Wits Scientist elected as a fellow of the International Union of Physiological Societies
- FHS Communications
The Director of the Wits Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit (CPGRU), Professor Gavin Norton, is one of only 30 fellows to be elected into the prestigious International Union of Physiological Societies (IUPS).
The IUPS is an international organisation that recognises the important contributions made by physiologists to science and health. Professor Norton was announced on the inaugural list of Fellows of the IUPS Academy of Physiology which represents the excellence of physiologists worldwide.
Professor Norton says that he is humbled by his election. "It is the international body that all physiologists recognisem and to be one of only 3 persons in Africa, and 30 in the world, leaves me a little stunned” he explains.
In response to his election as one of three Africans to be elected, two of whom are South Africans he says that “this is clearly a sign of a healthy nation that is rapidly moving forward”. He stresses that this gives Africa and in particular South Africa, the recognition it deserves for its contribution to scientific research and clinical practice.
Although an esteemed internationally recognised researcher himself, Professor Norton credits his research team’s contribution as being of tremendous significance. “We have uncovered so many aspects about cardiovascular disease in Africa that were quite unexpected and largely went unnoticed, that we believe this work will give Africa a significant advantage in improving many lives,” he says.
As an applied physiologist with an interest in the role of aortic dysfunction as the cause of premature cardiovascular events, Professor Norton says he aims to use his appointment to bring focus on the importance of less reliance on checklists in clinical practice as this discourages careful and logical deductive reasoning.
He says that he also believes his recognition through his fellowship election makes an important statement that highlights the impact of cost-effective research to answer basic questions as his research area does. His research is especially critical in “a middle-income country where much more can be gained by using our limited resources more carefully”.
Reflecting on the influence of his election on the outlook of his research unit, CPGRU, Professor Norton is cognisant of the bigger picture, mindful of the fact that "we are not alone and that ultimately we are contributing to something worthwhile… this is a strong encouragement to young scientists who are looking to make their mark on the world”.