TUT a finalist in four categories for SA’s Science Oscars

Three TUT academics and researchers have been named finalists in four categories in this year’s prestigious National Science and Technology Forum-South32 (NSTF-South32) Awards scheduled for 16 July 2026.

Prof Topside Mathonsi Dubbed the “Science Oscars” of South Africa, the NSTF-South32 Awards recognise outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

Prof Topside Mathonsi – the Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Information Technology – is a finalist in two categories: the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher and the Management Award.

Prof Mathonsi is recognised for his work in developing intelligent technologies that leverage AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to protect critical resources, including water, agriculture, and essential infrastructure.

Prof Alvaro Viljoen, TUT’s highest-ranked NRF-rated researcher and author of more than 300 articles in peer-reviewed publications, is a finalist for the Lifetime Award.

Prof Alvaro Viljoen Prof Viljoen –  who is the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation-National Research Foundation (DSTI-NRF) Chairholder in Phytomedicine under the auspices of the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) –  is recognised for his work in advancing safe and quality herbal medicines to strengthen SA’s bioeconomy. Also the Director of the Herbal Drugs Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council, Prof Viljoen has built an internationally respected research career dedicated to medicinal plants and natural products, contributing to evidence-based phytomedicine and supporting the development of locally relevant healthcare solutions.

Prof Raymond Jansen, Full Professor of Zoology and Ecology in the Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences in the Faculty of Science, is a finalist for the Communication Award. Prof Prof Raymond Jansen Jansen is respected for transforming cutting-edge pangolin research into powerful public awareness and anti-trafficking action, helping to protect the pangolins, one of the world’s most endangered and trafficked mammals.

Winners of the 2025-2026 NSTF-South32 Awards will be announced at simultaneous events in Cape Town and Johannesburg, under the theme “Healthy Ageing”, in line with the United Nations’ proclamation of 2021-2030 as the Decade of Healthy Ageing. This year also marks the 28^th anniversary of the awards.