Inaugural lecture by Professor De Vries and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

Professor Jacinta de Vries will deliver her lecture as part of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Inaugural Lecture series on Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 18:00 SAST in Lecture Theatre 2, Groote Schuur Hospital.

1. Inaugural lecture by Professor Jacinta de Vries (Faculty of Health Sciences)

Professor De Vries will present her inaugural lecture, “Another world is necessary: Ethics as a tool for worldmaking”, on Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 18:00 SAST in Lecture Theatre 2, Groote Schuur Hospital. Please note the change of venue.

In this lecture, Professor De Vries will explore ethics as a space for collective reflection in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. As technological innovation accelerates, she will examine how ethical engagement can help guide scholarship towards more just, inclusive and socially responsive outcomes.

Drawing on her work in genomics, artificial intelligence and neuroscience, Professor De Vries will consider how ethical reflexivity can shape research practices, challenge whose interests are prioritised, and address inequalities embedded in knowledge production. She will present ethics not only as a form of critique, but also as a tool for dialogue and collaboration across disciplines and beyond academia.

Professor De Vries is the founding director of the EthicsLab, a professor in the Department of Medicine and a National Research Foundation B2-rated researcher. She specialises in global health ethics, genomics and emerging technologies, and has contributed to major international initiatives and advisory bodies, including the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières.

• Read the full VC Desk: Upcoming UCT inaugural lectures: June 2026.
• Register to attend the lecture.

2. UCT remains Africa’s leading university in QS rankings

UCT has once again been ranked the leading university in Africa in the latest QS World University Rankings 2027, released on 18 June 2026.

UCT has been ranked 184th globally. The university maintained its position in the top 200 globally for the fourth successive year (2024–2027).

This achievement places UCT among the world's top 2%, out of 8 808 universities evaluated, and reflects the dedication, excellence and resilience of the staff and students.

Indicators within the QS methodology reflect UCT’s strong standing as a globally respected institution. UCT improved on two indicators: employment outcomes and academic reputation.

• Read the full VC Desk: UCT remains Africa’s leading university in QS rankings.

3. UCT’s nine finalists in sought-after SA “Science Oscars”

Nine UCT academics and research teams have been named finalists in the prestigious 2025/2026 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards. Widely regarded as South Africa’s “Science Oscars”, the awards recognise excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation. Now in their 28th year, they honour researchers, innovators and science leaders whose work advances knowledge and addresses pressing societal challenges.

The nine academics are Professor Elena Moore, Professor Jonathan Peter, Associate Professor Laura Heathfield, Associate Professor Moses Basitere, Dr Sharief Hendricks, Dr Simthembile Dlamini, Professor Sudesh Sivarasu, Associate Professor Shakti Pillay and Thandokazi Maceba.

The UCT MedTech team, led by Professor Sivarasu, is a finalist in two categories, while the Cube Analysis and Rendering Tool for Astronomy (CARTA) team led by Professor Rob Simmonds is also a finalist.

The recognition is particularly significant as the 2025/2026 NSTF-South32 Awards attracted a record number of nominations, with entries increasing by 39% compared to 2025. The achievement highlights the quality, relevance and impact of UCT research, while reinforcing the university’s contribution to advancing human development and improving lives. Winners will be announced at the NSTF-South32 Awards gala event on 16 July 2026.

• Read the full VC Desk: UCT’s nine finalists in sought-after SA “Science Oscars”.

4. UCT’s Innovation Builder Fund: Call for expression of interest

UCT’s Innovation Builder Fund (IBF) is now accepting new expressions of interest. The IBF was launched in 2019 with the primary goal of nurturing and advancing UCT research projects that have demonstrated proof of concept. The fund is designed to support projects that have been assessed as commercially viable and where research outputs have either been protected through intellectual property (IP) mechanisms or have the potential for IP protection.

This opportunity not only provides financial support but also helps mature research outputs and reduce development risks, thereby preparing them for later-stage funding. Successful projects will receive a grant ranging from R150 000 to R500 000 to support their development.

