“Two South African scientists are doing such internationally trailblazing research that the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust has granted each of them its most prestigious honours: the R2.5-million Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award.
“Each of our awardees made such a strong case that we found it impossible to choose between them – so we decided to double down in a time when our country needs it most. We’re very excited to be supporting their quests to make our world a better place for all who live in it,” says OMT chair Rebecca Oppenheimer.
The prize rewards high-calibre scholars who are “engaged in cutting-edge and internationally significant research that has particular application to the advancement of knowledge, teaching, research and development in South Africa and beyond”.
Research from University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) physicist Professor Andrew Forbes could unlock the viability of quantum computing, placing South Africa at the heart of computational progress worldwide and unleashing unquantifiable economic benefits. Meanwhile, University of Cape Town (UCT) paediatric neurosurgeon Professor Anthony Figaji could make South Africa the fulcrum of live-saving advances in paediatric brain injury response.”
Read the full article here. | 15 July 2025 Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
