A national honour recently bestowed two experts of the North-West University (NWU). Prof Jeanetta du Plessis and Prof Richard Gordon, both from the Centre of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), were appointed as members of the National Health Research Committee.

The committee falls under the National Department of Health. According to the minister of this department, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Prof Du Plessis and Prof Gordon were appointed to identify among others, priorities in health research and offer their advice in that regard. They are also tasked to help develop and implement a national health strategy.

“I am confident that you will only make a valuable contribution to the committee, but also to the larger health research system and the South African public. I wish you success in your task,” minister Motsoaledi said.

Pharmacen is at the forefront of pharmaceutical and innovation centres in South Africa. “Our vision is to become an internationally recognized player and leader in the field of drug research and development in Africa. We look forward to the task, inter alia, our excellence in research with the acquisition of new scientific knowledge to tackle such concerns that it will have multiple benefits for the public, Prof Du Plessis said.

Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, rector of the Potchefstroom Campus, congratulated them and said that this type of nominations mean a lot to the NWU. On the one hand, we confirm that scientists of the NWU are making their mark on a national and international level. On the other, these two colleagues can stimulate other experts from the NWU to advancing relevant and impact making research.

Prof Jeanetta du Plessis		Prof Richard Gordon