?Three promising young female researchers at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) received national recognition when they were honoured with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)'s prestigious South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA). Kimberly Coetzer, Corine Mouton and Duduzile Kubheka were presented with their awards at a gala ceremony held on Thursday 21 August 2025.
Coetzer won a DSTI fellowship for doctoral studies, while Mouton and Kubheka were awarded fellowships for master's research.
The annual Women in Science Awards celebrate women's achievements to science, technology, engineering and mathematics and raise the profile of outstanding researchers to serve as role models for the next generation of young women and girls and inspire them to pursue careers in science.
Coetzer
Coetzer, a doctoral student in bioinformatics and computational biology, was honoured for integrating multi-omics data (combined information from different “omics" studies such as genes, proteins, metabolites, etc to better understand biology) to uncover disease mechanisms and gene functions. Through her work, she aims to advance inclusive, reproducible and impactful science, while amplifying the voices of women in science through interdisciplinary innovation.
Coetzer said she is extremely grateful to have received this fellowship.
“It is truly an honour to be considered a winner along with so many phenomenal women. While there is a monetary element, being a recipient is a lifelong privilege and commitment that I hope to make the most of.
“Being awarded the DSTI doctoral fellowship serves as recognition of my commitment to impactful, inclusive, and transformative scientific research. This fellowship indicates that I am moving in the right direction. It also acknowledges that my work in bioinformatics is indeed significant and has value both within the scientific community and beyond."
Coetzer added that she is fortunate to be surrounded by people who have shown her how to contribute to science beyond her degree and why it is important to do so. “With this fellowship, I can add even more value to what I am currently doing in reproducible bioinformatics, understanding genetic disorders, bioinformatics training and mentoring future scientists."
Mouton
Mouton, a master's student in chemical engineering, received a fellowship for her research on thermodynamic modelling and high-pressure phase behaviour for sustainable separation processes. By exploring the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as an alternative to hazardous organic solvents, her work aims to advance environmentally friendly, energy-efficient separation processes.
Mouton said the award is deeply meaningful to her, as it recognises not only her own work but also the guidance of her supervisor and the collaborative spirit of her research group.
“It is encouraging to see separation technology and thermodynamic research being highlighted on a national stage, as these areas often sit quietly behind the scenes of more visible breakthroughs.
“For me, the fellowship underscores the value of developing sustainable, scientifically rigorous solutions in chemical engineering. Receiving this recognition affirms that such work has both scientific merit and societal relevance, particularly in South Africa's drive toward cleaner, more resource-efficient technologies.
“I feel motivated to continue pushing forward, not only in contributing new knowledge, but also in inspiring other young scientists to pursue challenging and impactful research paths."
Kubheka
Kubheka, a master's student in science and technology studies, was awarded a fellowship for astronomy outreach and science communication in Africa. She explores the current landscape of public engagement with astronomy across the continent by mapping key stakeholders, documenting outreach initiatives and analysing the factors that shape successful science communication. Kubheka aims to strengthen inclusive, evidence-based engagement strategies, inform policy and funding decisions, and enhance astronomy's role in promoting scientific literacy and socio-economic development across Africa.
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