Two researchers from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) were honoured for their outstanding research by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

Prof Alta Schutte and Prof Marius Smuts were recently elected as members of ASSAf. New members are elected annually in recognition of their academic achievements. All members of the academy volunteer their time and expertise to serve society.

Prof Schutte holds the South African Research Chair (SARChI) in the Early Detection and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in South Africa, and her research focuses on the incidence of raised blood pressure in black South African communities.

Prof Schutte completed her doctorate in cardiovascular physiology in 2002, and has been involved with the NWU since 2001. She obtained her BSc, honours and master’s degrees cum laude from the NWU. She progressed from senior lecturer (2004) to associate professor (2007) and to professor (2010).

She has received various awards for her outstanding research and her name is synonymous with some of the best research in the world in her discipline.

Prof Smuts obtained his doctorate at Stellenbosch University in 1996 and is currently the director of and professor in nutrition at the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition. His research focuses on the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on pregnancy outcomes, the interactions between omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients with respect to cognitive functions and behaviour, as well as the effect of lipid or fat-based nutrition on the growth and development of babies.

Prof Smuts was formerly associated with the Medical Research Council and has been involved with the NWU for the past 10 years.

He has published more than 90 articles in accredited journals and is currently a council member of the International Association for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids.

Prof Alta Schutte

 Prof Marius Smuts