The University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus was alive with academic excitement as it recently played host for the professorial inauguration of the esteemed Prof Aliza le Roux. Taking centre stage in the Science Auditorium on Thursday 11 April 2024, Prof Le Roux's inaugural lecture captivated the audience with her expertise in zoology and entomology.

Titled Co-existing with Curious Creatures, Prof Le Roux's lecture marked a historic milestone as the first female professorial inauguration on the campus. With a distinguished career in academia, Prof Le Roux's vast experience and lifelong passion for nature formed the foundation of her captivating discourse.

Addressing a diverse audience, both virtually and in person, Prof Le Roux delved into the intricacies of coexistence between animals and humans in human-dominated landscapes. Her research has showcased the remarkable adaptability of various species, shedding light on their behavioural and cognitive mechanisms for survival.

Acknowledging impact of academic mentorship

In attendance was Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, who underscored the significance of the occasion in celebrating academic excellence in line with Vision 130. Prof Reddy highlighted the importance of inaugural lectures as pivotal moments in an academic's career, symbolising the culmination of years of dedication and scholarly achievement.

Throughout her illustrious career, Prof Le Roux has supervised numerous postgraduate students, guiding them to academic success. With six master's and four PhD students already under her mentorship, and several others currently in progress, her impact on the next generation of scholars is undeniable.

Continuing academic inspiration endures

Reflecting on her journey, Prof Le Roux credited her lifelong curiosity and passion for zoology to her upbringing, during which she was nurtured by her parents' love of nature and literature. Her father's outdoor expeditions and her mother's literary influence instilled in her a deep appreciation for the natural world and the importance of scholarly inquiry.

Drawing from her extensive research, Prof Le Roux emphasised the need to understand the adaptive capabilities of nonhuman animals and humans in the face of global change. Her lecture concluded with a call to action, urging further exploration into the limits of adaptability and behavioural flexibility in both human and animal populations.

As the curtains closed on this momentous occasion, Prof Le Roux's inaugural lecture stood as a testament to the University of the Free State's commitment to academic excellence and innovation. With her pioneering work in zoology and entomology, Prof Le Roux continues to inspire future generations of scholars to explore the wonders of the natural world. In her final words, she emphasised, "In this era of global transformation, it is imperative that we deepen our understanding of the extents to which nonhuman animals – and humans – can adapt and display behavioural flexibility.”