French ambassador bestows Christophe Mérieux Prize on Quarraisha Abdool Karim

Human rights deserve more than a day of recognition, being so much a part of our daily lives.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has maintained its status as one of the most transformed universities in South Africa, according to recently released statistics.

UKZN alumnus and long-distance runner Nontu Mgabhi has raised R1.7 million to provide Khiphinkumzi Primary School in Mtubatuba with five classrooms.

Tashmica Sharma is a PhD student in geography and environmental management, and a Hindu youth leader.

UKZN vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Nana Poku, said now more than ever the world needs re-energised and refocused commitment to eliminating Aids as a global public health threat.

Final-year medical student Ashiq Pramchand has published his first book: 'The Great Medical Student Odyssey – Tales and Adventures in Medical School'.

The Phoenix-1B Mk IIr vehicle soared to a new high altitude mark for hybrid rockets, beating the previous African record of 10.3km.

Tivana Chellan, a fifth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student, has been elected national president of the South African Medical Students Association.

UKZN has developed the chatbot to enhance the student and visitor experience for 2021 online registrations.

The book was launched by UKZN’s University Language Planning and Development Office and the Pan South African Language Board.

The Caribbean Philosophical Association bestowed the award on Professor Rozena Maart, who won for her contribution to literature and philosophy.

UKZN’s Aerospace Systems Research Group in the School of Engineering is developing the next generation of rocket scientists to propel SA’s space industry forward.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Professor Steve Johnson has obtained an A1 rating from the National Research Foundation.

Academic within the College of Humanities Professor Rozena Maart has won the 2021 award for her contribution to literature and philosophy.

The study examined the feasibility of LN versus open nephrectomy in resource constrained developing world hospitals.

The 24th edition of the Time of the Writer International Festival will be hosted virtually on the festival's social media channels from 15 to 21 March.

Over 1 000 HIV-1 genomes were produced in record time in SA to understand how drug resistance has developed to a new and potent antiretroviral treatment.

The group has been formalised as a research centre in the UKZN, now known as the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre.

Dr Thandeka Khoza and Prof Khajamohiddin Syed collaborated on research of three new classes of detoxification proteins from a human pathogen that causes a serious gastrointestinal disease.

The UN under-secretary general and executive director of UN Women will deliver the 2020 Chief Albert Luthuli Memorial Lecture.

Dr Ntobeko Mchunu was awarded a PhD in Bioresources Systems at UKZN’s virtual graduation ceremony.

A Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on Dr Ayanda Meyiwa during the UKZN’s Spring Graduation Ceremony.

Independent Media Home Chef Supreme Cookie Competition winner Pamela Joseph graduated with a master of science degree in organic chemistry from UKZN.

Thandeka Yasmeen Ndaba received a cum laude master’s degree in gender studies.

Dr Prinavin Govender graduated with a PhD in education from UKZN, and celebrated his birthday the next day.

The university placed fourth out of 57 institutions in Africa and ranked number 61 out of 250 institutions for space science, based on research performance in the field.

Dr Sooraj Baijnath, an honorary research fellow in UKZN’s Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has won the international Bioanalysis Rising Star Award.

The university will be conferring a total of 1 781 degree certificates on 30 October.

The combined dance effort involving the medical staff was done in support of a vision to eradicate cataract blindness, as well as to highlight the scourge of gender-based violence.

Dr Sinaye Ngcapu, honorary lecturer at UKZN and scientist at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in SA, was awarded the National Institutes of Health R01 grant.

Sixth-year medical student Kapil Narain is among the 200 young South Africans honoured by the Mail & Guardian newspaper.

The universities have come together to identify bioactive compounds from South African plants that could potentially be effective in the treatment against SARS-CoV-2.

Gray won the annual Helen Clark-Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice Award.

This achievement places the University of KwaZulu-Natal in fourth position among South African universities.

The video is the product of a collaboration between UKZN’s Department of Psychology, an adult education specialist and the Centre for Rural Health.

Kai Broughton, a PhD candidate and propulsion engineer in the Aerospace Systems Research Group, has been named among the African space industry’s Top 10 Under 30 by the Space in Africa news agency.

Zico Mthethwa is one of the artists who stands a chance to design Yogi Sip’s packaging for 2021 as well as a cash prize of R20 000.

The College of Health Sciences has received the ILEX Genehecker (ultra-fast pcr) to conduct rapid testing for COVID-19.

The research reveals quantum computing could enhance machine learning tasks, such as pattern recognition in the analysis of extremely large datasets.

