Prof Ray Jansen named Faculty of Science’s Newsmaker of the Year

Few scientific stories have captured international attention quite like the work of Prof Ray Jansen, whose decades of research and advocacy for pangolin conservation have brought South African science into the global spotlight. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to science communication and conservation awareness, Prof Jansen received the Faculty of Science’s Newsmaker of the Year Award 2025.

Prof Ray Jansen and Dr Kara-Lee Prinsloo. A leading authority on pangolins and the illegal wildlife trade, Prof Jansen has consistently used his scientific expertise to raise awareness about one of the world’s most threatened mammals. His work has featured across radio, television, newspapers, documentaries and international media, helping translate complex conservation research into accessible stories for wider audiences.

His international profile reached new heights in 2025 through his prominent contribution to the Netflix documentary Pangolin: Kulu's Journey. A supporting media-reach assessment estimated a conservative global cumulative audience of between 20 and 70 million people across streaming platforms, news media, radio, podcasts and public outreach.

His media coverage has included prominent international platforms such as CBS News, BBC, CNN, Sky News and the Financial Times, alongside extensive South African media coverage. Beyond the impressive audience figures, Prof Jansen’s contribution lies in giving conservation science a powerful public voice, raising awareness of wildlife trafficking and showcasing the importance of South African research on the international stage.

Prof Ray Jansen’s pangolin communications have directly translated into measurable conservation, enforcement, and societal outcomes. By consistently presenting scientifically verified data on pangolin trafficking trends, rescue outcomes and ecological importance, his work has strengthened collaboration between conservation scientists and law-enforcement agencies.

Prof Ray Jansen was recognised for his contribution to international conservation. Increased public awareness has supported sting operations, improved reporting of illegal wildlife activity and contributed to stronger sentencing outcomes in wildlife crime cases.  Since he became involved in the recovery of pangolins from the illegal trade, 302 pangolins have been recovered in South Africa, and court cases have resulted in sentences increasing from a suspended sentence to an effective 10-year jail term. In several instances, media exposure of pangolin trafficking cases has coincided with heightened prosecutorial attention and landmark custodial sentences, reinforcing deterrence. His work not only places South African research on the international stage but also shows how a scientist's voice can translate global visibility into tangible conservation impact.