A geoscientist from the University of Johannesburg, Prof Nic Beukes has been elected as an international member of the US National Academy of Science (NAS).
NSA which was created in 1863 is charged with providing independent, objective advice to the US on matters related to Science and technology. Scientist who are part of the NAS are elected by their peers to membership for their outstanding contributions to research.
Prof Beukes who is considered a world expert on iron and manganese formations and studies of early earth surface environment, is among new 120 American and 30 international members elected this year.
He is currently managing a large scientific drilling project (sponsored by the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) and several other local and international partners) on behalf of UJ and DSI-NRF CIMERA in the Barberton Greenstone Belt.
Apart from having been rated as an A1 scientist by the National Research Foundation between 2001 and 2021, Prof Beukes is a recipient of the Jubilee Medal (thrice for best publication in the South African Journal of Geology), the Draper Medal (the highest award from the Geological Society of South Africa for scientific contributions in geology), UJ Vice- Chancellor’s Medal for Research Achievement and many more awards.
Prof Beukes today said he was very surprised to be elected as a member of the US National Academy of Sciences.
“My election as an international member of the US National Academy of Sciences came as a very pleasant surprise,” he said.
“I am indeed very honoured to have been selected, and to serve as a member of the Geology Section of the Academy amongst whom are some of the most distinguished geologists from around the world.”
Prof Beukes said he is privileged to represent South African Earth Sciences as an international member of the Academy.
“I also feel privileged to currently be the only South African geologist elected and, in that way, provide me with the opportunity to represent South African Earth Sciences as an international member of the Academy,” he said.
“These are all very exciting developments and serve as further motivation to continue research on Early Earth Mineral Systems and Environments with the remarkable Precambrian Geology of South Africa as the focus area.”
