The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), congratulates Dr Eben Proos, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Event Management, on achieving a 2026 National Research Foundation (NRF) Y-rating, recognising him as a promising young researcher.

A CUT alumnus, Dr Proos holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and has built an academic career that combines teaching, research and a commitment to preserving and promoting South African heritage.

His professional achievements include being named among the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in the Tourism & Hospitality category in 2024, as well as receiving CUT’s Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award for Early Career Teaching in 2019.

His NRF rating marks an important milestone in his research journey. CUT celebrates his achievements and his contribution to tourism research, heritage preservation and academic excellence.

Congratulations Dr Proos!