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Dr Ali Elnaeim Elbasheir Ali presents his work at the 2024 CoE-FS 10th anniversary symposium. Photo Sharif Mosa/CoE-FS.

Since its inception in 2014, the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) has provided over 700 bursaries to postgraduate students and postdoctoral Fellows, who are referred to as grantees. The CoE-FS has also supported some 250 students who, while not receiving financial support, are included in CoE-FS projects through supervision and work studies. This speaks to the CoE-FS’s commitment to growing South Africa’s research capacity through training, grants and bursaries.

Dr Ali Elnaeim Elbasheir Ali is one of the CoE-FS’s grantees, having joined Innovation and Technology co-principal investigator Professor Ndiko Ludidi’s team. Dr Ali, who is now a lecturer, based at the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape, answers a few questions about the impact of CoE-FS support on his academic career.

1. How has support from the CoE-FS shaped your academic journey?
The CoE-FS provided financial and academic support throughout my MSc, PhD, and the first two years of my postdoctoral studies. Without this support, I wouldn’t have been able to go on this journey, which has led to my current role as a lecturer and researcher at the University of the Western Cape.

2. Can you describe a specific challenge during your studies that our support helped you overcome?
One of the main challenges I faced was securing funding to start my MSc. The CoE-FS made it possible for me to begin my studies and, subsequently, pursue further academic endeavours.

3. In what ways has the supervision or mentorship provided by the CoE-FS influenced your research/you?
The CoE-FS offered invaluable guidance that refined my research skills and shaped my academic career. The CoE-FS’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration broadened my perspective and enriched my research.

4. Has our support opened any doors for future academic or professional opportunities? If so, could you elaborate?
Yes, the CoE-FS’s support helped me secure my current position as a lecturer and researcher at the University of the Western Cape.

5. What role did the CoE-FS play in helping you develop the skills needed for your current or future career?
The financial support provided to me and funding my research was essential in developing my research and my career. It also provided a platform that has opened doors for future collaborations and research opportunities.

6. How has being involved with our research projects or training shaped your understanding of food and nutrition security in South Africa?
Being involved with CoE-FS research projects and events (seminars and conferences) significantly improved my understanding of food and nutrition security issues in South Africa. It highlighted the complexities and interconnectedness of the food system, and the critical role of research in addressing these challenges.

7. What lasting impacts do you foresee as a result of the support you received from the CoE-FS?
The support from the CoE-FS was critical for my academic career. The knowledge and skills I have acquired will continue to influence my work in food security.

8. How has your confidence in tackling complex challenges within the food system evolved through the centre’s support?
I now feel better equipped to conduct impactful research and contribute to solutions for food security.

9. Would you recommend this type of support to other students, and if so, what specific aspects do you think are most beneficial?
I would highly recommend this support to other students. The most valuable aspects are the financial backing, which eliminates a major barrier to entry, and the broad exposure to various facets within the field of food security.

10. What impact do you think the CoE-FS has had on food and nutrition security in South Africa?
The CoE-FS has made a significant impact on food and nutrition security in South Africa by supporting research that addresses key issues in the food system. This work has helped build a strong academic foundation that will continue to influence research, policy and practice in the field.