After overcoming setbacks, difficult experiments and refining his groundbreaking research, UP biochemist Prof Samkelo Malgas has been awarded the prestigious 2026 NRF Research Excellence Award!
Pretoria, South Africa (26 October 2026) – Few things quite compare to the sweet taste of victory following numerous setbacks, rejections, and visits back to the drawing board.
It is an experience Professor Samkelo Malgas knows well, particularly in his work advancing enzyme-driven solutions for South Africa’s bioeconomy. However, after countless rounds of refining his research and applying for funding, his perseverance has paid off.
The internationally recognised biochemist and NRF Y-rated scientist at the University of Pretoria (UP) was recently awarded the 2026 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers!
Prof Malgas is an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. The award recognises outstanding research performance in his field.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Malgas said.
“On a personal level, the award is a moment of quiet reflection on a journey that has included uncertainty, long hours, difficult experiments, rejections of manuscripts and grant proposals, and the constant need to balance research, teaching, supervision, and life beyond academia.”
He shared that the achievement reminds him that progress in science is rarely a straight line; it is built through persistence, learning from setbacks, and remaining curious even when the path forward is not immediately clear.
“I am also mindful that this recognition belongs to more than me. It reflects the guidance of my mentors, the trust of my collaborators, the hard work of my students and research team, and the unwavering support of my family and friends,” an elated Prof Malgas shared.
Prof Malgas’ pioneering research in green catalysis and the valorisation of agricultural residues is contributing to sustainable fine-chemical production, environmental remediation, and advances in food chemistry.
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Professionally, he sees this recognition as a spotlight on the work of his research group and the broader efforts to advance enzyme biotechnology, biomass valorisation and sustainable biorefinery approaches for South Africa’s bioeconomy.
A recipient of several prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Future Professors’ Programme (2026–2027) and the Fulbright Scholar Programme (2025–2026), Prof Malgas looks forward to continuing to build an inclusive and productive research environment, to mentor the next generation of scientists, and to contribute to research that creates value for society, industry, and the environment.
Sources: University of Pretoria
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