A North-West University (NWU) researcher has joined a group of scientists recognised for shaping environmental science across the world.

Prof. Victor Wepener was named a recipient of the 2026 Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Fellow Award during a recent event in the Netherlands. The award recognises sustained contributions to environmental science, research leadership and societal impact.

SETAC is an international scientific society with more than 10 000 members across 95 countries, bringing together experts from academia, government and industry to address environmental challenges through science and policy.

The recognition places Prof. Wepener among scientists whose work has contributed to advancing environmental toxicology and chemistry on a global scale. His work has focused on aquatic ecosystems, water quality and environmental risk assessment – areas that continue to shape environmental management and sustainability discussions.

“SETAC has been an integral part of my academic journey throughout my career, and being selected as a fellow of the society is both deeply humbling and the pinnacle of my research career,” said Prof. Wepener.

According to Prof. Nico Smit, a professor of Ecology in the School of Biological Sciences, the award reflects positively on the Water Research Group (WRG) of the NWU, the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM), the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) and the university as a whole.

“This accolade is a remarkable achievement and reflects exceptionally well on the WRG, UESM, FNAS and the NWU,” he said.

The recognition adds to the growing international profile of the NWU researchers whose work continues to contribute to global scientific knowledge and environmental sustainability efforts.

Prof. Victor Wepener