Two of the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) brightest research stars at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr Maxleene Sandasi and Prof David Katerere were awarded South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Scientific Merit Awards in acknowledgement of their outstanding contributions to health research.
Dr Maxleene Sandasi.
The SAMRC Merit Awards recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen or made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy and thereby enhancing the wellbeing of the South African population.
Dr Maxleene Sandasi, Technologist under the SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Prof David Katerere, TUT Research Platform Chair and co-director of the TUT/CSIR Cannabis Research Hub, received the Bronze and Silver Awards respectively for their research. Whilst Dr Sandasi’s research is focused on determining the quality, safety and efficacy (QSE) of herbal raw materials and products using various techniques, Prof Katerere is involved in an area of projects in drug discovery, quality of medicines, nutraceutical and cannabis product formulation and testing as well as bio-entrepreneurship.
The SAMRC strongly supports excellence in health research and has established a set of medal awards to recognise world-class science. The awards are among South Africa’s most prestigious and are dedicated to contributions to health research in South Africa.
According to the SAMRC, Bronze medals are awarded annually to scientists who have recently entered into research, with not less than 5 years post PhD experience. The award is not tied to chronological age, but researchers should preferably be under 50 years of age. Silver medals are awarded to early/mid-career scientists from either a MBBCh/MBChB background or from a PhD background. To qualify, they must hold a PhD/ MMed/or equivalent qualification. The Award is for important scientific contributions made within 10 years of having been awarded their PhD or MMed.
Prof David Katerere.