Q and A

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2020. How does your research relate to that?

Our motto is to serve the community through nature, which in essence in what natural science is all about. We select microorganisms from the natural environment, food, plants, insects, animals and humans and screen them for the production of natural antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds, and at the same time determine if they have probiotic properties. The probiotic entiro^TM we have developed has been patented in more than 60 countries and is the leading probiotic on the South African market. The nano-biosensor we are developing in collaboration with Prof Willie Perold at Electric Engineering won an international award for the best pharmaceutical device and is funded by a leading pharmaceutical company. The aim is to develop a point-of-care (POC) device for rapid on-the-spot detection of pathogens in humans and animals. The technology has applications in water, agriculture and the food industry, and prototypes are in different stages of development. A spin-off company has been formed to produce proteins, peptides and enzymes on a large scale and affordable scale by using in-house designed gene expression technologies. A separate spin-off company focusses on protein purification and is based on technology we have developed during a masters study.

Please give us your impression of the role that research and innovation can play in the betterment of society?

Innovative ideas merged with advanced technology and ground-breaking research are vital components of a flourishing society.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support researchers?

Research is best supported through stimulated discussions and the sharing of ideas

What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the aspects that you find challenging?

The second best thing in life is to have the freedom to discover, dream, design and develop. Tops of all is the wording of all in sentences. Earnings is calculated by smiles on the faces of happy clients and healthy individuals.

What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give early-career researchers?

Learn to think with a glass of red wine and fall in love with your (laptop) keyboard.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the way we work. What, from your point of view, is the most pertinent change and how will this affect your work in the future?

All fences collapsed and scientists are now freely and openly talking to each other in a more relaxed online mode, which is a pleasant change from being confined to a stiff office chair between brick walls. Open spaces and freedom brings new ideas.

What do you do for fun (apart from research!)

Painting, mostly landscapes; woodwork and turning on the lathe, but only if it involves the design of more delegate and sophisticated things such as violins …..And then I just sit and dream about nice things in life.