Renowned epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim receives honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University
World-renowned epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Prof Salim Safurdeen Abdool Karim has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University (SU) for his research and scientific contributions to policy development that have shaped the local, continental, and global response to HIV and Covid-19.
Abdool Karim was awarded the degree Doctor of Science (DSc) (Medicine and Health Sciences), honoris causa, at a graduation ceremony on Thursday for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He was also honoured for enabling, fostering, and supporting the growth and development of African science through capacity development programmes that empower both emerging and established scientists; and for generously sharing his knowledge within the academic discipline.
In his acceptance speech, Abdool Karim said it was a great pleasure and honour to receive the degree from SU.
“Today, when I look at South Africa’s accomplishments and I look at all of our universities, I’m particularly pleased to be here at Stellenbosch University as one of our country’s leading institutions.
“But there’s another reason I’m glad to be here, and that is that my wife already has a doctor from this university, and I need this doctoral degree to start catching up with her, because she has more honorary doctorates than I do.”
Abdool Karim had a special message for the new graduates. He encouraged them to find their passion, strive for excellence, and persevere through challenges.
“Explore the world. Take in as many experiences as you can. Don’t narrow your options too quickly. And as you experience many, many things in this world, find the thing that excites you. Find your passion in life.
“Always strive to be the best you can be. Don’t settle for second best. Strive to do better and better every day so that ultimately you are the best version of yourself, and are pursuing that excellence.
“Life is not a straight line. Life is not a flat road. It comes with its obstacles. It comes with its hills. Perseverance is what enables you to achieve what others before you have not, that you are willing to do what it takes. Every obstacle is a challenge. Persevere till you succeed.”
Cape Times