Applying local chemistry to international solutions
By Janus Snyders

Professor Jan van der Westhuizen from the University of the Free State’s Chemistry department  in partnership with the laboratories of the company FARMOVS-PAREXEL have undertaken a world class project to support bio-analytical clinical trials for the registration of new medicines locally and internationally. PARAXEL’s laboratories are equipped with state-of–the-art analytical equipment that enables them to quantify substances in human blood to as low as a few picograms per milliliter.

 The team’s excellence was acknowledged by the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) by  honouring them with the  2007/8 NSTF Category D Award.   The latter was awarded for innovative research conducted by a team or individual in a corporate organization.

In an interview with UFS’s campus radio (Kovsie FM),  Professor v/d Westhuizen said the award proved that the university’s  synthetic organic chemistry, bio-analytical skills and training are amongst the best available in South Africa and compares well with overseas universities. “Subsequent to this award, many local and international students have applied to do post-graduate and post doctoral studies at the UFS and a senior international scientist has been appointed in the chemistry department” remarked Prof van der Westhuizen.

In terms of career opportunities stemming from   synthetic chemistry, Prof van der Westhuizen perceives a degree in this field as a passport to the world. They have never struggled to place good students at top overseas universities for post-doctoral studies. Moreover, people who are trained in bioanalytical chemistry at FARMOVS – PAREXEL are being employed all over the world.

“Students should realise that by studying science, they are becoming major contributors to the wellbeing of mankind.” concluded Prof van der Westhuizen.

Approved by: Professor Jan van der Westhuizen