Forum 2009
Profiles
Students participating in the South African Postdoctoral Research Forum are at the cutting edge of research in diverse fields. To find out more about their projects and to contact them, view the research profiles in the various disciplines outlined below.
Agronomy
Food security is one of the world’s most pressing concerns.
Postdoctoral research in South Africa is examining ways of protecting crops from
natural enemies, and of boosting the yield of crops to meet the country’s food
needs – and the food needs of the world.
Biotechnology/Microbiology
A broad collection of studies examining cell development and manipulation,
with a view of gaining an insight into bacteria, plant growth and cell development.
Chemistry
By deconstructing and working with elements as diverse as gold and algae,
research into chemistry is creating a wide range of solutions, from new
methods of gas storage to the fine nuances of aromatherapy.
Ecology and Environment
The study of our environment helps us understand the world we live in,
and how best to live in harmony with it.
Studies vary from the ecology of large mammals to fungal diversity.
Economics/Information Science
This section represents a loose grouping of postdoctoral researchers
who are examining the structures of economics, and how information
should be handled once it has been gathered.
Engineering
South Africa’s postdoctoral researchers in engineering are challenging
the constructs of their various disciplines, from civil engineering to
chemical and crystal engineering.
Geology and Paleontology
Perhaps the best way to understand the present and the future is to study the past.
These postdoctoral researchers are looking into history to help us plan for the future.
Health Sciences
HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis are among South Africa’s leading health problems.
Our postdoctoral researchers are at the forefront of the battle against these
diseases, and many others that impact the lives of our people.
Knowledge
Law, language, music and theology add colour, structure and vibrance to our world.
These researchers stretch their imaginations for the benefit of ours.
Mathematics and Physics
Physics applies scientific methodologies to understand the most fundamental principles
of nature – matter and energy, and how they interact, while mathematics deals
with thelogic of quantity, shape and arrangement: two sciences that go hand in hand.
Zoology
South Africa’s postdoctoral zoology researchers study the habitats, behaviours
and diversity of the country’s avian, oceanic and land-bound creatures.
Astronomy
Finding out more about our place in the universe, and how our world came into being,
is the focus of this group of postdoctoral students.
