by The Division of Communication and Advancement
Professor Irvy Gledhill, affectionately known as "Igle”, will be awarded the esteemed degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) (honoris causa) by Rhodes University, in a resounding acknowledgement of her long and distinguished contributions to the field of physics. This honorary degree is a testament to her extensive research, leadership on both national and international platforms, and her unwavering commitment to human capital development, with a special focus on empowering women in physics.
Prof Gledhill has made significant contributions to policy, providing advice to government on basic sciences, and shaping the discourse on science for society.
She has worked extensively to improve conditions for both women and men in physics and in science. Her role in promoting the participation of women in physics has been particularly commendable, highlighted by her leadership with the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Working Group 5 (WG5) on Women in Physics, and in a major global project on the gender gap in science. This honour from her alma mater not only celebrates her professional achievements but also her profound impact on the scientific community and beyond.
Born in Makhanda, South Africa, Prof Gledhill's journey in physics began at Rhodes University, where she completed her BSc with distinction in 1976, followed by an Honours degree in Physics. She continued her studies at the University of Natal, Durban, earning a PhD in Plasma Physics. Prof Gledhill's postdoctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Stanford University, solidified her expertise in simulation and her passion for the field, leading to significant contributions in magnetic confinement of plasmas and space shuttle physics. She decided to return to South Africa, and for 30 years, she specialised in computational fluid dynamics in aeronautics at the CSIR. She also contributed as a physicist within multidisciplinary collaborations, including ocean engineering, coal mine safety, and computational chemistry targeted at HIV and TB.
She served as President of the South African Institute of Physics, works in science diplomacy nationally for the Academy of Science of South Africa, and for the continent through the Network of African Science Academies.
Prof Gledhill's career is decorated with honours and awards, showcasing her dedication and contributions to the field of physics and the broader scientific community. In 2004, she was a part of the team that received the CSIR Defencetek Award for Transformation, and she later received the coveted Career Achievement Award. Last year marked a pinnacle year for Prof Gledhill, as she was inducted as a Fellow into both the South African Institute of Physics and the American Institute of Physics, acknowledging her enduring contributions and leadership within the global physics community.
As Visiting Adjunct Professor in Flow Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Prof Gledhill continues to inspire and mentor future generations of scientists. This honorary doctorate from Rhodes University acknowledges not just Prof Gledhill's contributions to physics research but also her leadership in physics on a global scale, her dedication to human capital development, and her impactful work towards gender equality in science. Professor Gledhill's career exemplifies the power of scientific inquiry combined with a commitment to societal betterment, making her a worthy recipient of this distinguished honour.
Professor Gledhill will receive her honorary doctorate on 05 April 2024 during the 14:30 Rhodes University graduation ceremony.