Science academics lead way with three staff members named finalists in NSTF Science Oscars

The Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is proud of three of its distinguished academics who have been named finalists in the prestigious 2025/2026 NSTF-South32 Awards—widely regarded as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa. These national awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology and innovation across a broad spectrum of disciplines, highlighting excellence among researchers, innovators, communicators and leaders.

Prof Alvaro Viljoen Representing the Faculty of Science among this year’s finalists are:

Dr Nangamso Nyangiwe, Department of Physics, who is nominated for the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award;

Prof Alvaro Viljoen, DSTI-NRF SARChI Chairholder in Phytomedicine and Director of the Herbal Drugs Research Unit at the SAMRC, who is a finalist for the Lifetime Award; and

Prof Ray Jansen from the Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, who is nominated for the Communication Award.

Their inclusion among this elite group reflects both individual excellence and the Faculty’s continued commitment to impactful research, innovation and science engagement.

Established in 1998, the NSTF Awards aim to promote and recognise exceptional contributions to SET and innovation in South Africa by individuals, teams and organisations. The awards are the most comprehensive and sought-after of their kind in the country, celebrating achievements that advance knowledge, improve quality of life and contribute to national development.

This year’s awards also align with the theme of “Healthy Ageing,” underscoring the role of science and innovation in addressing societal challenges.

The Faculty commends these finalists for their remarkable achievements and wishes them every success as they proceed to the final stage of the awards. Their recognition at this level brings honour to the Faculty and the University as well as reinforcing the vital role of science and innovation in shaping a better future for all.

Prof Ray Jansen Dr Nangamso Nyangiwe