Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice-Rector: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at Stellenbosch University (SU), recently gave recognition to 45 of SU's top researchers who made the biggest contribution to accredited publications and/or delivered the most doctoral graduates at the December 2015/March 2016 graduation ceremonies. They were honoured at a function held at the SU Botanical Gardens.  

These researchers performed in one or more of the three categories: the largest contribution with regards to the Department of Higher Education and Training `s research publication subsidy units, the largest number of accredited research publications in collaboration with their national and international research partners and students – in both categories the 2014 output year information was used; and three or more PhD graduates delivered in 2015 (December 2015/March 2016 graduation ceremonies).

Prof Cloete stated that publications and doctoral graduates are the most important outputs of SU researchers.

"These activities contribute greatly to the expansion of the reputation of SU as an outstanding research university. More important is the fact that new knowledge generated at SU is being transferred to a worldwide audience in this way, and ensures the application of research results and the establishment of high-level human capacity."

Prof Cloete also thanked the researchers for their exceptional contribution to SU`s research efforts and mentioned that researchers who produce these types of outputs of the highest quality can be regarded as one of the most important assets at any university.

• Photo: Prof Eugene Cloete with some of SU's top researchers at a function at the Botanical Gardens.
• Photographer : TC Kieck