“I stand here before you deeply honoured and profoundly humbled by the recognition bestowed upon me and the privilege of joining the illustrious family of Stellenbosch alumni."
With these words, the internationally recognised scholar and biostatistician Prof Lehana Thabane accepted the honorary doctorate awarded to him by Stellenbosch University (SU) at its December graduation. He received the degree Doctor of Science (DSc) (Medicine and Health Sciences), honoris causa, on Tuesday (12 December 2023) at the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Thabane was honoured for his pioneering work in health research and clinical trials methodology and his advocacy for evidence-based medicine and healthcare, for transferring his expertise and knowledge through academia and building capacity for applied clinical research, and for his strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists.
In his acceptance speech, Thabane emphasised the important role universities play in society. “They are the crucibles where future leaders are forged equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness technology for the betterment of humanity, from combating diseases to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change."
He hailed SU as an institution of high repute that “not only stood in the vanguard of South Africa's transformation from the shadow of the apartheid system, but also continues to blaze your trails in scientific innovation, contributing to brighter future for generations to come."
He encouraged graduates to embrace the transformative power of collaboration and mentorship, sustain a positive perspective, and refine their soft skills.
“In your pursuit of knowledge and wisdom remain humble and thirsty for more. Use your newfound knowledge for the betterment of humanity and always hold gratitude close to your heart."
More about Thabane
Prof Lehana Thabane is a professor of Biostatistics at McMaster University, and Vice-President of Research at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Canada. His ground-breaking work in developing and applying novel biostatistical methods for new clinical trial designs, including platform trials for COVID-19, has paved the way for innovative medical and behavioural interventions globally. Thabane is sought after by other eminent members of the international scientific community to serve as lead statistician on pivotal trials.
He has a particular passion for developing future scholars and has supervised more than 200 MSc and PhD students and mentored more than ten international fellows. Thabane's commitment to empowering students through education and training has seen him lead significant capacity-building initiatives in countries across Africa, including the launch of the Biostatistics MSc programme at Stellenbosch University in 2017, which has produced more than 30 skilled biostatisticians. He has held an appointment as an extraordinary professor in SU's Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics for the past six years.
Thabane has published more than 1,000 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, and Annals of Internal Medicine, and his work has been cited over 60,000 times. He has also collaborated on more than 300 national and international studies.
- Photo: Prof Lehana Thabane at the graduation: Photographer: Stefan Els
