One of the world’s oldest universities has bestowed one of its highest honours on a South African scientist. Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Medical Sciences degree by the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
The honorary doctorate was conferred during the university’s Commemoration Day celebrations, which this year marked the institution’s 575th anniversary, SAnews reported.
Recognition of a Distinguished Career
The University of Glasgow said the award recognises Professor Ntusi’s distinguished career as a clinician-scientist, internationally acclaimed cardiovascular researcher and leader in advancing medical science, health equity and research excellence in Africa and globally.
Receiving the honour, Professor Ntusi described the moment as both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“To be recognised by one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished universities, a university whose history spans nearly six centuries and whose contributions have shaped medicine, science, and society across generations, is an honour beyond anything I could have imagined,” he said.
He added that the distinction reflects “not only individual achievement, but also the many students, colleagues, institutions and communities whose support has made my journey possible”.
Africa as a Leader, Not a Participant
Throughout his career, Professor Ntusi has championed scientific research as a catalyst for tackling pressing health challenges, while advocating for stronger investment in African research capacity, innovation and scientific leadership.
In his acceptance address, he set out a bold vision for the continent’s place in global science. “The future of medical science cannot be built upon exclusion. It must be global, collaborative, and include Africa not merely as a participant but as a leader in scientific discovery, innovation, and knowledge generation,” he said.
“If we invest in talent, we invest in solutions; if we invest in science, we invest in prosperity; and if we invest in health research, we invest in a more secure and equitable future for humanity.”
A Proud Moment for South Africa
University of Glasgow Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield said the institution’s honorary degrees recognise individuals whose work has transformed their professions and made a lasting contribution to society. “Honorary degrees give us the opportunity to recognise individuals whose achievements have had a profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society. Their work embodies values that continue to inspire our community,” he said.
The SAMRC described the conferral as a proud moment, not only for the organisation but for South Africa and the African scientific community as a whole. “It reflects the growing global recognition of African research excellence and reinforces the continent’s vital role in advancing medical discovery and improving health outcomes worldwide,” the council said.
Professor Ntusi has dedicated his career to strengthening health research systems, mentoring emerging scientists and fostering international scientific partnerships. Under his leadership, the SAMRC continues to advance world-class research that addresses South Africa’s and Africa’s most pressing health priorities while contributing to global scientific knowledge.
Fittingly, Professor Ntusi framed the honour not as the culmination of a career, but as a renewed commitment to advancing science, promoting equity in global health and inspiring the next generation of scientific leaders — a generation that, on the evidence of this week, the world is watching with admiration.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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