The University of the Western Cape is proud to share that Professor Priscilla Baker, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation, has been appointed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation to serve on the Independent Panel for the reconstitution of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI). This prestigious appointment reflects her standing as a leading scholar and her contribution to shaping national policy in science and innovation.

Professor Baker’s recent accolades include her election as Vice President of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa, and the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award (Africa and Arab States). These honours underscore her international reputation and the impact of her scholarship.

In an acting capacity, Professor Baker has helped to maintain the high profile of the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation, strengthening UWC’s visibility as a leading research university and advancing our mission of innovation and social justice.

As she concludes her tenure in this role at the end of August, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor Baker for her leadership, dedication, and the distinction with which she has served the University. Her achievements continue to inspire our academic community and affirm UWC’s place in national and global conversations on research and innovation.

Professor Robert Balfour
Rector and Vice-Chancellor