In a beautiful close to an impactful year, the PARC community came together for an uplifting Year-End Celebration that highlighted the strength, unity, and excellence of our team. The event brought together the brilliant minds that make up PARC: researchers, postdoctoral fellows, postgraduate students, interns and staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to elevate the Centre’s scientific impact.
Hosted by Prof. Olaniyi A. Fawole, Director of PARC and SARChI Chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, the celebration honoured the team whose innovation, resilience, and passion have driven PARC’s remarkable achievements in 2025.
Prof. Fawole shared heartfelt reflections that ignited the room:
“I am proud to work with this vibrant group of researchers whose dedication, skill and drive continue to elevate our work in postharvest preservation, agroprocessing and food bioeconomy research. Your commitment strengthens our impact and pushes our research enterprise forward.”
The evening was a beautiful blend of celebration and appreciation, recognizing the collective effort of students, postdocs, technical staff, and administrative champions who make PARC a dynamic and purpose-driven research community. It was a moment to applaud the countless hours in the lab, the innovative breakthroughs, the papers published, the conferences attended, and the milestones achieved both locally and globally.
Special appreciation was extended to the University of Johannesburg, the National Research Foundation (NRF), and valued industry partners, whose support and collaboration continue to empower PARC to achieve high-impact research outcomes that advance sustainable food and value-chain solutions for Africa.
The 2025 celebration was more than just a closing function, it was a powerful reminder of how far the Centre has come and how bright the future remains. Energy was high, spirits were lifted, and the team left the venue inspired, connected, and ready to take on 2026 with renewed passion.
Here’s to a team that works hard, celebrates boldly, and continues to shape Africa’s future through cutting-edge research and innovation. Long live PARC!
- Date: 12 November 2025
- Location: University of Johannesburg