Professor Francis Oluwole Shode, a Research Associate in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science under the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was recently awarded his National Research Foundation (NRF) C3 rating after being recognised as an established researcher with a sustained recent record of productivity in his field.
He has been recognised by his peers to have produced a body of quality work and demonstrated the ability to conceptualise problems and apply research methods to investigating them.
“The recent NRF rating came in as a blessing and recognition of my research outputs over the past five years and global impact they created. I am pleased about it as it further adds impetus to my research agenda to accomplish more in the coming years,” shared Prof Shode in excitement.
Prof Shode described himself as an organic chemist with over four decades of teaching and research experience.
“I have had the privilege of contributing to the advancement of chemical sciences and nurturing the next generation of scientists. My journey in academia started in the 80s after the completion of my doctoral degree at the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England. It was an epoch-making experience for me with a spectacular interaction with the chemistry of spirodienones, a group of compounds with close resemblance to griseofulvin, a natural antimycotic agent,” shared Prof Shode.
He joined DUT in 2017 as a Research Associate in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, where he is continuing his research on the development of ethno-phytopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals from African medicinal and food plants against malnutrition and chronic diseases. He has published extensively in the local and international journals.
“My current research focus is on the isolation, characterisation, and beneficiation of bioactive natural compounds from wide range of African medicinal plants using analytical chemistry, computational modelling, and organic synthesis of potential anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-HIV, anti-COVID-19, anti-malaria, and anti-sickle cell disease agents, among others. The inspiration for this research focus came from the under-utilisation of many known African medicinal plants of therapeutic importance couple with the current high disease-burden of African society because of malnutrition, expensive medical treatment, as well as lifestyles of the people,” reiterated Prof Shode.
Over the years, his research has aimed to bridge traditional knowledge and modern science, identifying and isolating bioactive compounds from indigenous plants. Prof Shode indicated that these efforts have led to significant breakthroughs in understanding the therapeutic potential of these plants, resulting in several innovative formulations that address diseases often overlooked in mainstream pharmaceutical research.
In addition to his academic contributions, he has also ventured into the entrepreneurial realm by establishing a spin-off company from DUT called Sholab Nutraceuticals (Pty) Ltd. This company focuses on the commercialisation of nutraceuticals and botanical therapeutics aimed at managing malnutrition and neglected diseases in Africa. This initiative exemplifies his commitment to translating academic research into tangible benefits for the society as enshrined in DUT ENVISION2030 strategy.
Looking ahead, he plans to continue to push his research agenda and accelerate the commercialisation of his research outputs.
Pictured: NRF C3-rated Professor Francis Oluwole Shode.
Photo: Supplied.
Simangele Zuma
