chemists-from-south-africa

"Electroanalysis and electrocatalysis are electrochemically driven analytical protocols for measurement and monitoring of a wide range of environmental pollutants, depending on the chemical transformations that give rise to the pollution effect."

"Each environmental problem requires careful analysis of the chemical nature of the problem before the best suited methods for analysis and monitoring may be developed."

"The common factor between all these projects is the interest in novel high surface area electrochemically active nanomaterials which could benefit the focus of either sensors or energy applications."

"Preliminary work includes the development of polymer electrodes for sulphonamide detection, with very sensitive and reproducible analytical reporting in laboratory standard solutions as well as municipal tap."

"This is very important for capacity building, research training of postgraduate students and for developing teaching capacity in teaching current hot topics in science."

"Nobody gives you opportunities; they present themselves to you. And it's up to you to see them and to seize them, no matter what other people may say – you can achieve what you believe"

"Follow your passion, but understand that passions shift over time, and that’s okay. Balance motherhood and ambition, reflect often, and always be building towards a purposeful legacy."

"Make it count, because how we use these opportunities now will shape what’s possible for generations of women after us."

"My story is not just about overcoming barriers—it’s about building bridges for others"

"The practical component of oceanography required long periods at sea, but the boats weren’t equipped for women, and the crew were not ready to accept a person of colour as a professional... By actively sharing my journey, I’ve become a tangible example for female students to explore careers based on capability, not stereotypes"

"Most current medical interventions are designed for ex post facto implementation"

"The major shortcoming of modern medicine lies in the absence of continuous monitoring tools to inform medical practitioners of the early onset and progression of a disease"

"We are bridging a crucial gap in healthcare knowledge and implementation"

"Collaborative research sharpens our skills and pushes us to think beyond our comfort zones"

"Women often remain primary caregivers, facing career interruptions due to maternity leave and family demands - factors rarely accounted for in promotions"

"Surround yourself with leaders who embody excellence, kindness and fairness. We must create spaces where all can thrive"

"The Fellow in residence programme has allowed me to integrate as an active team member with the LPPI researchers, to develop joint interests in a diverse range of projects centred around sensor development and energy applications. The common factor between all these projects is the interest in novel high surface area electrochemically active nanomaterials which could benefit the focus of either sensors or energy applications. During the 4 month FIR stay, the initial contact with LPPI has been expanded to a fully representative consortium working on mutually beneficial materials and technology outcomes. This is very important for capacity building, research training of postgraduate students and for developing teaching capacity in teaching current hot topics in science. The consortium partnership established between SensorLab (University of the Western Cape ) and the LPPI laboratory (CY Cergy Paris) is a unique innovation in science knowledge sharing and capacity building between South Africa and France."

"These chemical transformations include highly specific binding reactions, electrolysis, energy efficient catalytic conversion of chemical reactants, adsorption reactions, diffusion controlled reactions and coupled chemical reactions **"

"I hope that my work and determination inspire young scientists to persevere in their efforts until we find lasting solutions to address cancer in Africa."

"This achievement reaffirms that my dedication to addressing the urgent cancer challenges in the African region is both recognised and valued."

"I also want to encourage more young women to pursue careers in STEM. The opportunities are boundless – embrace them, and together, we can change the world."

"The mixed method design was adopted for this study which triangulated focus group semi structured interview, documentary analysis and lesson observation."

"Writing is dominant in schools and continues to be important for effective communication. Therefore, learners need to be up- skilled in writing skills as their everyday activities."

"Education has the power both to include and exclude, and the effects it has are down to the Higher Education (HE) professionals working in institutions and taking responsibility for what the student experience looks like."

"I am motivated by a vision of equity in society, a belief that opportunity in education can help transform society into a more equal community."

"I passionately believe we can take such students through an immersive university experience which they enjoy and through which they succeed. It is a complex journey for our students, and I appreciate that the scaffolding needs to be in place throughout their journey. Perhaps even before and post-graduation."

"We learn a lot through interaction in real time and in a real shared physical space. Of course, we have attentive support for transition to campus learning and counselling for any student facing difficulty balancing campus presence, online learning and interaction."

"Our students need to feel accepted and valued, we need to make sure that we work with them and not decide for them what this might mean in practice. Part of this work on belonging and inclusion is knowing who our students are. I need to know where they come from, their concerns, what inspires them, and their ambitions; therefore, I must create and align resources."

"I believe that African women have the capability to excel in the sciences and make Africa advance a lot in socio economic development."

"I hope we can achieve gender equality where women and girls are empowered to ensure inclusive and quality education for all."

"Well, I climbed the academic ladder from tutorial fellow to full professor. In the university there are four to five key performance areas: teaching undergraduate and supervising postgraduate students; research, development and innovation; community outreach; international networks and management or leadership. I have had significant outputs in the five areas."

"I am particularly interested in water research because water is simply vital. Nanotechnology has an essential role to play in purification techniques. Our current methods can filter water to levels that are safe for domestic use, or by up to 80%, but we want to refine them to filter [out] about 100% of water contaminants in one filtration cycle."

"I want us [Africans] to have access to safe drinking water, just as is the case in developed countries such as USA and in Europe."

"We drew water from a river about two miles [about 3km] away. The river where kids went to swim and women laundered their dirty clothes, was the same river we drew water from to fill our calabashes and plastic jerrycans."

"We need these technologies, not just for industrial use, but also for domestic use, for everyday use. So that individual households can mount them in their homes."

"My dream is to produce a commercially viable water nanofilter that removes contaminants in one filtration cycle, enabling rural African families to install affordable water filters in their homes. It is to have a continent where everyone can access safe and clean drinking water."