EDUNEWS & VIEWS
UFS scientists recognized among the World’s Top 2% for 2024

Scientists from the University of the Free State (UFS) have earned global recognition for their research, with several faculty members named in the prestigious World’s Top 2% Scientists list for 2024. Compiled by Stanford University in partnership with Elsevier and based on data from Scopus, this list honours researchers whose work has made significant contributions to their fields and garnered worldwide recognition.
The ranking evaluates scientists using standardised citation metrics, including h-index, article citations, and other performance indicators, to identify the most influential scholars across various disciplines.
Prof Vasu Reddy, UFS Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating: “The coveted Stanford-Elsevier list showcases top-notch scholars globally in the fields of science, engineering, business, public affairs, and the human sciences. We at the UFS are filled with pride and excitement to see our scholars who are making a positive mark in global research efforts.”
Top Performers from UFS
Prof Abdon Atangana, a leading researcher at the UFS Institute for Groundwater, is once again the highest-ranked UFS scientist on the list, securing the 391st position worldwide and 2nd out of 2,137 authors in Applied Mathematics. Prof Karl Peltzer, Research Fellow in the Department of Psychology, also earned recognition, ranking 4,806 globally and 47th among over 69,000 authors in Public Health.
Prof Reddy remarked, “The UFS is filled with immense inspiration and joy to celebrate our academics whose vision and dedication must serve as a true inspiration for all of us collectively at UFS. You are people, through your ideas and research, who drive real-world solutions to complex wicked problems and challenges.”
New Additions to the List
Several UFS researchers have made their debut on the prestigious list this year. These include Prof Felicity Burt, Principal Medical Scientist in Virology; Prof Yonas T Bahta, Professor in Agricultural Economics; Dr Andronicus Akinyelu, Lecturer in Computer Science and Informatics; Prof Abiodun A Ogundeji from the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa; and Dr Marieka Gryzenhout, Senior Lecturer in Genetics.
Dr Gryzenhout, who focuses on medicinal mushrooms, expressed her surprise at the recognition: “There are truly prolific and renowned researchers out there with impressive publication records and impactful research.” She attributed her success to impactful and relevant research, networking, and long-term citation of her work.
Notable Achievements and Contributions
Dr Anand Krishnan, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology and a leader in nano diagnostic and therapeutic research, reflected on his inclusion in the list as a testament to his extensive contributions. “Being acknowledged in this elite group is a tremendous honour. It validates my commitment to advancing research in precision medicine and nano diagnostics,” he said. Dr Krishnan’s scholarly output includes over 127 published articles, eight books, and 22 book chapters, solidifying his reputation in global research.
Prof Yonas T Bahta, a National Research Foundation (NRF) C2-rated researcher, made his first appearance on the list, ranked 229,449 globally. “Being named in the Top 2% signifies global recognition for research excellence and enhances a scientist’s reputation within academia and industry,” he said. Prof Bahta’s research focuses on the social and economic impacts of water use behavior and agricultural drought in South Africa.
EDUNEWS & VIEWS
Ambani Donates $18 Million to the Institute of Chemical Technology
Mukesh Ambani, who had chosen to study at ICT over IIT Bombay credited his professor with shaping his professional journey and inspiring the principles that led to Reliance’s growth

Mukesh Ambani, the country’s richest man, had announced a mammoth donation of $18 million to his alma mater, Mumbai’s Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), on June 6.
Ambani, who is chairman and managing director at Reliance Industries, had been in attendance at a book launch event for Divine Scientist, a biography on Prof. Man Mohan Sharma, Ambani’s ex-teacher and cherished mentor.
Addressing a packed audience at ICT, Ambani said he was invested in ICT’s long-term growth and success in all fronts; advancing research, education, and ideals that Prof. Singh stood for, that is knowledge, sustainability, and nation-building. Sharma, who is professor in chemical engineering at ICT, had been the first engineer from India to be elected as a fellow of the Britain’s prestigious Royal Society.
“This is my Guru Dakshina (offering) [to Prof. Sharma],” Ambani said. Prof. Sharma has had a considerable influence upon him in shaping his professional journey, as well as principles, that led to Reliance’s growth.
In an anecdote he shared with the public, he said, “Prof. Sharma told me, ‘Mukesh, you have to do something big for ICT.’ I replied, ‘Sir, just tell me what to do.’ And he said, ‘Announce $18 million to ICT unconditionally.’ I’m very, very pleased to do that today.”
In the 1970s, Ambani was student at ICT, then known as the University Department of Chemical Technology (or UDCT). He had chosen ICT over an admissions offer at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
EDUNEWS & VIEWS
Harvard Pledges $250 Million for Research After Federal Funding Slash
The administration has defended the funding freeze as part of a broader campaign to address what it characterizes as pervasive anti-Semitism on campuses and to roll back diversity programs

