In a world of extreme climate change where air pollution is rife and people’s health is at stake, it has become paramount to predict the impact of chemical processes within the Earth’s atmosphere to plan measures for the future. A researcher at the North-West University (NWU) has made it his life’s labour to study atmospheric sciences.

Prof Stuart Piketh, director of the School for Geo- and Spatial Sciences on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, recently received recognition from the South African Society of Atmospheric Sciences (SASSAS) for his significant contributions to the field. His work has advanced the understanding of atmospheric processes and their implications for local and regional pollution, transport, environmental policy and community health initiatives.

He received the Mathieu Rouault Medal – the highest honour in South African atmospheric sciences – during the annual SASSAS congress on 29 and 30 October, which the NWU hosted in venues across the Potchefstroom Campus. The medal is named after the late Prof Mathieu Rouault, an internationally respected expert in ocean environment and weather systems.

“You try to work consistently in building your research and your academic career over years and the best people to give you recognition for the work you have done are your peers and your colleagues,” Prof Piketh says. “That makes this recognition very meaningful and special. It acknowledges the efforts one put in not only in terms of research but also the graduation of more than 40 postgraduate students over the years.”

The commendation accompanying the medal stated that it was in recognition of the work that Prof Piketh has put in in atmospheric sciences in Southern Africa over the course of his career. It specifically referred to his extensive research, publications and dedication to training the next generation of scientists.

He still hopes to make many more significant contributions in the field. “In the end it is all about creating a better, safer and healthier world,” he concludes.

More about Prof Piketh’s career

Prof Stuart Piketh obtained a PhD in geography and environmental studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 2000. Since being appointed as a full professor at the NWU in 2012, he has served as co-chair of the Eskom Power Plant Institute (EPPEI) in the School of Geo- and Spatial Science and became its director in 2015.

Currently a B-rated scientist of the National Research Foundation (NRF), he is also a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSaf).

“Over the past decade, my researched has focused especially on the understanding of air pollution emissions, transport and impacts.”

He considers the fact that many of his students now hold prominent positions in both government and the private sector as one of his greatest achievements.

Prof Stuart Piketh