Nine of the university's academics in the College of Health Sciences are guiding health minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and the National Health Department in their response to the virus.

There is a shift away from top-down lecturing and passive students to a more interactive, collaborative approach.

Lecturer in the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, Professor Hangwelani Magidimisha-Chipungu (35), became the first SARChI Chair in Inclusive Cities in South Africa.

A group of international scientists collaborating on a study found that people residing close to waste disposal sites reported a number of chronic clinical conditions.

Countries such as Taiwan, Germany and New Zealand - all with female leaders - have, through quick and decisive action based on scientific evidence, managed to control the rampant spread of the coronavirus.

The true meaning and intensity of this new dependency on technology becomes more ingrained with each passing day.

The 'new normal' might look nothing like the pre-COVID-19 crisis for South African higher education institutions.

Ntokozo Maphanga persevered to realise her dream of graduating with an MBChB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Ahmed Sameer Ikram will graduate with an MBChB summa cum laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Despite being paralysed on the left side of her body, Nokubonga Sithole went on to complete her studies and will graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Dane Arumugam and his son, Jadrian, will both receive post-graduate degrees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's 2020 virtual graduation ceremony.

Silindile Shazi is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts honour's degree cum laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal today.

At 19, Clermentine Ngidi will graduate with a Bachelor of Social Science degree.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will host a virtual ceremony for its graduation class of 2020 on Friday, 29 May 2020 at 13:30.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal will host a virtual ceremony for its cohort of graduands on Friday, 29 May, at 1:30pm.

Dr Lliane Loots and the Flatfoot Dance Company have been named one of this year's "African Voices Changemakers".

Dr Clinton Veale, Dr Jaclyn Mann and Dr Samuel Iwarere are among 30 early career researchers in Africa to receive support from the FLAIR programme.

The impacts of COVID-19 on food and nutrition security for smallholder farmers are substantial.

Too much time staring at a screen can cause digital eye strain, previously known as computer vision syndrome, says UKZN lecturer in the Discipline of Optometry, Dr Alvin Munsamy.

UKZN partners with the Aurum Institute to boost COVID-19 testing in impoverished areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

UKZN academics have created a video to deal with fear and anxiety during COVID-19.

A company that successfully implements business rescue will be able to avoid the negative impacts of closure, save some or all of its jobs and continue to operate.

Fox News presenters' failure to provide truthful coverage of the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic could be considered as constituting "a clear and present danger" to its viewers, to Americans, and to people around the world.

Qualified actuarial scientist Amira Mahomed Abbas has now graduated cum laude with an MSc in physics, specialising in quantum computing.

Gillean Fraser has graduated with an MSc in chemistry cum laude, and her sister Stephanie has graduated summa cum laude with a BSc chemistry honour's degree.

Dr Neha Manhas used the concept of molecular hybridisation to develop new Schiff bases of quinazoline-4-ones.

Dr Shirly Magwaza earned her PhD in Horticultural Science by evaluating the feasibility of using human excreta-derived materials as nutrient sources for hydroponic production of horticultural crops.

Let us take this opportunity to develop the skills to become truly effective leaders, says Professor Cecile Gerwel Proches, associate professor at UKZN's Graduate School of Business and Leadership.

Novel crises are recurring events in human history and defining moments for businesses of all sizes.

Summa Cum Laude graduate and current post-graduate student at UKZN, Romaana Muhammad, shares her tips on surviving lockdown as a student.

PhD student in the School of Arts, Damien Tomaselli, together with some of the Centre for Communication, Media and Society staffers, are part of the digital comic.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Big Data and Informatics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Prof. Francesco Petruccione recently hosted a breakfast seminar titled "COVID-19 Genomics and Epidemiology".

At UKZN, academics are uploading all material onto online platforms, but medical students are missing out on crucial practical learning.

The educational performance piece was initiated by lecturers Dr Miranda Young-Jahangeer and Ongezwa Mbhele.

The study has linked migration to a high rate of mortality among HIV positive women, up to a year after giving birth.

Government should target areas of extreme poverty through health interventions and the provision of proper water and sanitation services.

Professor Francesco Petruccione is continuing with his monthly seminar series during the national COVID-19 lockdown.

In a bid to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and protect its staff and students from the virus, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has begun an early mid-term break.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has secured the top spot in SA for total published research outputs and total weighted actual research outputs for 2018.

A cross-continent collaborative project between the UK and SA has been awarded a R5 million grant from the British Council's Newton Fund.

