Wits honours Gates
- Wits University
A brilliant intellectual with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Prof. Jim Gates shattered boundaries and unlocked secrets of the Universe.
Professor James Sylvester Gates (Junior), commonly known as Jim Gates, is a renowned physicist and mathematician whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly influenced the fields of supersymmetry, supergravity, and superstring theory, and shaped our understanding of the Universe.
Born in 1950, in Tampa, Florida, Gates' exceptional career spans several decades and has earned him global recognition. In acknowledgment of his outstanding intellectual contributions to science, and his remarkable leadership in African scientific communities, Professor Jim Gates was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Wits University on 14 July 2023.
This accolade acknowledges his lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge, his exceptional leadership, and his role as an ambassador for science.
Gates expressed his surprise and immense pride for receiving an honorary doctorate from Wits, remarking, "First, I was so surprised, now I'm just so proud. I try to make a contribution to science and technology in different ways." During his address, he imparted words of wisdom to Wits graduates, saying, "I commend this class and encourage you to do acts of kindness and work for the good of others - go ahead and create your trail."
Professor Jim Gates made significant contributions to many large-scale scientific projects in physics, astronomy, and cosmology. He has published 217 highly cited peer-reviewed papers, authored four books, written 24 book chapters, and edited two books and nine invited review articles. As a brilliant teacher and mentor, he has supervised over 20 PhD students to graduation, nurturing the next generation of scientific minds.
His remarkable contributions to science have been recognised through eight honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions worldwide. Professor Gates holds honorary positions as Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland, Winthrop Professor and Professor-at-Large at the University of Western Australia, and Fellow at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies in South Africa.
"I like to do things to try and make sure that people of African descent are engaged in science and technology because our future depends on science - we are tied up in science. I am part of Africa, and Africa is part of me," he said, emphasising his deep connection to the continent and his commitment to fostering scientific engagement among diverse African communities.
Gates has played a vital role in promoting and advancing physics and science in Africa, particularly in South Africa. His expertise in shaping the future of physics in South Africa led to his involvement in the establishment of the National Institute for Theoretical Physics, with Wits hosting one of its three nodes. He has delivered hundreds of colloquia, seminars and non-technical lectures, as well as made numerous media appearances and contributions to international scientific reports. His efforts in the Public Understanding of Science have been widely acclaimed.
Gates' contributions to public life and the scientific society at large have garnered numerous accolades and awards. He was inducted as a Fellow of the South African Institute of Physics for his exceptional contributions to physics in Africa. In 2020, the University of Maryland College Park honoured him for research excellence. In 2013 he was awarded the National Medal of Science by former President Barack Obama, the highest honour bestowed by the United States Government upon scientists, engineers and inventors, in a memorable ceremony at the White House where an iconic photo was captured, showcasing former US president Barack Obama and Gates sharing a joyous moment.
Professor Jim Gates was accompanied to the Wits graduation ceremony by his wife, Dr Dianna Abney, and his children, Sylvester James Gates III and Delilah Elizabeth Abney Gates. Reflecting on the occasion, Sylvester James Gates III expressed his joy and pride, stating, "It's an amazing moment. It is always great when other people recognise his excellence. As a family, it just brings us all a lot of joy and pride to celebrate these moments with him."