The NSTF is pleased to announce this year's finalists in alphabetical order across all categories.

Finalists: Individuals

Professor Donald Cowan – Professor: Microbiology, Director: Institute for Microbial Technology and Metagenomics, University of the Western Cape (UWC)
For his microbiological work in the frozen wastes of Antartica.
Professor Cowan is an internationally recognized researcher in the field of the microbiology of extreme environments. In the 7 years since moving from University College London, he has made a major contribution to the development of scientific research in South Africa. Since joining UWC in mid 2001, he has built a research team of 35+ researchers (including 14 post doctoral researchers as of January 2009); has established the UWC Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomlcs [IMBM]. His work on Antarctic microbiology and the development of metagenomic gene discovery technologies is widely recognized internationally. He currently leads one of the most productive laboratories in the biological sciences in the world

Professor Pat G Eriksson – Professor and Head of Department: Geology, University of Pretoria
For research into the history of the earth by analysing sedimentary deposits.
Professor Eriksson established and led an international collaborative effort of 16 highly experienced people, known as the Global Pre-Cambrian Sedimentation Syndicate (GPSS) which has interacted to study the evolution of the Pre-Cambrian (Pre-C) Earth with special emphasis on basin analysis. This covers all facets of the Pre-C sedimentary rock record (amounting to 85% of geological time) and the history of the Earth prior to about 600 million years ago. The wide range of aspects covered has provided a powerful synergy in the exploration of the subject worldwide and valuable input to mining exploration. His own particular contributions have been to define the principle that the same processes might have occurred on Earth at different sites but that it is the rates and intensities of the processes that have changed over geological time; and likewise that in comparing Pre-C sedimentation patterns vis-à-vis those from the younger sedimentary record, that the major first-order controls on sedimentation involve the interaction of mantle thermal processes and plate tectonics, and that both are subject to chronological change; and to investigating the relationship between the concept of the mean height of the continents above sea level and sea level changes; and applying a paradigm of the three-dimensional arrangement of shoreline sedimentary faces built by cyclical sea level changes to the Pre-C sedimentary and basin evolutionary record and to investigating Pre-C sedimentary basin evolution and Pre-C basin dynamics in general.

Professor Wentzel Gelderblom – International Director: PROMEC Unit, South African Medical Research Council and Extraordinary Professor: Department Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch
For his work into the carcinogenic characteristics of food.
During the last 20 years Prof Gelderblom has made major research contributions to Life Sciences (Biochemistry, Chemistry, Carcinogenesis and Toxicology) following the isolation and characterization of the carcinogenic mycotoxins, the fumonisins, by him in 1988. Research resulting from this discovery covered many fields including studying the biochemical mechanisms of carcinogenesis, toxicology and cancer chemoprevention that impacted on setting risk assessment parameters in humans and tolerance levels in human food by international agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). His published work had major scientific impact and stimulated a great deal of research in many parts of the world.

Ms Monica Graaff– Editor: Mind Shift Magazine, Cape Town
For her work in raising awareness in the business community around sustainability.
Monica Graaff is the founding editor of Mind Shift magazine, aimed at raising awareness and debate around sustainability in the business community – a subject that cuts across socio-economic, science and environmental issues and which she has pursued over 12 years. As the initiator of this publication, launched in collaboration with the UCT Graduate School of Business, she has enhanced her reputation for quality journalism, insightful commentary and award-winning presentations, and is sought after as an adviser on sustainability strategy and policy.

Professor Louis J Grobler – Professor: Department of Mechanical Engineering, North-West University and Director: Energy Cybernetics (Pty) Ltd and Director: CFAM Technologies
For his work in the promotion of responsible energy management and use.
Today energy and the environment are topical issues that need to be addressed at the highest levels of governments and organisations.  Measurement and Verification (MandV) is the name of a process used to quantify the technical performance of energy and emission saving projects and Prof Grobler was involved with the developments of the process in South Africa from its inception. He has been actively involved in the development of the MandV Guideline for energy efficiency and demand side management projects in South Africa. He also established the North-West University (NWU) MandV Team that is currently quantifying the energy efficiency, demand side management and emission impacts of more than 220 projects on a monthly basis. Prof Grobler conceptualised the Power Alert system that has become a household name in South Africa. His company Energy Cybernetics developed and rolled out the system for ESKOM. In 2007 he was elected the first non-American President of the Association of Energy Engineer (AEE) in the USA.

