone after four of its academics were named finalists in the prestigious 2025/2026 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards, one of the country's highest honours in science, engineering, technology and innovation.
Widely known as the "Science Oscars of South Africa," the awards recognise individuals whose research and innovations are transforming lives, advancing knowledge and contributing to South Africa's scientific and technological development.
Established by the NSTF in 1998 and supported by South32 since 2016, the awards are endorsed by the Ministry and Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). They celebrate excellence across the science, engineering and technology (SET) sector while helping shape the country's innovation agenda.
The 2025/2026 awards ceremony, held under the theme "Healthy Ageing", takes place on 16 July in a hybrid format, with simultaneous gala events in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, the official patron of the awards, will preside over the ceremony.
Prof Marcia Mkansi, Prof Phumulani Fortune Msomi, Prof Malek Maaza and Prof Lukas Willem Snyman
Prof Marcia Mkansi, from the Department of Operations and Management in the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS), where she also serves as College Head for Research, Postgraduate Studies and Innovation, has been named a finalist in both the Management Award and the Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation categories.
She is being recognised for her contribution to societal research and human capital development, as well as for developing an affordable, integrated mobile healthcare supply chain application that improves access to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Her work supports universal health coverage and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being.
Associate Prof Phumulani Fortune Msomi, from the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions (ICES) in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), is a finalist for the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award.
His research focuses on developing advanced electrochemical energy materials that improve the efficiency, durability and affordability of clean energy technologies, including fuel cells and flow batteries. His work is contributing to South Africa's transition towards a more sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
Prof Malek Maaza, UNESCO Africa Chair, professor in the Department of Research in the College of Graduate Studies and Senior Scientist at Unisa, has been shortlisted for the Science Diplomacy for Africa Award.
He is recognised for pioneering the multidisciplinary field of nanoscience and nanotechnology in Africa and for his significant contribution to scientific collaboration and innovation across the continent.
Prof Lukas Willem Snyman, a retired Research and Innovation professor in Electrical Engineering at the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability and now a research associate in the Department of Electrical Engineering, is a finalist for the Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation.
He is being honoured for establishing the Innovation Laboratory in the Department of Electrical Engineering, which has produced 14 South African patents and secured six international patents in optoelectronic devices over the past decade.
The recognition of these four academics reflects Unisa's commitment to research excellence and innovation that addresses real-world challenges. Their achievements demonstrate how research conducted at the university continues to influence healthcare, clean energy, technology and scientific advancement, while strengthening South Africa's position in global research and innovation.
Their success also serves as an inspiration to both staff and students, highlighting the impact that dedication, collaboration and pioneering research can have in transforming society.
* By Nontsikelelo Ndebele, Communications Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement
Publish date: 2026-07-17 00:00:00.0
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