Years of research into aquatic ecosystems, student mentorship and international scientific collaboration have earned North-West University (NWU) researcher Prof. Nico Smit one of the highest honours in aquatic sciences in South Africa.
Prof. Smit received the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) Gold Medal on 1 July 2026, during the annual conference of the society in Port Alfred. The award is presented only occasionally to scientists in recognition of outstanding and sustained contributions to aquatic sciences in South Africa.
For Prof. Smit, the award recognises more than an individual career. "Receiving the SASAqS Gold Medal is an incredible honour and one that I accept with immense gratitude and humility," he said. "To me, however, it does not recognise an individual, but rather the collective effort of an exceptional team."
He said every publication, field expedition, postgraduate student and scientific discovery reflected the work of colleagues, postdoctoral fellows, students and collaborators who had worked together over many years.
Rather than pointing to a single achievement, Prof. Smit said the recognition reflects the cumulative impact of research, mentorship and long-term collaboration. His research has helped improve scientific understanding of aquatic parasite biodiversity and ecology, demonstrating that parasites are not only organisms associated with disease, but also play an important role in healthy aquatic ecosystems and can serve as indicators of ecosystem health.
He also highlighted the development of the NWU Water Research Group into an internationally connected research group that continues to train future aquatic scientists. "Seeing former students and postdoctoral fellows establish successful careers in academia, the government and industry is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career," he said. "If our research has advanced science while simultaneously building capacity and fostering long-term international partnerships, then I believe we have achieved something that extends far beyond individual publications."
Prof. Smit credited the NWU and the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) for providing an environment that supports research excellence. "Research excellence is never achieved in isolation," he said. "The NWU and the UESM have provided an environment in which ambitious ideas can develop into impactful research."
He said continued investment in research infrastructure, postgraduate training, international collaboration and interdisciplinary science had helped establish the Water Research Group as a recognised centre of excellence in aquatic science.
Looking ahead, Prof. Smit said future aquatic scientists would need to work across disciplines to address growing environmental challenges affecting freshwater and marine ecosystems.
"The challenges facing our aquatic ecosystems are becoming increasingly complex, and addressing them will require equally integrated solutions," he said. "The next generation of aquatic scientists will need to move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries and embrace collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches."
He added that investing in young scientists would be essential to protecting aquatic ecosystems and informing evidence-based environmental policy across southern Africa.
Reflecting on the award, Prof. Smit said it recognises the contribution of everyone who has been part of the journey, while encouraging future researchers. "Science is fundamentally a team endeavour," he said. "While my name appears on this award, it reflects the dedication of countless students, postdoctoral fellows, colleagues and collaborators who have shared this journey over many years. The medal serves not only as recognition of past achievements, but also as inspiration for the next generation of aquatic scientists to continue asking important questions and working together to protect our freshwater and marine ecosystems."
Prof. Nico Smit from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management received the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists Gold Medal in recognition of his sustained contributions to aquatic science in South Africa.
