​Prof Sophie von der Heyden from the Department of Botany and Zoology in the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University (SU) delivered her inaugural lecture on 8 August 2023. The title of her talk was “A brief journey through the evolution of marine molecular ecology in Southern Africa: 15 years of perspectives".

Von der Heyden, who is also the leader of the Marine Genomics and Conservation Group and a collaborator at the School for Climate Studies at SU, spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about how her research helps to manage and conserve South Africa's marine protected areas and resources.

Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.

I grew up in Berlin and London, so my career was not immediately inspired by the ocean. I did, however, love natural history museums (and still do) and would often go fishing with my older brother, bringing home fish, tadpoles, etc, in jars. That progressed to keeping a wide variety of fishes at home, my favourite being the “four-eyed fish" (Anableps) and ultimately studying for a degree in aquatic biology.

A PhD in evolutionary biology followed (I discovered the joy of genetics in my first year) and then I was lucky enough to start my career in South Africa. Here I was able to fuse my interests in marine ecology and evolution with molecular tools and start investigating how the environment, both in the past and now, shapes marine populations and what this means for their conservation and management.

How does your research help to manage and conserve South Africa's marine protected areas and resources?

The most immediate impact is through our long-term relationship with researchers and managers in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment and the demersal (fish that lie on or near the seabed) and pelagic (fish that live nearer to the surface) fishing industries in South Africa and Namibia, as well as other colleagues and stakeholders. Our assessment of the genetic structure of hake and kingklip populations has led to changes in how these stocks are managed and highlighted the importance of managing shared fisheries resources, even across geo-political borders.

My work has been very diverse, has “evolved" over time and involved lots of different species. I now run South Africa's largest seagrass ecology, conservation, and restoration research programme, and we also develop novel genomic tools for monitoring biodiversity in marine and freshwater environments. This will provide baseline assessments of the incredible natural diversity of the region. I have been very lucky to be involved in several global initiatives endeavouring to build capacity, both human and technological, throughout Africa.

Based on your extensive research, why is it so important for us to protect our marine ecosystems?

Humanity has not been kind to the planet. We have made large-scale changes, so much so that some people call the era we live in the “Anthropocene" (human activity significantly impacting the planet's climate and ecosystems). There are only a few pristine places left and global change is a reality which affects biodiversity and humanity, so it makes sense that by trying to conserve marine ecosystems we also positively affect how people are able to live.

By protecting our oceans, we don't just benefit from more fishes and other species that people catch, but the oceans also help regulate the climate and generate lots of the oxygen that people need for their survival. That is the big picture. But the oceans also harbour the most incredible diversity of species, all of which are intricately adapted to their environment and all of which are important in their own way. Without them, the world would be a much poorer place!

You have spent many years in the challenging environment of higher education. What keeps you motivated when things get tough?

Well, my family keeps me grounded, but sure, things get tough. We have been through student fee protests, declining funding opportunities, droughts, and the electricity crisis whilst at the same time juggling what seem to be increasing loads professionally. My motivation comes from being realistic, and grateful, that we still have an incredible place of work where we have intellectual freedom, opportunities to travel to exchange ideas and knowledge, where we can build strong and lasting relationships and friendships, as well as help build capacity and shape science.

My students have always been an inspiration, even though they might not know it. I admire how they grapple with their MScs and PhDs, and everything works out – training the next generation of emerging researchers is a huge joy. Finally, perspective is important. As academics, we have unique places of work and opportunities that are beyond those of many people and that is something for which I have always been grateful.

What would your message be to young girls who aspire to a career in science?

There is nothing you cannot do. Being a scientist is really exciting, so whether you want to be a marine biologist, chemist, or study mathematics, if you want to do it, go for it. There are no “girl" and “boy" subjects. The world needs strong women as scientists, researchers, and leaders, so go and get it!

Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.

As a teenager, I ran a small music magazine for a few years, and I even toyed with the idea of becoming a music journalist. I spent a LOT of my time in London watching bands and going to music festivals. I was never a stand-out student at school and was not good at getting my homework in on time, mostly because a lot of my time was spent listening to and (unsuccessfully) trying to make music, whilst spending most weekends away from my desk. I did get to see and meet the most amazing bands and people, including Oasis and FatBoy Slim!

How do you spend your free time?

My family is never far away. They are the most important part of my “free time". You will find us on the mountain, at the side of a sports field, in the ocean, and generally being busy and planning new adventures and travelling as much as we can. Throw in our crazy dog, spending time with friends, baking, reading and (trying to play) the piano and that takes care of a typical day. I'd love to have more time to spend volunteering at places like Animal Welfare, whose cause is close to my heart.

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