Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences scoops 7 awards at this year’s Stellenbosch University Research and Innovation Awards.

As the academic year 2024 draws to a close, the Research and Innovation Awards were presented to SU outstanding academic staff on 31 October 2024. The event was held at Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). This event is a special gathering and a unique opportunity for the university to recognize and celebrate academic excellence and achievements of academics across the university in various categories. The categories in the awards includes post graduate students, early career researchers, established researchers, women in research, newly A-rated researchers and outstanding postgraduate supervisors.

The events are held annually under the custodian of Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies. Once again Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences proved to be a force in research and innovation, scooping total of 7 awards in various categories. “The research awards testify to the academic standing of the Arts and Social Sciences within the university, by recognizing the different researchers’ groundbreaking research and scholarly contributions. Their contributions in the various categories are truly impressive and recognises the exceptional talent and accomplishments in the Faculty that continue to make an impact in the different fields of study” said Prof Lindy Heinecken, Vice Dean-Research, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

The awards are as follows and words of gratitude from the recipients:

NEW A-RATED RESEARCHER AWARD-Prof Herman Wasserman

Department of Journalism

https://journalism.sun.ac.za/staff/

“I appreciate the recognition of my research by the NRF in the form of an A-rating. It indicates that my work has made an international impact, and inspires me to develop my research further. I appreciate the ongoing support and encouragement provided by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Research Development to help me achieve my research objectives”

EARLY CAREER RESEARCH CATEGORY-Ms Mariam Salie

Department of Psychology

https://www0.sun.ac.za/psychology/staff/academic-staff/

“As a clinically trained psychologist, I occasionally grapple with uncertainties regarding my competency in academia and research. The receipt of this award provides valuable validation, affirming that my current path is indeed appropriate and acknowledging the contributions I have made thus far. Furthermore, this recognition has served as a motivating factor, encouraging me to continue elevating my standards and fostering confidence in my academic career”.

ESTABLISHED RESEARCH CATEGORY- Prof Amanda Gouws

Department of Political Science

https://polsci.sun.ac.za/people/

POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION AWARDS-Prof Sandra Swart

Department of History

https://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/arts/history/staff/academic-staff

“I was really proud of winning a 2024 Research and Innovation Excellence Awards, Postgraduate Supervision Award. I immediately told my research group (nicknamed ‘History Friday Mornings’), which is made up of current postgrads and former-postgrads – including doctoral students from twenty years ago who are still part of our close-knit ‘research family’. They refer to me variously as Omar (from The Wire – my academic role model!) and ‘Mother of Dragons’. Here I am with two of my current dragons, doctoral students, Blessing Dhliwayo and Eddington Maseya”

VICE CHANCELLOR/DVC SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS