By: The Division of Communications & Advancement
Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 has achieved a significant milestone with the upgrading, in October, of Professor Janice Limson’s South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Biotechnology Innovation and Engagement.
Initially awarded at Tier 2 for 10 years, the Chair’s upgrade to Tier 1 secures an additional five years of funding, underscoring Prof. Limson and her team’s significant contributions to biotechnology innovation, particularly in linking scientific innovation with societal needs.
“This elevation affirms the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s pioneering approach to biotechnology research. It reinforces the value of our novel approaches in biotechnology research and innovation at the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网,” Prof. Limson said.
The Chair's research focus has explored pathways for scientists to partner with communities and stakeholders to bring about meaningful societal impact through research and innovation. “We will continue endeavouring to unlock bioeconomic opportunities for communities,” Prof. Limson said.
The Tier 1 upgrade by the National Research Foundation (NRF) followed a rigorous two-phase evaluation by independent experts.
“This accomplishment attests to the Chair's sustained excellence. It is a testament to Prof. Limson's exceptional scientific contributions over the past decade. It confirms that the objectives of the Chair have not only been met but surpassed, demonstrating excellence in research, innovation, and societal engagement.” Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, said.
In addition to her leadership in biotechnology at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, Prof. Limson is also recognised for her recent election as a member of the Council of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).
Through her roles at ASSAf and as leader of the UNICEF Innovation Biotechnology Node, Prof. Limson intends to strengthen the Chair’s impact on transdisciplinary and international initiatives, shaping policy and advancing innovation in higher education.
Prof Limson’s research spans critical areas such as water treatment and rapid diagnostic tools for healthcare and water quality. Through the Chair, she pioneers direct engagement with communities, enhancing the experience for science students and benefiting the communities involved.
Her team’s approach to community-engaged research highlights the broader benefits for all involved, ultimately supporting the deployment of impactful biotechnology products. This is made possible through her role as Director of the Department of Science and Innovation’s Nano-Micro Manufacturing facility (NMMF) for paper-based diagnostics. Based at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, this facility is one of five nationally providing access to state-of-the-art technology to translate research into products such as rapid diagnostic tests.
Prof Limson paid tribute to communities, her dedicated research team, colleagues at the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 and beyond, former and current students, and the vast network of stakeholders at the heart of the success of the Chair.
With the Tier 1 upgrade, Prof. Limson envisions broader community engagement. "As a team, we are now looking ahead to exploring how engaged research can not only lead to life-saving innovations as well as new policies but to unlocking opportunities for communities to participate in the bioeconomy," she said.
This elevation sets Prof. Limson’s SARChI Chair on a path to strengthen Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s role in biotechnology further, advancing research, societal engagement, and educational excellence. Prof. Limson’s work represents Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s commitment to research that yields tangible societal benefits.