Professor Tebello Nyokong of Rhodes University and Professor Valerie Mizrahi of UCT were awarded Fellows on 10th May among 80 news Fellows.
The Royal Society in the UK recently revealed that Distinguished Professor Tebello Nyokong, who serves as the Director of the Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation at Rhodes University, has been chosen as one of 80 individuals from various parts of the globe to be elected to the Royal Society. This prestigious organization is the UK’s national academy of sciences and holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating scientific academy.
Another South African academics, Professor Valerie Mizrahi, Director of the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cape Town, joins Nyokong as Fellow of the Royal Academy. The Fellows are selected for their “substantial contribution to the advancement of science”. Proud moment for the South Africans! All of the Fellows were chosen from nations such as Japan, Finland, China, and South Africa.
Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said: “I am delighted to welcome our newest cohort of Fellows. These individuals have pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond”. Established in 1660, The Society’s mission is to promote and support scientific excellence, as well as to foster the advancement and application of research for the benefit of humanity.
He remarked in the announcement, “Among this year’s intake are individuals who were at the forefront of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on global challenges, from TB to climate change. They are pioneering scientists and innovators from around the world who have confounded expectations and transformed our thinking.”
Women make up over one-third of this year’s intake of Fellows, Foreign Members, and Honorary Fellows. The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship comprised of many of the world’s most eminent scientists from all fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
Nyokong expressed gratitude being honoured as Fellow by the Royal Society said, “In South Africa, we do not want to offend anyone, but my work has always been about fighting the war against stereotypes of colour and gender”.
Prof. Nyokong stated, “I was not expected to succeed based on the above. My success is due to my determination to train students who are truly world leaders, who have integrity and who are humble. My main aim has been to spread excellence among the African youth.”
Professor Sizwe Mabizel, Vice-Chancellor, Rhodes University said: “We are incredibly proud of her contribution to the research output of the university and all her achievements. She has very few equals in her area of speciality. She is making a huge contribution to our country and to the whole world. As the university, we are delighted to have academics of her calibre teaching our students, supervising our postgraduate students and contributing to global knowledge.”
Congratulations!! Professor Tebello Nyokong and Professor Valerie Mizrahi with your scientific aspirations and success to inspire the youths in Africa.