The award goes to ...

Four MRC-funded researchers shone brightly at the recent National Science and Technology Forum awards: Dr Vikash Sewram, Dr Neo Morejele and Dr Brian Sharp were all category finalists, and Prof Iqbal Parker (nominated by the University of Cape Town) was the winner in his category. MRC News found out more about the people behind the science.

Dr Brian Sharp (far left), Dr Neo Morojele (second from right) and Dr Vikash Sewram (far right) were all finalists in their categories. With them is Dr Romilla Maharaj.

Prof Iqbal Parker
Prof Parker, who won the NSTF award in the category "Senior black researcher over the past 5-10 years", is the director of the MRC/ UCT Oesophageal Cancer Research Unit. The unit is working on both the causes and treatment of this form of cancer, which many black South African men suffer from.

Prof Parker's group has discovered that a certain virus, known as the human pappiloma virus, was present in nearly half of the cases they examined. This pointed to a possible link between the presence of the virus and the development of oesophageal cancer.

The group has since adapted a non-invasive brush biopsy technique to test for the presence of the virus. People who have the virus can now be monitored, so cancer treatment can start at the earliest possible stage - making recovery more likely.

How did it feel to win in your category?
It certainly feels good to have some recognition for the hard work done over the past few years. I must stress that this is recognition of work done by a team of researchers and students; I am simply the conductor leading the orchestra. This award has certainly led to excitement amongst the students and, if anything, I may serve as a role model to younger researchers.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the development and maintenance of the latest technologies in molecular biology and the role of molecular biology in disease detection, treatment and prevention. What excites me the most are the challenges that I face when doing science, as well as the feeling of "winning" when I am able to overcome some difficulty. It's never boring: I am delving into the unknown, and often being plunged from one unknown into the other.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to this point?
I needed a permit to attend the University of Cape Town in 1971, and had to deal with the attitudes of people with certain perceptions of others who were not of their kind. But determination and perseverance saw me through - they still do.

Why did you decide to study science?
I have been fascinated with science since my school days. During high school, I dabbled in electronics and used all my pocket money to buy resistors, transistors and capacitors; and used them to build my own electronic devices such as radios and amplifiers. It helped that I had an uncle who was also very interested in electronics - we exchanged ideas and got enthusiastic about what was in the latest Popular Mechanics."

Do you think science is a good career?
Well, I've never considered any other career! I would certainly recommend that young people follow a research career: it is challenging, interesting and opens doors to opportunities. But if you are not prepared to work long, hard hours for moderate salaries then do not bother. You need both commitment and dedication.

Does your family support you?
I owe much to my wife, son and daughter who tolerate my late hours and who in fact very often manage all my duties at home when these slip my mind - which happens more often than not!

Dr Vikash Sewram
Dr Sewram is a chief specialist scientist in the MRC's PROMEC Unit. He was a finalist in the category "Junior Black Researcher over the last 2-5 years.

He studies environmental factors (such as fungal and plant toxins) that play a role in the development of oesophageal cancer. One part of his work consists of looking at the hair and nails of people to measure the extent to which they've been exposed to a fungal toxin, called mycotoxin, which is known to cause oesophageal cancer.

What keeps you interested in science?
It's about the process of discovery. When you learn and practice the methods of science you realize that scientific research is by nature an uncertain undertaking. Like any exploratory process, it is not possible to predict what one will find and that is the whole point of research - investigating what we do not know.

But by doing this you get involved in the excitement of discovery. At times you are puzzled and amazed and then you question, discuss and debate - all features of the scientific discipline that indeed makes it one of humanity's most outstanding methods of enquiry. So each time you make even a small discovery, you solve one piece of the puzzle that contributes to the bigger picture. Truly wonderful...

How did it feel to be chosen as a finalist in your category?
I see it as an indication that the nature and impact of my work is indeed of national and international standing. There's also a message in this: that young people do have the potential to make a difference and that they should be listened to and taken seriously. The NSTF has taken a bold step by highlighting and promoting the efforts of young scientists who are dedicated to advancing the frontiers of science and technology in this country.

