CULTIVATING INNOVATION,
Fostering Sustainability
Research and Education:
Empowering the Future Through
Knowledge and Nurture
At the Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation, we firmly believe that groundbreaking scientific discovery and accessible, high-quality education are the indispensable cornerstones of sustainable progress. Our enduring commitment to fund cutting-edge research and foster robust community development ensures that the next generation of scientists, agriculturalists, and industry leaders are equipped with the resources and the courage to innovate and thrive.
Research Projects:
Investing in the brilliant minds of tomorrow: Our University Partnerships
University of Stellenbosch
Qualitative Xylogenesis Research Program
Dr. Hans Merensky’s visionary support played a pivotal role in establishing crucial agricultural schools across Southern Africa. His instrumental contribution to the creation of the Forestry Faculty at Stellenbosch University was a transformative development that significantly shaped the forestry industry in South Africa.
The Qualitative Xylogenesis (“EucXylo”) research program is about developing and applying models of tree growth and xylem production.
IMPACT OAL
The IMPACT OAL (Intensive Monitoring of Planted And Competing Trees Open Air Laboratory) is a state-of-the-art, flagship research plantation. The idea behind IMPACT OAL is to build on the knowledge that we gained from the small- to medium-scale experimental studies performed in phase one of EucXylo, by now examining how Eucalyptus responds to the environment, as well as abiotic and biotic stress, at a large-scale through intensive, long-term monitoring.
Pretoria University
The Hans Merensky Chair in Avocado Research Program
The aim of the program is to improve the understanding, on a molecular level, of the interaction between avocado and the root rot pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. A disease clinic has been established within the programme, to service the increasing need for pest and pathogen identification in South African avocado orchards.
Additionally, the program’s involvement in the development of industry leading research tools and techniques are accelerating research focused on this pathosystem, along with that of emerging pests and diseases.
Since the inception of the Hans Merensky Chair in Avocado Research, this dynamic partnership between the Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation and the University of Pretoria has made significant strides, producing world-class research outputs, fostering global collaborations, and, most importantly, cultivating a generation of highly skilled researchers. In doing so, the team continues to honour the vision of Dr. Hans Merensky: to build scientific capacity that serves the people of Southern Africa.
University of the Free State
Merensky Aerial Geological Image Classification (MAGIC) research program
Dr. Hans Merensky was one of the most influential geologists in South Africa. He discovered, among others, deposits of gold, platinum, diamonds, phosphates, and vermiculite. After several decades of operating in the geological sciences and with his knowledge of soil health, Dr. Merensky became a conservationist of note and played a key role in the establishment of the country’s agricultural practices.
The MAGIC program aims to develop drone-based geological imaging in South Africa, with specific attention to mineral and groundwater exploration endeavours. In the MAGIC Lab, cameras that capture spectral data are used to study geological terranes and to explore how we can adapt, improve, and develop imaging processing to yield elemental concentration data from observable features such as soils, rocks, water, and vegetation. An interdisciplinary research team has been established that combines spatial and big data science, remote sensing, structural geology, geochemistry, and geophysics.
The Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation is not simply preserving a remarkable legacy with courage and conviction, we are actively shaping a brighter and more sustainable future through the power of science, the transformative force of education, and the unwavering spirit of innovation.
Envisioning Success: The Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation’s Student-Led vision
Annually, the Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation hosts the Merensky Week. All the post-grad students, whom are all benefiting from a Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation bursary through the three key university projects get together, and share their individual scientific research and progress of the past academic year. It is a chance to expand the communal knowledge of the research undertaken, to collaborate on ways of working and network across various scientific fields.
Proud Alumni
Paying it Forward
At the 2024 Hans Merensky Week, the students engaged in a dynamic discussion, reflecting on how to define success as an alumni of the Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation.
The students creatively depicted their shared insights through an evolving image of a “tree that grows.” This evocative metaphor begins with the “soil” representing Dr. Merensky’s geological foundations, from which the “roots” of community and the ethos of “growing whilst giving back” firmly take hold.
The students agreed that networking and sharing of knowledge, continuous learning and humility, are all vital qualities for an alumni of the HMLF, symbolised by the “branches and leaves” of a tree. This progressive imagery beautifully encapsulates the interconnectedness of knowledge, growth, and societal contribution, all deeply rooted in Dr. Merensky’s enduring legacy.
The concept of paying it forward by a HMLF alumnus was further deliberated and a rich tapestry of qualities defining success ware shared. The students highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing via mentoring, confidence and inclusivity, resourcefulness and resilience. Paying it forward, they emphasised, involves facilitating knowledge, effective communication within their specialisms, inspiring others with passion and a deep understanding of living with kindness and gratitude, driving community impact sustainably.
These characteristics reveal a deep understanding of their role not just as beneficiaries, but as active contributors dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future, inspired by Hans Merensky himself, who continues to ripple through generations.