Dr M Shaheed Hartley – Director: Contract Research, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town
For his work in promoting science and technology as a career in schools in the Breederiver-Overberg region.
Dr Hartley's work over the last 5 yrs, over and above his formal employment, has focussed on the creation of science clubs in the rural schools of the Breederiver-Overberg region of the Western Cape through his systemically integrated model to communicate and engage with educators and learners in making science fun. The reports indicate a sustainability rate in excess of 80% thereby making a significant contribution to the future of young science learners. His key motivation is to provide a first generation of SET graduates and practitioners in rural families, i.e. developing a new set of role models with regard to science and technology education that would inspire young people to follow through with these streams into their tertiary education. As a result of the success of this work the project has recently attracted the interest of the National, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Education departments as a potential solution to the dwindling 'learner interest' and poor science results achieved in rural schools. Other programmatic science interventions for e.g. women, educators and learners are amplified by the introduction of international best practice.

Ms Rudi Horak– Manager: Sci-Enza Science Centre, University of Pretoria
For her work in the management of the Sci-Enza Science and Technology outreach project at the University of Pretoria.
Since Ms Horak was appointed as manager of Sci-Enza in 1994, the centre has grown in stature as an essential centre of learning and for the promotion of primary exposure to science and technology for learners, and students. More than 50 000 people visit the centre per year. Sci-Enza is also housing and acting as a base for several externally funded outreach programmes promoting SET. These include visits to the various sciences festivals, organizing and participating in National Science awareness initiatives such as the National Science Weeks, specific Focus Months and the very popular "Science is Fun" holiday programmes. During 2004 she started a project called "Amalulwane" which is an environmental awareness program to inform and educate the community about the ecological and economic value of bats. This project deals mostly with schools in the rural areas of Malelane and Komatipoort because it is a high-risk malaria area and therefore aims to educate the community that some insectivorous bats are mosquito eaters, hence contributing to the controlling of malaria.

Professor David Jacobs – Associate Professor: Department of Zoology and Chair of Animal Evolution and Systematics, University of Cape Town (2008)
For his research into bats in the Western Cape.
Prof Jacobs developed a new research programme in the evolution and systematics of bats in 1996. This programme was the first of its kind in Africa and has made major contributions to our understanding of evolution and mammalian biology. He has made contributions in such diverse fields as the role of competition as an evolutionary force, dispersal in mammals and predator/prey interactions, as well as in the field of evolutionary development of vertebrate limbs.

Professor Amanda Lochner – Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, and Division of Medical Physiology, South African Medical Research Council
For her lifetime of research into heart disease.
Prof Lochner’s research, spanning a career at the University of Stellenbosch from 1964 to a current position on contract, has focused mainly on ischaemic heart disease, the incidence of which in the RSA is amongst the highest in the world. The main aims of her research have been: (i) identification of factors responsible for the development of cell death in myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (ii) development of interventions aimed at protection of the ischaemic myocardium (including optimization of protection during open-heart surgery) and (iii) elucidation of intracellular signaling pathways in myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion. Latterly her research has also focused on elucidating the phenomenon of ischaemic preconditioning (an intervention which markedly reduces infarct size), the cardiomyopathy of type 2 diabetes and the effects of obesity on the heart. Her group has recently received "Research Niche Area" status from the NRF.

Professor Shabir Madhi – Professor of Vaccinology, University of the Witwatersrand and Chairperson in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, National Research Foundation and Co-Director: South African Medical Research Council/University of the Witwatersrand Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit
For intense research into the killer diseases of children.
Professor Shabir Madhi’s research career in focused upon reducing childhood morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. His research, of critical importance to children in SA, has centred around the role of newly developed vaccines in preventing the two leading causes of death in children, viz. pneumonia and diarrhoeal disease. This research is the first to demonstrate in Africa that childhood morbidity can be significantly reduced with pneumococcal-conjugate and rotavirus vaccines. The findings have been widely published including New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Medicine. The research has contributed to South Africa being the first in Africa to introduce these vaccines into the public immunization program. They are anticipated to reduce childhood mortality in South Africa by 10-15%.

Professor Oluwole Makinde – Senior Professor and Chair of Post-Graduate Studies, Faculty of Engineering at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
For his vigorous promotion of Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) and careers in SETI to black students.
Over the last 5 – 10 years, Professor Makinde has conducted research activities in theoretical fluid mechanics, mathematical modeling of biological and engineering systems, nonlinear dynamical systems and computational mathematics.  The main objective of his research work is to use mathematical theories and methodologies to gain insights into the dynamics of various engineering and biological systems which are of industrial, environmental and social interest and to increasing the throughput of formerly pdi students particularly through a drive to establish a Centre of Excellence at the University of Limpopo, and now in the Western Cape with some significant successes in the retention of such graduates in science and technology .

