Dr Charl Deacon remembers the sense of awe he had during his first encounter with an insect as if it was yesterday – he was very young and it was a “giant stick insect”. “They are quite rare now,” he says with the benefit of the knowledge that comes with many years...
Sibusiso Mahlangu’s first application to study at university was unsuccessful. But he seems to take a stoic approach to these setbacks. “As with anything in life, challenges will be there,” he says. Mahlangu recounts how he witnessed his parents perform miracles each...
Supporting Science, Policy, and Sustainable Development DATE: 22nd – 24th February 2022Venue: Colophon Room, CBC Building, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Deadline for submissions: 10th December 2021 Background SANBI is the home of the South African Node of the Global...
North-West University MSc student Linda Van Der Spuy is yet to complete her degree but she has already described nine new species to science. This is no small feat if you ask any taxonomist. Linda is no stranger to hard work and long hours. Yet she describes financial...
Prof Nox Makunga is a medicinal plant biotechnology expert who also wears a hat as one of South Africa’s top communicating scientists. Prof Makunga gave an inspiring keynote address to 25 FBIP-funded students from across South Africa. She reflected on her...
Biodiversity scientists have called for red tape to be cut “as a matter of urgency”, as researchers bear the brunt of increasing bureaucracy and managerialism. Over 30 biodiversity researchers wrote a commentary in the South African Journal of Science (SAJS)...
Rouane Brokensha finds it ‘strange’ to be considered the national expert on hermit tanaids. These are tiny shrimp-like marine creatures that live in empty snail shells. She has been assigned this status after just completing her honours year but owns it with the...
Initially Mosikidi Toka initially wanted to be a medical doctor. However, as with many other first-generation students, he did not have enough information on his desired studies. So, he registered for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology and Life Sciences at the...
Dr Edward Netherlands As a young boy Dr Edward Netherlands was always interested in working with animals. He could often be found collecting all kinds of reptiles and frogs in his spare time. It was no surprise that when the time came, he would enroll for a BSc in...
Abusisiwe Ndaba is a 24 year old MSc student who grew up in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. During her high school years biology was the subject that she most enjoyed, yet she had no idea of it being a subject that could be deeply researched. However, she knew that one...