What were some of the obstacles you faced to get to where you are now? How did you overcome them?
Oh boy! I guess I would have to say lack of funding and of resources. We all would like our labs to be fully equipped, to have the best and latest technology - when you are passionate about your work there is so much that you want to achieve all at once. But I have learnt to be strategic. My message to other scientists would be to collaborate with others to help get the job done faster and also with expertise you may not have in-house. By pooling your financial and intellectual assets you will be able to achieve results greater than either of you could have achieved alone.

Many science graduates don't end up in research careers - why do you think you did?
I wanted to learn; to adapt and innovate. I guess I can call it an intellectual fire. In order to sustain this fire, I had to search for new knowledge and go beyond the present boundaries of available information. Research also allowed me some degree of flexibility and independence.

Would you recommend your career to young people interested in science?
Certainly. Science has improved the lives of the majority of people in the world. I have seen how science has enabled us to identify the most important sources of risk to human health. This allows us set priorities, put credible health policies in place and decide where our resources can best be used.

Young scientists have the opportunity to influence and shape our world. I would advise them to make the sacrifices, and put in the hard work and dedication that will turn possibilities into reality. They will need to believe in their dreams, open their minds and reach for the stars.

Science is exciting and it is all around us, but we must always be willing to listen to people - they might seem crazy or obnoxious, but that doesn't mean they're not sometimes right!

What keeps you going?
Perhaps the need to make some difference or positive impact on humanity is what drives me on a daily basis in the hope that someday all of my efforts would play a major role in improving the lives of our people.

Dr Brian Sharp
Dr Sharp is the director of the MRC's Malaria Research Lead Programme, which is based in Durban. He was a finalist in the category for researchers who have contributed to science and technology over the last two years through research and innovation.

What stands out for you at the moment in terms of your work?
It would have to be the ever-widening scope of the national, regional and international collaborations that have be-come possible since the first democratic elections in SA. And it's always enjoyable to facilitate the training of young scientists to ensure the next generation of malaria scientists in South Africa.

What does your nomination mean to you?
My staff made the submission, which made me feel very proud. I was also pleased for the MRC, as it provides the platform from which I work.

If you could change any aspect of your working day, what would it be?
The days are too short! I recall a group executive in the MRC once saying to me: "If you are sleeping at night there is still room for expansion."

Where would you like to be in ten years' time?
Still hopefully making a contribution to malaria control in Africa but with more time devoted to fly fishing than currently.

Why did you decide to study science?
It is still possible to discover, think innovatively and make a contribution. I am motivated by the link between health and development, and the opportunity to make a contribution in this regard in our fight against poverty.

What helped you to make a career of science?
I persevered and was prepared to work for lower salaries initially. However, we need to think innovatively about creating opportunities for young people in research. Linking training opportunities to all our major grants is a principle we follow in the Malaria Research Lead Programme. Science is very necessary in society.

Any advice for aspirant scientists?
Do as well as you can at university.

Dr Neo Morojele
Dr Morojele, deputy director of the MRC's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Re-search Unit, was also a finalist in the category "Junior black researcher over the last 2-5 years". She is a psychologist by training, and has a special interest in studying the links between alcohol and drug use on the one hand, and risky sexual behaviour on the other hand - especially as far as HIV/ AIDS is concerned.

Why did you study psychology?
I've always been fascinated with what makes people tick.

Which part of your work do you enjoy the most?
Speaking with young people, and feeling that my work will help them progress in life.

What obstacles did you have to face to get to where you are now?
When I was much younger there was a lot of pressure from my peers to not study hard. When I was writing my PhD thesis I had to cut ties with my peers and friends for a whole year.

Would you recommend research as a career?
Definitely. But young people who are interested in research have to be internally motivated.

What keeps you going?
Determination, and passion for what I do. In fact, I hope to still be a researcher in ten years' time.

And your inspiration?
My parents.

MRC News wishes to express its condolences to Dr Morojele, who has recently lost her mother.