Barend Frederik N Erasmus

I have a keen interest in the effects of global change on natural resources and its underlying biodiversity, and the implications of these impacts on sustainable futures. This is a substantial research challenge, and I prefer to work in a team with each team member contributing a vital skill; many of my graduate students are co-supervised by colleagues with complementary expertise. I find it rewarding to work at the boundary of traditional disciplines and I think this integration is vital if we are to make a useful contribution to the global change challenge. In my current position as Dean of the Faculty of the Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria, I am responsible for all aspects of teaching, learning, research and community engagement in the largest science faculty in South Africa. We have ~7000 students (1500 postgraduates) and ~300 academic staff. The University of Pretoria has 13 ESI ranked subjects, seven of which is in the Faculty of the Natural and Agricultural Sciences.