Professor Samkelo Malgas is an internationally recognised biochemist and NRF Y-rated scientist at the University of Pretoria. His pioneering research in green catalysis and the valorisation of agricultural residues is contributing to the sustainable production of fine chemicals, environmental remediation, and advances in food chemistry. Throughout his career, Prof Malgas has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, contributed five book chapters, and presented his research at numerous international conferences. He is committed to developing the next generation of scientists, having supervised and mentored more than nine Master’s students, three PhD students, and three postdoctoral fellows in biotechnology and engineering. A recipient of several prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Future Professors’ Programme (2026–2027) and the Fulbright Scholar Programme (2025–2026), Prof Malgas continues to advance innovative approaches that harness enzymes and green catalysts to transform agricultural residues into high-value fine chemicals, contributing to a more sustainable future.