Professor Kobus J G Maree – Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria
For his energetic contribution towards overcoming the shackles of a poor school education and providing an entry to higher education for such learners.
Prof. Kobus Maree has sensitised many specialists and laypeople to the complex factors that can predict success at school, during tertiary study and in life generally. A leader in the field of Narrative Career Counselling in South Africa over the past number of years, he has conducted extensive research on models designed to predict success at school (in Mathematics and other subjects), university and in everyday living. He has played a leading role in the development of questionnaires to assess the study orientation and interest profiles of students and has linked Mathematics achievement to everyday life and appropriate career choices. He is the editor of the ISI-listed scholarly journals Perspectives in Education and the SA Journal of Psychology, He is regularly interviewed on radio stations in South Africa, and he has taken part in TV discussions.

Professor Zander Myburg – Associate Professor, Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria and Research leader of the Forest Molecular Genetics Programme
For a contribution to the genetic improvement of trees, particularly eucalyptus trees in SA.
Prof Zander Myburg is being nominated for his contributions to the field of forest molecular genetics and genomics in South Africa. Prof. Myburg's research has generated new knowledge on the genetic regulation of cellulose biosynthesis in fast-growing Eucalyptus trees, a major industrial target for the pulp and paper industry in South Africa. Through the Wood and Fibre Molecular Genetics (WFMG) Programme, a joint research venture of Sappi, Mondi and University of Pretoria, Prof. Myburg and his research team has begun to deliver biotechnology tools that are being applied in commercial tree improvement programmes. Prof. Myburg is also currently leading an international project funded by the US Department of Energy to sequence the Eucalyptus genome.

Dr Fulufehlo Nelwamondo – Leader in Information Security, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria
For a contribution to the solution of the problem of missing data in control applications.
The use of inferential sensors is a common task in online fault detection in various control applications. When sensors fail while the control system is designed to make a decision based on the data from those sensors the standard computational intelligence techniques are not able to process input data with missing values. Dr Nelwamondo addressed this problem in depth and derived computational intelligence models for missing data estimation in online applications, where the data can also be non-stationary, or even heteroskedastic.  He has also applied some of his methods to solving the problem of missing data in areas of national priority such as power supply and HIV modelling. The manner in which computational techniques can be applied to solve the missing data problem has opened new research avenues in the field.

Dr Odireleng M Ntwaeaborwa– Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics, University of the Free State
For a contribution to the understanding and harnessing of light emitting nanomaterials for practical applications
Dr. Ntwaeaborwa is engaged in research on the synthesis and characterization of luminescent nanomaterials (nanophosphors) by a sol-gel process with the principal objective of being able to produce nanoparticulate phosphors with high quantum efficiency and evaluating them for use in light emitting devices. This has followed periods of study in the USA on the sol-gel synthesis and characterization of nanophosphors where they have demonstrated increased photoluminescence quantum yield of trivalent Ce, Eu, and Tb by energy transfer from ZnO nanoparticles in the amorphous SiO2 matrix. To date materials which enhance photoluminescence intensity have been produced locally.

Professor Cyril O’Connor – Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: and Director: Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town
For a sustained contribution to the management of research in the fields of chemistry and mineral processing.
In his 30 years as an academic, Prof Cyril O'Connor has made significant research contributions in the fields of minerals processing and catalysis, and he is a recognised leading educator in engineering. He has risen from the Lecturer level to Head of Department, on to Dean of the Faculty and is currently an acting Deputy Vice Chancellor at UCT. The specific contributions he has made include the more than 50 graduate students he has supervised or co-supervised, the many undergraduate students he has lectured over the years and the two highly successful, globally recognised research groups that he is responsible for starting i.e. the Centre for Minerals Processing Research and the Centre for Catalysis Research, both at UCT.

Professor Neville Pillay – School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
For studies into the behaviour of rodents.
Neville Pillay is a specialist in the study of animal behaviour. He has studied the responses of animals (mainly rodents) to change over long and short time periods and to artificial conditions in captivity. His research has contributed to the understanding of African biodiversity and to the welfare of captive animals. Prof Pillay engages in community programmes though public talks and workshops and is a regular participant in the publication of scientific material. 

