The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) celebrated excellence in health sciences at its 11th annual Scientific Merit Awards, honouring outstanding researchers who have made significant contributions to the field. This year, a new category, the Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award, was introduced to acknowledge scientists dedicated to capacity building and transformation in health research across South Africa.
Prof Angela Mathee, Executive Director: Transformation (SAMRC);
Prof Alvaro Viljoen and Prof Tim Tucker, SAMRC Board Member.
One of the distinguished recipients of this prestigious award was Prof Alvaro Viljoen from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Science. Prof Viljoen, who holds the DSI-NRF Chair in Phytomedicine, is the Unit Director of the SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit at the university’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. His groundbreaking research into medicinal plants and phytomedicine has significantly advanced the understanding of indigenous herbal medicine, contributing to both academic and industrial applications.
SAMRC President and CEO, Prof Ntobeko Ntusi, emphasised the importance of these awards in recognising scientific excellence and fostering innovation in health sciences.
“Through these prestigious awards, which remain the most sought-after in the country, the SAMRC aims to acknowledge outstanding contributions in health sciences, to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen or made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy and enhancing the well-being of all South Africans,” said Prof Ntusi.
SAMRC Board Chairperson, Prof Johnny Mahlangu, echoed these sentiments, extending his congratulations to all award recipients.
“On behalf of the SAMRC Board, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients of the SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards. Your dedication to advancing health research and innovation is truly commendable. These awards celebrate not only your outstanding contributions but also the impact your work has on improving lives and shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa and beyond. We salute your excellence and commitment to health research,” said Mahlangu.
Prof Viljoen and his postgraduate research team employ state-of-the-art technology to explore indigenous knowledge and traditional medicinal plant applications. His work focuses on unravelling the complex phytochemistry of South African medicinal plants and validating their traditional uses through evidence-based ethnopharmacological approaches, employing both in vitro and in vivo models. A crucial aspect of his research is the standardisation and quality assessment of herbal raw materials and commercial herbal products. His efforts culminated in the publication of the first South African Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a landmark achievement for the field of herbal medicine research in South Africa.
In addition to quality control, Prof Viljoen's research extends to herbal medicine safety, assessing potential toxicity and herb-drug interactions. His findings provide vital information for regulators, industry stakeholders and consumers, ensuring the safe and effective use of herbal medicines.
Professor Viljoen’s contributions to medicinal plant research have garnered national and international recognition. His accolades include:
- Silver Medal from the South African Association of Botanists for exceptional advancements in South African medicinal plant research.
- AU-TWAS-ROSSA Award from the Academy of Science for his contributions to the safe and effective use of herbal medicines.
- Indigenous Plant Use Forum Award (2021) for his role in research capacity development in herbal medicine.
- Zandu Award (2023) from the International Society for Ethnopharmacology for his contributions to the field.
The SAMRC considered the > 300 articles published (h index = 55), 92 completed postgraduate students (of which 23 are academics) and his commitment to the promotion of women in science for the award.
With a career dedicated to integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies, Professor Viljoen’s work continues to shape the future of phytomedicine in South Africa. His research not only advances scientific understanding but also fosters the development of high-quality, safe, and effective herbal medicines that benefit both local and global communities.
The SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards remain a vital platform for recognising and encouraging scientific excellence in South Africa. As the country continues to push the boundaries of health research, dedicated scientists like Prof Viljoen set the benchmark for innovation and transformation in the field. Their work truly embodies the University’s motto: “Moving from Good to Great”.