When compared to other public institutions in SA, the UKZN registration and historic debt processes are among the most enabling for students, says vice-chancellor Professor Nana Poku.

The College of Humanities hosted the annual JL Dube Memorial Lecture at the UNITE building on the Howard College campus.

Humanities academic Dr Gugulethu Mazibuko has launched her new book, 'Imizwilili' (Golden Melodies), which features 20 popular Hindi film songs translated into isiZulu.

The project, which includes developing new cultivars, is a partnership between industry and academia that will share resources and expertise.

Aaron Naidu has registered for a BSc degree majoring in data science, while Shweta Harilal will be studying towards her MBChB (medicine).

Professor Fernando Albericio, a researcher in the School of Chemistry and Physics, has obtained an A2 rating from SA's National Research Foundation.

The university joins the global community in mourning the passing of legendary musician and founding member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dr Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala.

In addition to overcoming the deadlock between UKZN and students, a way must be found to reconcile the university's financial obligations and students' long-term needs.

Aaron Naidu has registered at UKZN for a BSc degree majoring in data science.

Dr Nokukhanya Msomi was named head of Virology in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences.

Shweta Harilal attributed her exceptional results to "long hours dedicated to studying and practising maths over and over again".

Dr Veron Ramsuran and Dr Lenine Liebenberg have been named in the African Academy of Science's top 40 list.

Dr Andr? J van Rensburg, a senior researcher in UKZN's Centre for Rural Health, received the Wellcome Trust Discretionary Award.

A group of academics were selected as participants of the programme focused on PhD completion, mobility, supervision capacity development and the generation of high-impact research.

SA's Team pill-Alert aims to tackle antimicrobial resistance by implementing their strategic intervention that ensures patients comply with treatment.

Kapil Narain and Mohamed Hoosen Suleman were selected to present their strategic intervention to tackle antimicrobial resistance to an international panel of experts.

Dr Yogandree Ramsamy and Sinenhlanhla Sikhosana are among seven women to be awarded research grants from the L'Or?al-UNESCO for Women in Science South African National Programme.

The Mechanical Engineering Open Day at the University of KwaZulu-Natal was held at the Unite School of Engineering Building, Howard College Campus.

The Engineering Council of South Africa conferred continued accreditation with no deficiencies and no concerns until 2024.

Six academics from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science were among 23 of the country's scholars and scientists inaugurated as members of the Academy of Science of SA.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has been placed in the 401+ band of the Times Higher Education Arts and Humanities subject rankings.

The UKZN Discipline of Neurosurgery based in Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital once again leads with innovation in the field of neurosurgery in the province by developing its own "Functional Neurosurgery."

A 67-year-old UKZN lecturer and retired HR practitioner, Dr Bongani Mkhize, has graduated with a PhD in Social Sciences for research that analysed strike participation at Transnet port terminals in KwaZulu-Natal.

The honorary doctorate was awarded to Professor Thuli Madonsela in recognition of her tireless dedication to the South African Constitution.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal joined the country in expressing outrage and condemnation of the horrific cases of violence against women and children which continue to persist.

Child health expert and UKZN Emeritus Professor Hoosen Coovadia is ranked 10th on the Web site Expertscape's list of the world's top experts on breastfeeding.

Professor Colleen Downs was named a finalist for a Standard Bank Top Women Award in the category of Top Woman in Science.

Auditing lecturer and researcher Hlengiwe Ndlela (32) is a finalist in SAICA's Top 35 Under Thirty5 competition and also runs a mentorship programme for schoolgirls.

Mbali Gwacela from the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences says this field is bursting with possibilities.

UKZN alumni and Enactus members donated their time and seedlings, compost, etc to help the Mtubatuba community develop gardens at the school.

The Centre for World University Rankings has placed UKZN in the top four best universities in South Africa, and in the top 500 globally.

For SA to thrive in a time of globalisation, digitisation and increased competition, excellence must be the cornerstone of all our socio-economic endeavours.

The awards ceremony, held at the Elangeni Hotel, honoured filmmakers for being the nation's conscience and for uniting Africa through film.

The university won the MEC Special Award at this year's Simon "Mabhunu" Sabela Film and Television Awards at the Playhouse Theatre for its Durban International Film Festival.

University staff, students and alumni are reminded to take part in the UKZN Campus to Campus 10km race and 5km fun run on Sunday, July 28.

It is with sadness that we received the news of the passing of world-renowned music legend Dr Johnny Clegg, a true son of Africa.