Professor Viness Pillay – Research Chair: Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, and Polymer-Engineered Drug Delivery Technologies, Wits Drug Delivery Platform, University of the Witwatersrand
For the development of innovative drug delivery products.
The research activities undertaken by Professor Viness Pillay, a Fulbright Scholar, encompass the development and eventual commercialisation of innovative drug delivery products that offer newer innovative technologies able to provide superior effective treatment modalities for various communicable and non-communicable diseases burdening our country and that also have worldwide applicability. He has made contributions to the advancement of science and technology with several local and international patents having been either granted, filed or are in the pipeline, stemming from his research programme in the area of pharmaceutical technology, drug delivery and polymer science.

Robert (Bob) Pullen – Senior Specialist in Water Engineering, BKS Group
For a contribution to the regulation of the engineering professions, and to civil engineering and environmental practice.
His contribution has been on three levels: firstly, as the longest serving President of the Engineering Council of SA (ECSA) covering 3 terms as president from 1994 to 2006, and vice-president until 2008 -- his time in office saw the negotiations culminating in 7 Built Professions Acts of Parliament in 2001 and the transition of the engineering profession into the new constitutional order. Secondly, as a contribution to civil engineering both as an engineer and as a professional and member of the SAICE where he has made a contribution to water and the promotion of care for the environment. Thirdly, as an engineering consultant in the fields of: water resource evaluation and development; hydraulic engineering environmental and institutional management; the editing and production in 1986 of the DWAF `Water Bible’; contributions to investigations of major floods in SA and the development of national policy on flood management and environmental impact assessment and to the design of the Drakensberg pumped storage scheme.

Professor David Richardson– Deputy-Director: Science Strategy, Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, University of Stellenbosch
For fundamental contributions in the rapidly emerging field of biological invasion ecology.
Professor Richardson’s work has shed new light on the dynamics of biological invasions, especially relating to trees and shrubs. His work has focused both on developing robust theoretical frameworks for invasion ecology and on providing practical guidelines for management of invasive species, especially on the invasion ecology of tree species used in commercial forestry and agro-forestry. These species pose special problems for managers, as they are commercially important and useful in parts of the landscape, but cause considerable damage in other parts. Innovative research methods have elucidated the main determinants of invasiveness in these species, facilitating robust screening.

Case Rijsdijk – Formerly Consultant to South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)
For enthusiastic communication of physics and astronomy to learners over many years.
Case Rijsdijk undertakes communication assignments and astronomical education to SAAO and to Science Centres. His enthusiasm to share his passion for physics and astronomy has made him one of the leading communicators and educators of his generation. This is reflected by his involvement in communication, education and numerous national and international science projects, especially in physics and astronomy. These include SciFest Africa. "Friends with the Universe": a key YEAST 1998 project, the International and National Physics Olympiad, his contributions to the International Year of Physics, IYP, the SALT Collateral Benefits plan and the formation of STARTEC, a collaboration for outreach of the world's leading observatories. He has been involved with the DST and DoE through the NRF and the SA Astronomical Observatory in using astronomy as a vehicle for communicating and promoting science amongst the South African public in general, but in particular, its youth and educators, in both urban and rural areas. His has been a unique and challenging approach.

Professor Mary Scholes – Professor: School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
For her contribution to the training of students and her own innovative work on grasslands and forests.
Prof Scholes is one of the co-founders of the Postgraduate Project Office at Wits and in addition an active supporter of scientific institutions and societies. She is an active researcher in the field of Ecophysiology, focusing on nutrient cycling in savannas and plantation forestry. She has supervised 59 MSc and PhD students and 42 Honours and is currently supervising 12 MSc and PhD students. Together with Professor Janks, another senior academic at Wits, they have created an innovative programme for postgraduate and supervisor enrichment, which have benefited over 400 students and 200 staff members.

Dr Boitumelo Semete– Senior Research Scientist: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Dr Semete has been a core team member of the TB nano drug delivery project for the past 3 years.
The main role for Dr Semete and her team of PhD students is to perform cell culture and pre-clinical trial studies on the TB nano drug delivery project, amongst others. Progress achieved includes new insights (on a global level) into the intracellular uptake and location of nanoparticles. She has also set up key collaborations with international experts in this area of research.

