In a landmark achievement, three professors from the University of South Africa (UNISA) have been recognised at the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) 11th Scientific Merit Awards, the nation’s premier platform for celebrating excellence in health research.

Professors Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana, Lindiwe Zungu, and Usisipho Feleni were honoured for their pioneering contributions to public health, occupational safety, and environmental sustainability, cementing UNISA’s role as a leader in innovative and socially impactful research.

Established in 1969, the SAMRC is dedicated to improving the health of South Africans through research, innovation, and technology transfer. Its annual Scientific Merit Awards honour individuals who have made significant contributions to health sciences, public health, and research capacity development.

This year’s ceremony highlighted the transformative work of researchers addressing South Africa’s unique health challenges.

Professor Kwitshana, a globally respected immunologist and C3 NRF-rated scientist, received the Research Capacity and Transformation Award. Her career has focused on unravelling the complexities of co-infections such as HIV/TB and neglected tropical diseases, bridging immunology, nutrition, and cancer research.

A key figure in national policy, she serves on the National Health Research Ethics Council and the Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Forum, ensuring her work directly shapes public health strategies.

Professor Zungu, Distinguished Professor and Chief Research Specialist in Occupational Health and Safety at UNISA, was also awarded the Research Capacity and Transformation Award.

With over two decades of groundbreaking research, she has reshaped occupational health in South Africa’s high-risk mining and construction sectors, advocating for safer environments for women in male-dominated industries.

Professor Feleni, Associate Professor at UNISA’s Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, received the Bronze Scientific Achievement Award. A rising star in nanotechnology, she pioneers electrochemical biosensors to detect disease biomarkers and environmental contaminants, positioning her as a leader in public health innovation.

Her work on SARS-CoV-2 monitoring and water quality has earned national acclaim, including the prestigious TW-Nkambule NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers.

The institution said this historic triple win underscores UNISA’s commitment to research excellence under Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula.

The university added that its ten catalytic research niche areas foster a dynamic environment where scholars tackle Africa’s pressing challenges.

The SAMRC also honoured researchers from institutions such as the University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, and Mangosuthu University of Technology, reflecting the collaborative spirit of South Africa’s health research community.

Service Recognition Awards were presented to retiring SAMRC Unit Directors Prof Naeemah Abrahams, Prof Charles Parry, and Prof Rob Warren, acknowledging their decades of dedication.

SAMRC Board Chairperson Professor Johnny Mahlangu commended all recipients.

“On behalf of the SAMRC Board, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients of the SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards. Your dedication to advancing health research and innovation is truly commendable. These awards celebrate not only your outstanding contributions but also the impact your work has on improving lives and shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa and beyond. We salute your excellence and commitment to health research,” said Professor Mahlangu.

The SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards reaffirm the power of research to drive societal change.

“Through these prestigious awards, which remain the most sought-after in the country, the SAMRC aims to acknowledge outstanding contributions in health sciences, to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen or made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy and enhancing the well-being of all South Africans,” said SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi.