Professor Tebello Nyokong (OMB) PhD University of Western Ontario, Canada

Distingished Professor of Chemistry

DST/NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology

Director of DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC) for Sensors

Research interests: Photodynanic therapy using metallophthalocyanines, photochemistry, photophysics and electrochemistry of phthalocyanines, development of sensors for medically important molecules using nanostructured materials such as carbon nanotubes

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

NRF B1 Rated

2012:  Included in the National Center for Research on Human Evolution (CENIEH), located in Burgos, Spain to be one of their "12 NAMES TO CHANGE THE WORLD”

2012:  Awarded the Disinguished Professorship at Rhodes University.

2011:  Distinguished Women in Chemistry Award as part of the Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN) and Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) International Year of Chemistry Celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of Marie Curie’s Nobel Award in Chemistry.

2011:  Appointed to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Panel.

2010:  Vodacom - Lesotho Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award (Education Category).

2010:  Doctor of Philosophy Degree (honoris causa) – UNISA.

2010:  Doctor of Science Degree (honoris causa) - Walter Sisulu University.

2009:  NRF President’s Award for “Champion of Transformation in Research”.

2009:  Awarded 2009/2010 CEO (Celebrating Excellence in Organizations).  Most Influential Women in Business and Government (MIW) - Education and Training Sector.

2009:  L’Oreal UNESCO Award for “Women in Science” as a Laureate representing  Africa & the Arab States. 

2008:  Recognised as one of the top three publishing scientist in South Africa by the NRF.

2008:  City Press/Rapport Prestige Award – in celebration of South Africa’s inspirational women achievers.

2007:  Awarded DST/NRF Research Chair on Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology.

2005:  Awarded a Grant-holder medal from CSIR for being the best NLC grant holder of the year.

2005:  Awarded the Order of Mapungbwe: Bronze by the President of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Thabo Mbeki.

2004:  Shoprite/Checkers Woman of the Year in Science and Technology.

2003:  Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Senior Research Award.

The DST/NRF chair in medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology focuses on the use of metallophthalocyanine (MPc) dyes in (a) healthcare: as photodynamic therapy of cancer agents in combination with nanosized magnetic fluid and quantum dots and (b) in nanosized sensors for markers for early detection of human diseases.

Please see Nanotechnology webpage for further information:

http://www.ru.ac.za/chemistry/nanotechnology/

http://www.nic.ac.za/general_aboutNic.htm