Professor Dan J Stein – Head of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town and Director of the MRC Research Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Parow
For a major contribution to the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders.
In South Africa, neuropsychiatric disorders account for the largest portion of our burden of disease after HIV/AIDS, and anxiety disorders (ADs) are the most common of these.  The mission of Dr Stein’s unit and the focus of his research have been to investigate the psychobiology of ADs in order to understand its causes and develop new treatments. The unit has focused on a number of themes, including developing animal models of AD, using brain imaging to delineate the neurocircuitry that underpins AD, investigating the gene variants that contribute to the etiology of AD, conducting randomised clinical trials, health systems research aimed at determining the prevalence of ads in SA, exploring the association of ADs with HIV/AIDS, and at decreasing stigmatisation and earlier diagnosis and treatment of these conditions

Prof Hendrik C Swart - Head of Department of Physics, University of the Free State
A significant contribution to the development of students in a niche area of nanophysics.
Prof Swart is currently a leader of a research niche area at UFS and participates in the IRDP (one of NRF's capacity building programmes). His main research topics are the degradation of phosphors for field emission displays and the development of processes whereby various types of semiconductor nano-particles and thin films are synthesized and deposited to provide properties such as colour, luminescent intensity and life-time. Prof Swart is also involved in some industrial projects in collaboration with other institutions. Most of these projects are built around surface segregation and oxidation.  He has made a substantial contribution to research capacity building through student training/supervision that is in line with equity and the redress requirements of the NRF IRDP programme with a throughput of black students in the period comprising 3 MSc’s with 4 current, and three PhD’s , with another four PhDs current.

Professor Pieter Steyn – Senior Researcher, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Sciences, University of Stellenbosch
For a lifetime contribution to linking fungi to diseases, and developing mechanisms for control of these in food and feeds.
Professor Pieter Steyn is nominated for his lifetime contribution to understanding the chemistry of mycotoxins, as well as for his worldwide leadership in the promotion and support of scientific research. He has carried out his work variously at the CSIR, at the University of the North-West, and latterly at the University of Stellenbosch. His research on mycotoxins, hazardous substances produced by fungi, has led to improvements in feed and safety standards in SA and overseas. Steyn also made pathfinding contributions to understanding the chemistry of SA plant toxins, the bufadlenolides with positive implications for a number of fields in agriculture. Africa is seriously at risk as the fungi have been linked to contamination of cereals both pre- and post- harvest and have been identified as contributing to liver , and oesophogeal cancer as well as diseases in sheep.

Dr Michelle van der Bank – Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany and Plant Technology, University of Johannesburg
For a programme of applying DNA techniques and barcoding to the study of plant diversity.
Dr Van der Bank’s area of interest and expertise is the application of DNA techniques to the study of plant diversity.  One of the most important of these is the programme on the barcoding of the flora of the Kruger National Park and of all the tree species in Africa. Resulting from the success of this work, Dr van der Bank has been appointed ‘Regional Working Group Co-Chairperson for Africa’ as part of the Tree-BOL project. The range of benefits that will devolve from such information is extremely wide, ranging from the identification of plants with possible uses as sources of medicinal and medically active components to improved cultivars in food and industrially important plants (such as woods and natural fibres), and the development of drought or soil salinity resistant plant types important in the commercial use of marginal soils.

Dr Monique Zaahl – Senior Lecturer, Department of Genetics, University of Stellenbosch
For a programme of research into disorders resulting from iron overload.
Extensive investigation into the molecular basis of iron overload disorders has provided new insight into the complexity of iron metabolism and related cellular pathways.  Her work aimed to determine the role of genes involved in iron homeostasis in a range of diseases where iron has been implicated, including primary iron overload, oesophageal cancer, porphyria cutanea tarda and multiple sclerosis, within the diverse SA populations. Results of this study have led to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in iron metabolism. This, in turn, contributed to better management of the patients and resulted in new standards of care.

Finalists: Research for Innovation by an individual or a team through an organisation

Altis Biologics (Pty) Ltd, Drs N Duneas and Nuno Pires, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria.
For the development of innovative products for the treatment of bone injuries and voids.
Nuno Pires and Nicolaas Duneas are the executive directors of Altis Biologics (Pty) Ltd.  A regenerative medicine development company focused on developing and bringing new biomaterials and regenerative biological products to market, with a particular emphasis on orthopaedic and dental tissue regeneration. The company’s product candidates are based on proprietary platform technologies that combine specific human growth factors with novel scaffolds formulated for local applications. Altis’ project pipeline currently spans from pre-clinical through clinical development and commercially available products. Currently the company’s primary focus is on the production and commercialisation of naturally derived bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) based products, novel bone inducing implants and collagenous matrices primarily intended for the treatment of bone injuries and bone voids.

