Floyd Tjituka, a researcher at NBC, was among the winners at the National Research Excellence Awards 2026, held in Windhoek.

Tjituka received the Best Individual Award in the Science Communication and Public Engagement category.

In other categories, Laura Lee Marker received the Lifetime Achievement in Research Award, while Dipti Sahu was named Senior Researcher of the Year.

Selma Lendelvo took home the Community Impact Research Award.

The Mid-Career Researcher of the Year Awards went to Asa Romeo Asa and Rosewitha Mahale, while Albertina Shatri was recognised as the Early Career Researcher of the Year.

In the student category, Lydia Eloff and Immanuel Shipanga were awarded Best Student Researchers in the female and male categories, respectively.

The awards, hosted by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), celebrate excellence in research, innovation, and science communication. More than 40 nominations were received across multiple categories.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Culture and Art, Dino Ballotti, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation as key drivers of Namibia’s development.

The Chief Executive Officer of NCRST, Anicia Peters, said research remains central to national progress, shaping policy and fostering innovation as the country seeks to strengthen its knowledge economy.

South African microbiologist Bavesh Kana highlighted that African scientists continue to produce world-class research despite limited funding, and he commended NCRST’s efforts to recognise and promote scientific work.

The NCRST stated that the awards aim to elevate the role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing Namibia’s development challenges.