Senior lecturer in Sociology at UKZN, Dr Kathryn Pillay, has been awarded a C2 Rating by the National Research Foundation.

Dr Sphumelele Ndlovu, one of the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans for 2019, was recognised in the category of Science and Technology.

The director of UKZN's Language Planning and Development Office, Professor Langa Khumalo, has been appointed vice-president of the African Association for Lexicography.

Lerisha Naidu, a UKZN alumna and a partner at Baker McKenzie, made it onto the prestigious list in the Business and Law category.

Professor Thabo Msibi is the first black South African scholar in Education to be awarded a prestigious P-Rating by the National Research Foundation.

Enactus members presented the student organisation's Sack Space concept in which vegetables are grown in vegetable sacks, known as vertical farming.

Guests from the governments of Lesotho, China and Mauritius, and international students and staff, attended the event on Howard campus, themed Leaving No One Behind.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has secured the number one spot in Africa on the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.

Professor Sabine Marschall's book, Tourism and Memories of Home, explores journeys to former and imaginary homes for migrants, exiles, refugees and diaspora groups.

The conference enabled TBAs to share their skills, experience and work challenges, and to protect, promote and develop indigenous knowledge systems.

The campaign shows solidarity for medical professionals and students living with depression and other mental challenges.

House musician Holly Wasserfall, aka Holly Rey, a media and communication honour's graduate, won the SAMA for her song, Deeper.

The first fellowship awarded to Dr Tivani Mashamba-Thompson will help fund her current research project; the second provides leadership training.

The R12.8 million grant will fund the implementation of a three-year multidisciplinary global health research study on first-episode psychosis.

Deputy minister of higher education, science and technology Buti Manamela showed his support for Team UKZN in the lead-up to the marathon.

The UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science stand at the annual Royal Agricultural Show, in Pietermaritzburg, won a silver medallion.

The university collaborated with Rise Against Hunger Africa and SAICA to pack 10 000 meals for pre-schools and families in need in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Afrocentric Precision Approach to Control Health Epidemics Flagship project was unveilied recently at the UKZN.

Phase two of the College of Health Sciences programme received a R40 million grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.

Midfielder Kholosa Biyana was chosen as part of the national women's soccer squad, Banyana Banyana, to represent SA in France next month.

The University of Denver's Dr Jeremy Haefner said automation brings job losses but increases productivity.

One Man Can encourages zero tolerance for abuse and highlights the role men could play in eliminating gender-based violence.

Professor Frank Tanser was awarded the Royal Geographical Society Back Medal for HIV research that has shaped national health policies in developing countries.

The books, one on law terminology and the other a poetry anthology, reflect UKZN's drive to promote isiZulu and transform higher education.

Sibusiso Mashiloane says his album, Closer to Home, reflects the musical dialects and characteristics of the communities in which he has lived.

Professor Verusia Chetty and Dr Tivani Mashamba-Thompson attended the 11th HOPE meeting in Okinawa, Japan.

The Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Evidence Based Practice will help to promote affordable access to effective medicines, diagnostics and other medical devices.

'Social Welfare Policy in South Africa: From the Poor White Problem to a "Digitised Social Contract"' was co-authored by UKZN Emeritus Professor Fikile Mazibuko.

Some consequences of climate change can be turned into opportunities to grow the green economy, according to the results of a doctoral study by Dr Magash Naidoo.

Research reveals Drakensberg Crag Lizards pick up pollen on their snouts when they visit the flowers to lap nectar.

Banele Mgabi danced on stage at UKZN Westville campus as he was awarded a post-graduate diploma in finance, banking and investment management.

Dr Judy Dlamini received an honorary doctorate in economics in recognition of her economic activism and role as an entrepreneur.

Tyrone Bright graduated from the UKZN's School of Engineering, following in the footsteps of his dad, dean and head of the School of Engineering, Professor Glen Bright.

Dr Ashley Subbiah's study explored the physiological and evolutionary factors governing seed recalcitrance, along with valuable quantitative tools for seed conservation.

Jackson Make graduated with his Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Musician Holly Rey has graduated cum laude with an honour's degree in media and communication, for her research on gender-based inequality.

Resistance artist Dr Willie Bester was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

As part of its dialogue series, the University of KwaZulu-Natal hosted a debate about transformation and the future of SA in the run-up to Human Rights Day.

Party representatives went head-to-head at a pre-election Town Hall debate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Westville campus recently.

Women are the majority of the 9 680 graduands receiving degree certificates from the University of KwaZulu-Natal between 1 and 9 April.