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Recognition for Rhodes University professor

Professor Tebello Nyokong will represent Africa in Spain in March as one of the "Twelve Names to Change the World" exhibition

Rhodes University academic Professor Tebello Nyokong has been asked to participate in an international exhibition that celebrates 12 prominent  women scientists.

Nyokong will represent Africa at  the event in Spain in March as one  of the National Centre for Research  on Human Evolution’s (CENIEH)  “Twelve Names to Change the  World” exhibition, Rhodes University announced.

CENIEH is a non-profit venture  based in Burgos, Spain, which aims  to pay tribute to women scientists  who develop “generous work for a  better world”.

This particular exhibition will focus on the solidarity and social  commitment of women scientists  from around the globe.

One of CENIEH’s aims is the communication of science and its dissemination to society through various activities throughout the year.

The 12 women scientists selected  for the exhibition have been chosen  for their excellence in research  combined with their strong social  vocations.

As professor in Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology and director of the DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre at Rhodes  University, Nyokong has received  international recognition for her work in the field of chemistry and  nanotechnology, in particular her pioneering research into photodynamic therapy, which looks at harnessing light for cancer therapy and environmental cleaning.

Nyokong said she was honoured  by the recognition and pleased her  presence in the exhibition would  increase awareness of Africa, and  the serious scientific work being  done on the continent.

“It counteracts the many images of Africans starving, or at war, providing rather an image of Africa in which women working in science can aspire to.”

Nyokong believes that while it  was important to deal with the basic  needs of housing, hunger and poverty alleviation, it was equally important to provide role models of  success for African women.

The exhibition in Spain will consist of a photograph of Nyokong, a  short biography and a video presentation in which she discusses  her upbringing and work.

The exhibition coincides with the celebration of International Working Women’s Day.

Source: Dispatch

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