The Autek Catalysis Team, Mintek/Ashanti, Randburg
Where gold is highly dispersed and supported on metal oxides potent catalysts are produced. This team is undertaking research and development work to exploit this.
The AuTEK catalysis team of 11 under Jason McPherson for scale-up and commercialization and Dr Gary Pattrick for research and development was formed in 2000 due to a joint initiative between Mintek and AngloGold Ashanti to find new industrial uses for gold. Fundamental RandD on gold catalysis has developed within the past few years to product development with end-users locally and abroad. This necessitated the construction of a world-first gold catalyst pilot plant in 2006 to provide end-users with sufficient quantities of catalysts for product development.  A second semi-commercial plant was constructed in 2008, and as a result of active marketing in collaboration with the World Gold Council, gold catalyst sales, under the trade name AUROliteTM, have increased to >100kg in 2008.

Coaltech, Johannesburg
This alliance between Government, users and the mining industry explores areas of improvement in the coal industry in SA.
The Coal Processing Sub-committee of Coaltech has led research initiatives in the area of coal preparation and associated application within South Africa since the inception of Coaltech as a research institution for coal some ten years ago. Coaltech was formed as an alliance between the coal mining industry, coal users, and government with the intent of maximising the nation’s coal resources. The committee has achieved this through a number of collaborative initiatives within the CSIR, Mintek and a number of South African Universities. Its most noteworthy industrial success is the development of a Fines Dense Medium application at Leeuwpan Colliery near Delmas.

DAGEOS Team, Umvoto Africa and SA Rock Drills, Cape Town
This team has undertaken ground breaking extensions of rockdrilling techniques in the Oudtshoorn area.
Umvoto Africa’s long-term hydrogeological research on the deep-lying fractured-rock Table Mountain Group aquifer system, together with the application of new water-hammer drilling techniques by SA Rock Drills, has explored and developed a new groundwater resource for the water-stressed Oudtshoorn area, where economic development is currently constrained because of a lack of water. The Deep Artesian Groundwater Exploration for Oudtshoorn Municipal Supply (DAGEOS) project represents several scientific innovations in SA and has led to practical applications in the development of water resources. The use of water-hammer drilling techniques for a production borehole of this great depth (608 m) in an extremely hard fractured-rock aquifer represents a first in SA and possibly the world. New standards have been set for the integrated management of water resources, with long-term implications for South Africa’s water security.

Diamond Research Laboratory, Element Six, Ekurhuleni
Research and development of new and state of the art materials for a variety of purposes employing diamonds.
Dr Serdar Ozbayraktor and team of the  Diamond Research Laboratory (DRL) of Element Six carries out innovative research to develop new state of the art materials with extreme properties for use in cutting, drilling, military, energy, thermal and electronic applications. In collaboration with national and international research institutes and universities, the DRL has developed a range of superabrasive products, encompassing polycrystalline diamond (PCD), polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) and a new generation of ceramic materials. These materials are made by improved methodologies, using unique, patented methods of manufacture, such as high pressure - high temperature technology, materials modelling and in-depth materials science research and expertise.

Karl A Eschberger for Prokon Software– Prokon Software Consultants Pty Ltd, Gauteng
Prokon Software has become the structural and design software package of preferred use in SA by the structural design industry.
Karl Eschberger co-founded PROKON Software Consultants Pty Ltd. in 1989. Prokon has developed a structural analysis and design software suite of programs initially planned for basic in house use. Because of his vision in identifying a potential market for such software and by virtue of the product's functionality, accuracy, ease of use, presentation, technical and scientific accuracy it became sought after by other civil/structural engineers. In some 20 years and in partnership with industry leaders in modeling, drafting and detailing, Prokon has developed into a highly sophisticated, technical suite of structural and geo-technical analysis and design programs culminating in a prosperous business today with a turnover of R27m and providing employment to many highly skilled graduates as well as additional support staff making the package a household name in the structural design fraternity in SA and indeed in the rest of the world.

Fablabs Project Programme (Lindi Mophuti), Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy Implementation Unit, Innovation Hub, Pretoria
Fablabs is a vehicle for hands on learning of manufacturing and exploring creativity in 3-D.
Fablabs is a "technology for the community" concept developed at MIT in the USA which brings advanced manufacturing technology platforms to ordinary people, empowering them by providing opportunities to participate in an environment that enables the freedom to experiment, with the added benefit of peer-to-peer learning. The platforms (now expanded to 7 across the country) also provide the means to stimulate creativity and innovative problem­-solving, thus fostering techno-preneurship. Various upliftment projects have included: development of a windmill for generating electricity; the manufacture of press-fit furniture; casting of various shapes; building your own calculator; outreach programmes to previously disadvantaged schools; teaching children about engineering; equipping teachers with teaching aids manufactured in the FabLab ; Fabkids project; and a wave generator for electricity. The success of the FabLab is evident in that technology is harnessed to empower people economically as well as intellectually.

The Health Promotion Research and Development Unit, (Prof Priscilla Reddy and team) South African Medical Research Council
The zealous fighter of diseases of lifestyle.
The contribution of Professor Priscilla Reddy and her team has been to create a science out of the study of behaviour and health promotion and garnering methods from a range of disciplines to a zealous approach to changing lifestyle through public intervention.  She has through this tackled tobacco and other substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and sexual behaviour and other diseases attributable to lifestyle.  The unit became the Health Promotion and Behavioural Interventions Research Unit in 2005 and is founded on international charters and declarations. 

Innoventon (Prof Ben Zeelie and Team), Institute of Chemical Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth
The research and development of an insect repellent has demonstrated a new methodology and platform for product development in the chemical field.
This nomination concerns in part the successful development and implementation of a novel “Product Discovery Methodology”, and in part the successful development and demonstration of the concept of a “Small Chemical Production Platform”.  These two innovations are demonstrated by reference to the successful development of a novel insect repellent formulation, patented in over 80 countries and regions internationally, and secondly, the development of a small chemical production platform for the local (RSA) production of a key active component of the said insect repellent formulation for the global market.  Both the insect repellent formulation, as well as the actual active substance (p-menthane-3,8-diol) have been evaluated internationally and the acceptance of both the formulation (subjected to a variety of toxicology and efficacy testing) and the active substance, are indicated by orders received from international companies

Marang Centre for Maths and Science Education, University of the Witwatersrand
This centre has pioneered a new approach to the teaching of science and mathematics in schools.
Marang provides a unique model for combining excellence and innovation in research with teacher development in mathematics and science education in South Africa. It is geared to impact on high level intellectual capacity in these fields in higher education and in schools, which in turn will impact on the quality of teaching and learning in schools. Marang’s activities are directed at strategic thrusts of research and teacher development including subject knowledge for teaching mathematics and science; teaching and learning mathematics in multilingual contexts; mathematical literacy; science awareness and informal learning of science; and effective teaching of mathematics and science. Since late 2005, each of the thrusts has published key research findings, supplemented by an annual symposium and related teachers’ workshops. In this way the research work of the thrust informs and is informed by significant problems of practice, and engages with communities of research, policy and practice.

Marti-Diagnostics ; Molecular and Cellular Medical Institute (Prof Jan Verschoor and Team), University of Pretoria
The institute has pioneered a new method of diagnosis for TB which can deliver a result in 8 hrs which should transform the treatment of the disease.
MARTI-DIAGNOSTICS, University of Pretoria focuses on the diagnosis of tuberculosis and invented the MARTI-test for this purpose. The patent application was granted internationally and published in 2008. The MARTI-test has the potential to provide the fastest and most accurate TB diagnosis in HIV/AIDS burdened communities. The weeks of quarantine of patients awaiting the outcome of traditional TB diagnosis that is known to be unreliable in cases of HIV co-infection, will be avoided. The MARTI-test, unaffected by AIDS, produces the verdict for chemotherapy within eight hours of sampling, thereby reducing the risk of infection to health workers and the community.

National Crops Statistics Consortium, of the Agricultural Research Council and two other SMMEs, Spatialintelligence Pty Ltd, and GeoTerraImage (GTI) Pty Ltd, Pretoria.
For developing a statistical grain crop estimation system.
The Agricultural Research Council joined forces in a consortium with Spatialintelligence Pty Ltd, and GeoTerraImage (GTI) Pty Ltd to develop and implement a statistically-based point frame sampling system to estimate a crop estimate for national purposes that combines sophisticated statistical techniques with innovative software applications and modelling. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Earth Observation and Global Positioning systems (GPS) technologies are innovatively integrated in the solution. The system now known as the Producer-Independent Crop Estimation System (PICES) was further developed when an improved model incorporating ultralight aircraft was introduced. This system is more cost-effective than any of its predecessors, provides real-time information objectively, and is more accurate.

