(MENAFN- Assaf Academy of Science of South Africa) The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) annually awards the ASSAf Science-for-Society Gold Medals to recognise outstanding achievement in scientific thinking for the benefit of society. At the Annual Awards Ceremony held on 30 October 2025, the Gold Medals were presented to two eminent scientists — Professor Rachel Jewkes and Professor Crick Lund — in recognition of their exceptional contributions to science and society.

Professor Rachel Jewkes
In recognition of her outstanding scientific excellence and groundbreaking contributions to gender and health research, particularly in addressing gender-based violence (GBV), Professor Rachel Jewkes has been awarded the 2025 ASSAf Science-for-Society Gold Medal.

An A1-rated scientist with over 336 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 105, Prof Jewkes has devoted more than 30 years to advancing knowledge, developing interventions, and influencing global policy to prevent GBV and improve health outcomes. Her leadership in pioneering initiatives such as the Sexual Violence Research Initiative and the What Works Global Programme has transformed the field, demonstrating that violence against women can indeed be prevented.

Prof Jewkes’ research has had a profound global impact — empowering women and girls, shaping evidence-based policy, and addressing one of the most urgent social and public health challenges of our time. ASSAf proudly recognises her sterling contributions to science and society through the conferral of the 2025 Gold Medal.

Professor Crick Lund
Professor Crick Lund is honoured for his outstanding and sustained contribution to public mental health in South Africa and across low- and middle-income countries over nearly three decades. His pioneering research has deepened understanding of the links between mental health, poverty, and social development, directly influencing both global and national policy and practice.

With over 345 peer-reviewed publications and 34,000 citations, Prof Lund ranks among the top 1% of cited researchers worldwide (Clarivate 2023–2024). His leadership has guided the development of evidence-based mental health policies and service delivery models for the World Health Organization, African CDC, and the South African Department of Health, including the drafting of national mental health policy frameworks (2013–2030).

He has led transformative multi-country programmes producing scalable, practical models for integrating mental health into primary care and breaking the cycle of poverty and mental illness. His work has been cited in more than 740 policy documents, underscoring its real-world impact.

A passionate mentor and institution-builder, Prof Lund co-founded the Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Africa’s first postgraduate centre dedicated to the field. He has supervised 15 PhD and 22 Master’s students, cultivating a new generation of African mental health researchers and practitioners. Widely respected for his commitment to capacity development, Prof Lund continues to promote scientific thinking, human rights, and the destigmatisation of mental illness through global collaboration and advocacy.
His remarkable career exemplifies science in the service of society, advancing mental health equity and sustainable development across the Global South.

MENAFN03112025006004013109ID1110286333