The University of Pretoria ’s (UP) annual Academic Achievers' Awards celebrates the achievements of academics who drive UP’s vision of being a leading research-intensive institution in Africa. The awards also honour NRF -rated academics. This year nine FABI ans were amongst more than 130 UP academics recognised at the awards ceremony on 3 November. UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Tawana Kupe said that these awards acknowledge the work of the university’s academics who increasingly ensure that their research helps to solve ‘real-life problems’ and has a transformative impact on both the South African and global communities through transcending disciplines, allowing for transdisciplinary collaborations”. The prestigious Exceptional Academic Achiever Award was awarded to Prof. Christian Pirk , who leads the S ocial Insects Research Group in the Department of Zoology and Entomology . This award is made annually to senior academics who have already achieved the status of Professor, are highly regarded by their peers, and have consistently excelled in the areas under- and postgraduate teaching and learning, research, community service and administration over time. The NRF ratings of several FABIans were also recognised: Prof. Pedro Crous (A-rated), Prof. Fanus Venter (B-rated), Prof. Martin Coetzee (C-rated), Dr Gerda Fourie (C-rated), Dr Michelle Greve (C-rated), Dr Seonju Marincowitz (C-rated), Prof. Albe van der Merwe (C-rated), and Dr Markus Wilken (Y-rated).