Applications are welcome from UCT researchers across all disciplines conducting innovative research with the potential for commercial application and IP protection.

The deadline for the submission is Friday, 10 July 2026.

To express your interest, fill in the Expression of Interest form and send it to Suraya Azam.

• Read more about the IBF, including detailed application requirements and procedures.

5. Updated e-hailing access protocol on upper campus

The UCT community is reminded that Campus Protection Services (CPS) has implemented a new access protocol for e-hailing vehicles on upper campus from Monday, 22 June 2026. The measure forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and security and aligns with existing vehicle access control procedures on upper campus.

From 20:00 to 06:00 daily, e-hailing vehicles such as Bolt and Uber will not be permitted beyond the upper campus access booms. During these hours, all passenger drop-offs and collections must take place at the designated drop-and-go area outside the Visitors’ Reception and Information Centre. Normal access arrangements will resume each day from 06:00.

To support staff and students travelling during these hours, CPS will provide escort services between the drop-and-go area and destinations on upper campus when required. Members of the university community are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with CPS officers. CPS can be contacted toll-free on 080 650 2222.

For more information, please contact Megan Dick.

6. Outstanding UCT achievements recognised nationally and globally

UCT scholars, researchers and students have recently been awarded national and international honours, reflecting the institution’s commitment to excellence and societal impact.

Among the most notable recognitions are South Africa’s National Orders, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Professor Keertan Dheda received the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver for his transformative contributions to tuberculosis and respiratory disease research, while Professor Karen Sliwa-Hahnle was awarded the Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze for her pioneering work in cardiovascular medicine. UCT PhD candidate Gavin James Krastin received the Order of Ikhamanga in Bronze for his contribution to performance art, curation and arts education.

Professor Liesl Zühlke was named the 2026 Laureate for Africa and the Arab States in the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards for her contributions to cardiovascular science and advocacy for vulnerable communities. Professor Mark Solms was recognised among South Africa’s top five researchers in the 2026 Research.com rankings, while Dr Mubeen Goolam was awarded a prestigious 2026–2027 Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship for his work on ethics, governance and equitable policy frameworks in stem cell and organoid research.

These achievements highlight the far-reaching impact of UCT’s scholars, researchers and students across South Africa, Africa and the world. They underscore the power of combining excellence with purpose and serve as an inspiration to the broader university community.

• Read the full VC Desk: Outstanding UCT achievements recognised nationally and globally.

7. UCT rowers selected for national camp

Four UCT students have been selected to attend the first phase of the South African Coastal and Beach Sprint Rowing testing and selection camp in KuGompo from 22 to 26 June 2026.

Representing UCT at the camp are senior women's team captain Mackenzie Lamond, Ziyanda Gwamanda and Frances Hill, as well as senior men’s rower Matthys du Plooy. The camp forms part of the national selection process for athletes aspiring to represent South Africa in international competition during 2026. Following the camp, the athletes will compete in the Eastern Cape Beach Sprint event at Kings Beach in Gqeberha on 27 and 28 June 2026.

The success of UCT’s coastal rowing programme extends beyond the current student cohort. Three UCT alumni have also been called up to the camp. The trio includes George du Plooy, who remains actively involved in the team. He has been selected together with Harriet Hoets-Turner and Taine Buys.

• Read the full VC Desk: UCT rowers selected for national camp.

8. ICTS scheduled maintenance on Sunday, 28 June

Please note that Sunday, 28 June 2026 will be an ICTS scheduled maintenance slot from 09:00 to 17:00. Unless advised to the contrary, do not expect any on-premise ICT services to be available for the duration of the maintenance slot. However, please note that external connectivity to the UCT network (ie connecting to the UCT VPN) will be unavailable from 07:00 on the day.

Cloud-based services (including Amathuba, email, Microsoft 365 services, and ServiceNow) are not impacted and can still be accessed.

Please remember to consult the scheduled ICTS maintenance slots page before planning any teaching, conferences, meetings, etc. that require ICT services. 

For more information, see the article on why ICTS schedules regular monthly maintenance slots.

Communication and Marketing Department