Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Dr Riona Indhur has emerged as one of South Africa’s brightest scientific trailblazers, earning international acclaim after being named one of only three South African women postdoctoral fellows to receive the prestigious 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. Announced at a ceremony in Johannesburg on Friday, 10 October 2025, the award celebrates Dr Indhur’s groundbreaking research, her pursuit of scientific excellence and her commitment to advancing opportunities for women in STEM.
L’Oréal South Africa, in partnership with UNESCO, proudly hosted the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, recognising outstanding female scientists whose groundbreaking research addresses Africa’s most urgent challenges, from cancer care and infectious diseases to clean water, sustainable energy, and environmental conservation.
Dr Riona Indhur is currently a postdoctoral research fellow in the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at DUT, specialising in nanomaterials, advanced oxidation processes and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies
Sharing her excitement on winning this prestigious award, Dr Indhur said: “I feel deeply honoured and humbled as this recognition represents far more than a personal achievement; it reflects the collective effort of women scientists who are breaking boundaries in research and redefining what’s possible. For me, this award is both an affirmation of my commitment to advancing sustainable water technologies and a powerful reminder of the responsibility we hold as scientists to create tangible, positive change in society.”
Speaking on the calibre of her competitors, Dr Indhur relayed that the competition was exceptionally high. “There were so many brilliant, innovative, and driven researchers from diverse scientific fields across the country, each doing remarkable work with global impact. Being selected among such an outstanding calibre of scientists is both inspiring and motivating. It reinforces my belief that South Africa and the African continent are home to world-class scientific talent that deserves global recognition,” she emphasised.
Dr Indhur obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology at DUT in May 2025, focusing on the synthesis and application of superparamagnetic iron-oxide-functionalised 2D nanocomposites for microplastic removal from drinking water and wastewater. Her research bridges chemistry, materials science, and environmental science, aiming to deliver cost-effective, high-efficiency solutions to critical water challenges.
Dr Indhur has received multiple accolades for her work, including being the Top Published Doctoral Student of the Year (2024) within her the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Top Achiever Award Certificate (2024), Mentorship Award Certificate (2024), Community Engagement certificate (2024) and she holds a she holds a Golden Key from the Golden Key International Honour Society – honouring the top 15% of academic performers globally, and she has been named one of the Top five next-generation researchers in South Africa at the 2025 NRF Research Excellence Awards for Next Generation Researchers.
She is passionate about advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water); and bridging the gap between scientific innovation and societal impact.
According to Serge Sacre, CEO of L’Oréal South Africa, he emphasised that the awards not only honour the eight awardee achievements in this category but ensures that their voices and research continue to inspire long after the spotlight moves on.
Dr Indhur’s supervisor from IWWT, Professor Sheena Kumari said that this award was another feather in her crown. “I could not be happier for Dr Indhur. As a brilliant researcher, she is already making waves in her field and stands as a powerful role model for all aspiring young women leaders. I wish her every success in her future endeavours,” she expressed proudly.IWWT Director, Professor Faizal Bux, was ecstatic that Dr Indhur had won the award. “It’s a reflection of her hard work and pursuance of excellence and the commitment by the supervisors to expanding the boundaries of science. Dr Indhur has a great future in becoming a scientist of note,” he remarked.
Going forward, Dr Indhur elaborated that her goal is to pioneer sustainable nanotechnological solutions that address global water pollution challenges, particularly the removal and degradation of microplastics and emerging contaminants. “Through my work, I aim to bridge laboratory innovation with real-world implementation by developing low-cost, scalable nanotechnological water treatment systems tailored for resource-limited communities. Beyond the lab, I’m committed to mentoring young scientists and contributing to science policy that promotes equitable access to clean water and sustainable technologies. Ultimately, I want my research to advance both environmental resilience and social impact, ensuring that scientific progress translates into a healthier, more sustainable planet for all,” she shared.
Pictured: Dr Riona Indhur with her award.
Waheeda Peters