Harvard University has announced a $250 million investment to sustain vital research programs in the face of steep federal funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration.
The move follows a sweeping $2.6 billion reduction in government grants to the Ivy League institution, citing alleged discriminatory practices and refusal to comply with federal oversight mandates. The cuts, which Harvard is actively challenging in court, have already suspended or canceled dozens of projects—some of which were considered critical to public health and technological innovation.
University President Alan Garber and Provost John Manning issued a joint statement on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgent need to protect research initiatives. “While we cannot fully offset the financial blow from halted federal support, we are committed to backing essential research during this transitional period,” they said. The university is also working with faculty to secure alternative funding channels.
Harvard has strongly criticized the federal measures, calling the termination of grants “unlawful” and accusing the administration of interfering with academic independence. The university contends that the loss of funding not only halts groundbreaking work but also threatens years of scientific progress.
At the heart of the dispute is a broader political clash over university governance. Harvard, whose endowment reached $53.2 billion in 2024, has become a focal point of the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape higher education policy. The White House has demanded greater control over admissions, hiring, and the political climate on campus—demands Harvard has resisted.
The administration has defended the funding freeze as part of a broader campaign to address what it characterizes as pervasive anti-Semitism on campuses and to roll back diversity programs. Critics argue these moves are part of a larger effort to suppress progressive academic culture and penalize dissent over U.S. foreign policy, especially in light of recent student protests against the war in Gaza.
In recent weeks, federal authorities have also taken steps to revoke visas of international students involved in these demonstrations, accusing them of ties to militant organizations—allegations civil rights groups and university leaders have strongly disputed.
With tensions between the federal government and top academic institutions mounting, Harvard’s legal challenge could set a precedent for how universities navigate political interference while safeguarding research, free speech, and academic autonomy.
EDUNEWS & VIEWS
India is not in competition with any other nation: ISRO Chief
ISRO Chief V. Narayanan urges youth to lead India’s technological revolution

In a powerful address at the 8th edition of the Chhatra Sansad India Conclave (CSI), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Chairman V. Narayanan inspired over 20,000 young minds to push boundaries and take India to new heights in space exploration and scientific innovation. His message was clear: the nation’s future in technology will be shaped by the youth, and they are crucial in propelling India to the forefront of global advancements.
In his keynote, V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, spoke about India’s ongoing strides in space exploration. He emphasized that India is not in competition with any other nation but is focused solely on advancing its own technological progress. “India’s future is in the hands of its youth. You are the driving force behind the country’s technological and scientific transformation,” Narayanan said, calling for continued innovation in space research.
The conclave, held at Lovely Professional University, gathered influential leaders, policymakers, and thinkers under the theme “Vision India 2047: Bharat @ 100.” The event was a platform for dynamic conversations about India’s growth and the role youth will play in shaping the nation’s future as it approaches its centenary of independence.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Indian Parliament and Founder Chancellor of LPU, set the tone for the event, urging the youth to embrace their power to reshape India’s trajectory. He highlighted LPU’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who will lead the country in global arenas.

Other prominent speakers at the conclave included Smriti Irani, former Union Minister, who encouraged the youth to leverage their talents to build businesses and enterprises that would drive India’s economic future. Motivational speaker Jaya Kishori inspired attendees to embody discipline, values, and purpose-driven action, while Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism & Higher Education for Nagaland, spoke of an inclusive India where progress benefits all regions and communities.
The event also saw insightful video messages from several distinguished figures, including Nitin Gadkari, India’s Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, and Vikrant Massey, Indian actor, emphasizing the role of youth in the ongoing digital revolution and India’s rise on the global stage.
A key feature of the conclave was a thought-provoking debate on “One Nation, One Election,” which sparked discussions on the potential impact of a unified electoral system on India’s future governance. The debate, chaired by Maulana Kalbe Rushaid Rizvi, allowed students to actively contribute their views on shaping India’s democratic structure.
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