She is the architect of the UP Women in Science annual event that celebrates the achievements and advancements made by women researchers.

Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl holds a Doctorate in Business Management and a master’s in biotechnology. Prior to joining UP, she led the Research Infrastructure portfolio for 11 years at the NRF. During her tenure she advocated for a number of policies, strategies and frameworks that provided the foundation for establishing, nurturing and sustaining a number of research and innovation (RI) platforms in the country. She also published a book that assists countries in the global south to frame their own national research infrastructure roadmaps; and it is therefore not surprising that she was appointed the chair of the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap Mid-Term Review Committee. She has authored on behalf of the Association of African Universities, three manuals for Phase 2 of the Science Granting Councils Initiative in Southern Africa: (i) research & innovation excellence; (ii) research ethics; and (iii) digital grants management systems, which advocates for the safeguarding of intellectual property and know-how whilst complying with best practices in the said research areas.

Over the course of her career, she has lectured, tutored and mentored a number of researchers and university staff across several African universities, spanning Botswana, Kenya, Ghana and Malawi, in addition to supporting capacity development needs at Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in SA. Furthermore, she has also been part of the expert team identified by the African Academy of Sciences and the Association of Research Managers and Administration in the United Kingdom (UK) to lead training in the International Research Management Development Programme across universities in Africa and the UK. In recognition of her work she was awarded the 2022 SARIMA Excellence Award for making a distinguished contribution to the research management profession in Southern Africa. Finally in May 2022, Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl participated in the United Nations Science, Technology and Innovation Forum on Building Structural Equity and Inclusion in Open Science Practices and is a strong advocator for the equitable, fair and inclusive access to information wherein she coined the concept #UbuntuforOpenScience.

Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl’s work extends beyond research management into fields like vaccine development, and she has held management roles in organisations such as the Desmond Tutu TB and HIV Centre. She is a strong advocate for gender equality in STEM, frequently addressing the systemic challenges women face in the scientific community, particularly around work-life balance and career progression. Her advocacy focuses on the importance of mentorship, gender-sensitive policies, and creating systemic changes to promote women in leadership roles.

On a side note, Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, plays a key role in the community and has been the chairperson for Child Welfare SA Roodepoort for the maximum period of two-terms spanning six years. During her time, she has steered the board of trustees with transparency, accountability and good stewardship, which is reflected by the various policies & organisational profile that she has developed whilst working closely with the Department of Social Development. She has held a number of fundraising initiatives such as the COVID Emergency Distress Call for child-headed households; as well as the Annual Easter and Christmas collection drives where children and vulnerable groups from 26 communities that fall within the mandate of the NPO were supported.

Currently Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl is a Committee Member of the Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), and the Executive Committee Member for the Organization for Women in Science for Developing Countries (OWSD).

About the NSTF: The NSTF is a non-profit stakeholder forum representing the SET and innovation community in SA. The membership consists of more than 130 organisations, and ranges from research institutions, universities and state entities to business, professional societies (proSET) and civil society. The NSTF promotes collaboration and critical thinking among a broad range of stakeholders. NSTF Discussion Forums gather stakeholders together, across the public and private sectors, to exchange knowledge and ideas, and give feedback to government and relevant authorities.