Four academics from the Faculties of Natural and Applied Sciences and Humanities have been listed among the world’s top 2 percent most cited scientists in the 2025 Stanford and Elsevier global citation rankings. The list draws on Scopus data and identifies influential researchers whose work is shaping scientific discourse across 22 fields and 174 subfields.
- Prof Odireleng Martin Ntwaeaborwa – Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
- Prof Nhamo Chaukura – Professor of Chemistry and Head of Department
- Dr Simbarashe Gukurume – Senior Lecturer in Sociology
- Dr Silas Verkijika – Senior Lecturer: Computer Science and Information Technology, and Acting Director: Centre for Applied Data Science
This recognition is based on citation indicators that reflect the global reach and influence of a researcher’s work. It considers career-long and single-year citation impact, co-authorship patterns and a composite metric that shows which scientists’ work is most referenced in their fields.
Advancing SPU’s global competitiveness through research excellence
Prof Ntwaeaborwa (left) described the announcement as both a personal honour and a collective achievement. He said the listing shows that SPU’s academic contributions “are not only nationally relevant but globally competitive”. He added that the achievement reflects “an emerging research-intensive culture at SPU” supported by high-impact research, strengthened postgraduate training, improved infrastructure and a growing culture of mentorship and collaboration.
Driving sustainable scientific innovation with global relevance
Prof Chaukura (right) said the recognition carries deep personal resonance and validates over a decade of sustained research. He noted that his work on eco-friendly and affordable water treatment solutions responds to urgent environmental needs, while contributing to global innovation in clean water technologies. He highlighted the value of mentoring postgraduate students and helping shape the next generation of scientists.
Shaping global and local discourse through high-impact scholarship
Dr Gukurume (right) described the listing as both humbling and affirming. He said it shows that his work is reaching global audiences and contributing to academic and policy debates.
By publishing in high-impact journals, collaborating across institutions and disciplines, and engaging with urgent societal questions, he believes his research is helping shape knowledge that is increasingly visible both locally and internationally and foregrounds SPU’s role in these global conversations.
Strengthening SPU’s research visibility through sustained scholarly impact
Dr Verkijika (left), who appears on the list for the third consecutive year, described the recognition as both humbling and encouraging. He noted that his work demonstrates that rigorous and globally relevant research is being produced at SPU, with each citation further strengthening the University’s growing research presence on the international stage.
The four researchers emphasised that research excellence comes through curiosity, rigour, collaboration, perseverance and choosing questions that matter. They all highlighted the supportive environment within the faculties – including mentorship, a collegial atmosphere, postdoctoral and infrastructure support, and spaces that allow scholars the freedom to cultivate impactful research.
Collectively, their achievements point to a university whose research footprint is expanding and whose academics are contributing to knowledge that resonates far beyond the Northern Cape.