Plasma Technology Team (Dr Jaco van der Walt and team), The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), Pelindaba
New processes have been developed for the recovery of the components of waste polymers.
Dr. van der Walt is engaged in doing research on the depolymerisation of fluoropolymers and in particular PTFE. Disposal of fluoropolymer is an international problem because of its inert nature and the inherit fluorine values associated with it. Dr van der Walt received an M.Sc, Ph.D, two patents, and wrote 5 international publications on this research. He developed a state of the art, safe and continuous process, using high frequency induction heating for the beneficiation of fluoropolymer waste in order to recover the very expensive fluorine values and in the same process synthesize high value downstream monomers and telomers, from which specialized chemicals are synthesized.

Power Alert Team of Energy Cybernetics, North-West University
The team that put the power alert symbol on TV screens across the country to help the public become part of the solution to the national electricity crisis.
During the power crisis in the Western Cape of 2006, Energy Cybernetics and the North-West University developed and rolled out Power Alert that is still seen on National TV every weekday evening. It was the first time in the world that National TV was used in such a manner to communicate the status of the national and regional power supply and demand to viewers. The uniqueness and novelty of Power Alert was that is was able to make energy use visible to the general public in an easy to understand manner. Furthermore, it was communicating in real time the "Health Status" of the network to the public and informing them on what they needed to do assist in mitigating load shedding thereby empowering the public to become part of the solution and not to just remain part of the problem. The public participated by switching off equipment and appliances, thereby contributing to lowering the power demand and therefore the risk of load shedding. 

Robert Bosch and team, Rubber Nano Products (Pty) Ltd, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth
A new form of rubber which does not require zinc oxide is being developed for the industry.
Rubber Nano Products (Pty) Ltd is a chemical technology company that is introducing a new system of sulfur vulcanization to the rubber industry. The use of novel nanomaterials developed by the company has allowed an environmentally safe and industrially superior activator for rubber product manufacture. The principle product will allow a cost effective removal of a toxic heavy metal oxide from the rubber industry and from being deposited into the environment.

The South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA), Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria
The project to establish an inventory of spiders.
SANSA is an umbrella project dedicated to unifying biodiversity research on spiders in South Africa and is co-ordinated by a team at the Agricultural Research Council in collaboration with the South African National Biosystematics Institute. SANSA runs on a national basis in collaboration with other institutions with an interest in the arachnid fauna. The aims are to describe and document the fauna for conservation assessments and sustainable use. It address aspects such as: surveys; on­line bio-informatica; awareness through road shows, talks and lecture series, media releases; product development and an on-line virtual museum; capacity building through the training of post-graduate students as well as in-house training and distribution of an electronic newsletter.

Technology Education Catalyst Project, University of Johannesburg
This project provides support to the teaching of mathematics and science in schools.
Since 1999, TechnEd (the former RAUTEC) has been involved in the Technology Education Catalyst Project. This project comprises partnerships between the University of Johannesburg (specifically TechnEd as part of the Faculty of Education), provincial Departments of Education and the Department of Trade and Industry. DTI is instrumental in developing learning and teacher support material (LTSM) and granting funds, earmarked for social upliftment, for the provision of workbooks and teacher guides (LTSM) to schools and for continuing professional teacher development (CPTD). Since the inception of the Catalyst Project, 730 000 workbooks and 40 000 teacher guides have been supplied to more than 700 schools at an affordable price. Based on the Catalyst Project, an industry-sponsored, school-focused model for continuing professional development of technology teachers has been developed by means of research. A significant outcome from this research is an international first, being seven criteria for assessing CPTD.

The Xenon Difluoride (XeF₂) Commercialisation Team, Pelchem (Pty) Ltd
This project provides the world with Xenon difluoride.
The micro electro-mechanical system (mems) industry is seen as the largest growing sector (both in terms of application and value), within the global semiconductor industry. XeF2 has been demonstrated to be the most superior chemical for the etching of these devices. Prior to Pelchem’s work, XeF2 was not available commercially in the global market. The development of a viable and novel technology to produce XeF2 at a laboratory scale and have the product qualified by international development houses was achieved by Pelchem in the 1990s. Commercialization of the technology to a world class level and development by the team, of the world’s first commercial production unit in 2006, has been hailed as a major milestone for both the global fluorochemical and mems industries. Currently Pelchem is the only recognized commercial manufacturer of the product in the world and supplies to more than 300 international clients.