Pharmaceutical Science researchers win multiple awards

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Faculty of Science at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) achieved notable recognition at the 4th National Pharmacy Conference held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

Prof Alvaro Viljoen received the 2026 APSSA Best Publication Award in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The conference brought together pharmacy professionals, researchers, academics and other stakeholders under the theme “A Glimpse into the Future: Advancing Pharmacy Towards 2050”. Hosted by the South African Pharmacy Council, the conference provided a platform to discuss the future of pharmacy, including the role of research, innovation and emerging technologies in advancing healthcare.

Simoné Heuer received the Young Scientist – Pharmaceutical Sciences Award at the National Pioneer Pharmacy Awards on 13 October 2026, with her presentation entitled “Comparative stability evaluation of Lessertia frutescens and Aloe ferox raw materials and commercial herbal products under real-time and accelerated storage”. Her research is supervised by Prof Eugene Olivier and co-supervised by Prof Alvaro Viljoen. Her achievement highlights the importance of developing emerging researchers and creating opportunities for young scientists to contribute to pharmaceutical knowledge and innovation.

The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of South Africa (APSSA) Best Publication Awards recognise outstanding research publications across four pharmacy disciplines. This year, researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences received two of the four Best Publication Awards, highlighting the Department’s contribution to pharmaceutical research.

Prof Ilze Vermaak received the 2026 APSSA Best Publication Award in Pharmacology. Prof Alvaro Viljoen received the 2026 APSSA Best Publication Award in Pharmaceutical Chemistry for the publication “South African Propolis: Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity, Chemistry, and Toxicity”, authored by S Dinat, A Orchard, E Ncube, W Chen, A Viljoen and S van Vuuren.

Prof Ilze Vermaak received the 2026 APSSA Best Publication Award in Pharmacology for the publication “Exploring the Wound Healing Potential of Lobostemon fruticosus Using In Vitro and In Vivo Bioassays”, authored by MR Kgosana, M Sandasi, E Ncube, I Vermaak, C Gouws and AM Viljoen.

Receiving two of the four awards is a significant achievement for the Department and recognises the collective contribution of the researchers and their co-authors. These achievements reinforce the Faculty of Science’s commitment to impactful research, innovation and the development of future-ready researchers who can contribute to South Africa’s evolving healthcare needs.

Simoné Heuer received the Young Scientist Award.