Prof Dr Katharina Al-Shamery (Vice President, Academic Career Paths, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs, University of Oldenburg), Prof Muki Moeng (DVC Learning and Teaching, Nelson Mandela University), Prof Dr Darelle van Greunen, Prof Dr Karsten Speck (University of Oldenburg).
This prestigious appointment highlights Prof van Greunen’s excellence as a researcher and her dedication to advancing know-how as a catalyst for human improvement, inclusion and social transformation. Her work demonstrates how modern, human-centred approaches can tackle complicated societal challenges.
The appointment is anticipated to create new alternatives to strengthen Africa–Europe collaboration, develop worldwide research networks, and open pathways for postgraduate college students and rising researchers to take part in globally linked scholarship.
“Prof van Greunen’s appointment is a significant recognition of the global relevance and impact of her work,” stated Professor Muki Moeng, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching at Mandela University. “We are immensely proud of her achievement and the contribution she continues to make in positioning Nelson Mandela University as a partner of choice in human-centred digital transformation and socially responsive innovation.”
Commenting on the appointment, Prof Van Greunen, who can be a Distinguished Professor of Information Technology stated: “This appointment represents an opportunity to further strengthen meaningful international collaboration and create pathways for young researchers to engage with global challenges. Digital transformation is not only about technology; it is about empowering people, developing inclusive solutions, and ensuring innovation contributes to a more equitable and sustainable future.”
Under the management of Prof Van Greunen, the Centre for Community Technologies has established itself as a pacesetter in translating research into sensible options that enhance lives. Guided by the philosophy of “In Africa, for Africa, by Africans”, it really works with communities to co-create technology-driven interventions which can be related, inclusive and sustainable.
In 2025 Prof Van Greunen was a recipient of the Science Diplomacy Award, within the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)/South32 Awards
The NSTF-South32 Awards — broadly generally known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa — are the nation’s most prestigious public accolades for excellence in Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation. The Science Diplomacy Award acknowledges distinctive contributions to science, know-how and innovation that advance collaboration and improvement throughout borders.
Among the initiatives recognised was the event of the Agri-Box, an modern device that permits small-scale farmers to entry scientific soil evaluation, serving to them enhance productiveness and reply to climate-related challenges.