Wingfield honoured for dedication to forest science

IN A MOMENTOUS achievement for South African science, Professor Michael Wingfield, the founding director of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria (UP), has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

- STAFF REPORTER

This prestigious accolade acknowledges his pioneering contributions to global forest science and his relentless quest to uncover the hidden enemies threatening the world’s forests.

Wingfield’s career encompasses a remarkable journey of more than 40 years, focused on combating fungal pathogens and pests that pose severe risks to ecosystems, industries and human survival.

His influence extends far beyond the borders of South Africa, reaching institutions across continents — from the prestigious laboratories of FABI to the international networks of the International Union for Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO).

Under his stewardship, FABI has emerged as a leading research institute, shaping forestry science and inspiring future generations of plant pathologists.