Media statement by Alan Khan, Senior Director: Corporate Affairs at the Durban University of Technology

The Durban University of Technology’s Head of Biomedical and Clinical Technology, Professor Jamila K. Adam, will receive an international Honorary Fellowship Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to medical research internationally.

Professor Adam will be honoured by the Executive Council of the Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy for her contribution to her field during its 6th Annual Convention and International Conference in India.

The Association was established for promoting the science of Biotechnology and Pharmacy. Its objective is to advance and disseminate knowledge and information in the areas of Biotechnology and Pharmacy by organising annual scientific meetings, seminars and symposia.

Titled “Environmental Impact on Human Health and Therapeutic Challenges,” the conference is scheduled to be held from 20 to 22 December 2012.
Before receiving her award, Professor Adam will deliver a guest lecture: “The effect of Optimising Cerebral Tissue Oxygen’s Saturation on Markers of Neurological Injury During Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery” which addresses the latest trends in Biomedical and Clinical Technology.

Adam has presented and published research papers at both national and international levels covering Clinical Intervention Studies in, amongst others, Cardiology, Nephrology, Critical Care and Cardiovascular Perfusion. One of her PhD students has developed a unique technology in cardiovascular perfusion which has been patented and is in the process of commercialisation globally.

Professor Adam said that she is honored to receive award however, she admitted that did come with certain responsibilities. “My biggest challenges include trying to motivate staff and students whilst also trying to instill harmony in everything I do. The recognition instills confidence in me to take more challenges at professional level,” she said.

Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT said, “We are extremely proud that Professor Adam has been selected to receive this highly acclaimed award from her peers. This recognition is a credit to her outstanding commitment and dedication that is evident in the manner with which she embraces our students and staff at DUT. I am thrilled that out students will continue to benefit from her knowledge, skills and research.”

For the past 21 years, Adam has been Programme Coordinator for Clinical Technology in DUT. In 1997, under her leadership (as programme initiator and coordinator), DUT became the first university in South Africa to offer the Bachelor of Technology Degree in Clinical Technology.

At DUT, Professor Adam serves as the Chairperson of the Departmental Research Committee and the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Committee. She is also a member of the Faculty of Health Sciences Quality and Management Committee, the Higher Degrees Committee, the Institutional Research Committee, the Institutional Research Ethics Committee as well as the University Senate.

Adam has, from 2005 to date, served in the prestigious Health Professions Council of South Africa “HPCSA” as a Vice Chairperson of the Professional Board for Radiography and Clinical Technology. She also serves on the Mangosuthu University of Technology’s Ethics Committee as well as on the National Research Foundations Review Panel. She was the first to obtain a DTech Degree in Clinical Technology in South Africa. Professor Adam said her greatest achievement is the international recognition for her research contribution in the field of Biomedical and Clinical Science as the prestigious award is only awarded to very few individuals internationally.

“My ambitious motto will be to highlight DUT globally in Biomedical and Clinical Technology as a centre for excellence. I know that my students have made a difference in my life in so many positive ways. I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” she said.

Professor Jamila K. Adam is available on 082 786 0682/ (031) 373 5291.

Her picture is available on request from Sinegugu Ndlovu.

Issued by

Sinegugu Ndlovu
Communications Manager
Durban University of Technology
Durban
Steve Biko Campus
031 373 2845
078 615 2662
sinegugunp@dut.ac.za