A total of 28 countries were represented at the conference of which 21 were from Africa.
The Awards were initiated in 2014 to celebrate excellence in Research and Innovation Management in Southern Africa. Whilst acknowledging the importance of R&I Management in national and regional systems of innovation, the awards encourage growth and achievement in the field of R&I Management as a key enabler of research and innovation towards global public good.
The selection criteria for the Professional Excellence award included individuals who have made an increasing contribution to their organisation and the R&I Management community, with a specific contribution having been made in the period under review (2018), as well as demonstration of an increasingly broad contribution to the profession.
Imtiaz was unfortunately not able to attend the conference so his award was accepted by Research Director, Dr Denise Schael.
He also recently won the VC's Excellence Award for Professional and Support Staff (PASS) on Peromnes Level 8-9.
“Work hard, be competitive, inspiring and have a positive impact on people's lives. I believe that happiness is increased when success is shared."