North-West University Researcher Recognized at South African Women in Science Awards

Prof. Shan Simmonds from North-West University (NWU) has won the second runner-up spot in the humanities and social sciences category of the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).

This distinguished award recognizes Prof. Shan's remarkable contributions to furthering science and knowledge in particular study areas. It is given to young researchers under the age of forty.

Prof. Shan Simmonds is a sub-area leader for the Edu-HRight (Education and Human Rights in Diversity) research group and currently holds the post of full professor of curriculum studies. Her research focuses on in-depth curriculum discussions to address transformational difficulties in higher education.

The relevance of scholarly engagement in the constantly developing area of Curriculum Studies was stressed by Prof. Shan when she accepted the South African Distinguished Young Women in Science Award on September 8 in Durban.

She also served as the journal's founding editor and was a founder member. Transformation in Higher Education was accredited in 2021 and is listed in recognized databases like Scopus, ProQuest, ERIC, EBSCO Host, and DOAJ.

Prof. Shan started her academic career at NWU in 2011, then as part of the foreign scholarship program for the South Africa Vrije University Strategic Alliance, she continued her studies at Stellenbosch University and the Vrije University of Amsterdam, finishing her Ph.D. in 2013.

As the South African representative for the Women in Higher Education Management (WHEM) Network, a global consortium for feminist research, she has a significant global impact.

She has also had prominent leadership roles within a number of academic associations, including the South African Education Research Association (SAERA), where she presently holds the office of vice-president, and the International Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies (IAACS).

Prof. Shan's outstanding achievements highlight her dedication to advancing higher education transformation and her commitment to promote women's contributions to research.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) hosts the South African Women in Science Awards each year to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of women in the scientific and technological disciplines.