NRF Nominees Attend the 17th Japan Hope Meeting

Two National Research Foundation (NRF) nominees attended the 17th Japan Hope Meeting that was held as a physical meeting in Tsukuba City, Japan, from 02 to 06 March 2026. The two nominees were Dr Zintle Mbese from the University of Fort Hare in the Chemistry discipline and Dr Unarine Rambau from the University of Venda in the Physiology/Medicine Health & Medical Science discipline.

The nominees, who both hold NRF Freestanding, Innovation and Scarce Skills (FISS) Postdoctoral Fellowships, made poster presentations during the meeting and participated in a Flash talk session.

Said Dr Rambau, “These interactions allowed participants to learn about research approaches outside their own disciplines. The diversity of scientific backgrounds among participants contributed to broader discussions on research methods, challenges, and emerging scientific questions.”

The two nominees’ visit was funded under the NRF’s Global Knowledge Partnerships Programme Framework, which seeks to create platforms that increase international networking opportunities for a globally engaged cohort of exceptional doctoral students, Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRF), and Early Career Researchers (ECR). Dr Mbulelo Ncango, NRF’s Executive Manager for the Next Generation and Emerging Researchers unit said, “International exposure for Doctoral students, PDRFs and ECRs is an integral component of the NRF’s strategic goal to create an internationally competitive, transformed, and representative researcher cohort”.

The Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) has hosted HOPE meetings in Japan annually since 2008, with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Physiology. The NRF and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in partnership with the JSPS support two excellent, young South African researchers to attend the Japan HOPE meetings annually.

The Japan HOPE Meetings bring together researchers from diverse fields to engage in discussions and explore potential collaborations. The collaboration with the Nobel Prize Dialogue Tokyo 2025 further emphasised the importance of a more integrated and collaborative approach.

Meeting the “stars” of science was also one for the books as Dr Rambau noted, “One of the most memorable insights came from Dr Tim Hunt, the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine co-recipient, who, when I asked about research challenges, career development, and scientific discovery, responded by stating that failed experiments or those with negative results can sometimes lead to significant discoveries, depending on how researchers interpret and build on those findings”. She similarly noted that Dr Donna Strickland, the co-recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics, made an inspirational talk that maintained that even topics that seem difficult or “scary” at first can lead to major discoveries, highlighting the value of curiosity and perseverance in research.

“This experience has motivated me to explore new ideas, pursue collaborations, and contribute to advancing science and technology in the region, especially in my field of nanoparticle research,” added Dr Rambau.

Dr Mbese reiterated the value of the engagements and opportunity to make and build connections, “The international connections established with fellow young researchers and senior scientists will be maintained to explore potential collaborative research projects and knowledge exchange opportunities. The interdisciplinary perspectives gained from the lectures and discussions will be applied to enhance my research approach and identify innovative methodologies relevant to biomedical materials research.”

Speaking of the importance of impact, Dr Mbese said, “It was underscored by the Nobel laureates that scientific work should address societal needs, reminding me of the responsibility of researchers to contribute meaningfully to global challenges”.