As we bask in the glow of excellence following the Vice-Chancellors' Excellence awards, our spotlight falls on Dr Jeanne Coetzer, the esteemed recipient of the Early Research Career Award. Her groundbreaking work is revolutionising the synergy between humans and machines, poised to redefine the frontiers of Industry 4.0 and the emerging era of Industry 5.0.

Dr Coetzer’s pioneering research is not only pushing the boundaries of technological innovation but also reimagining the future of human-machine collaboration. Her contributions are a testament to the power of visionary thinking, illuminating the path towards a more integrated and harmonious coexistence of humans and technology.

Her doctoral dissertation, Developing a Protocol for Collaborative Decision-Making in a Smart Manufacturing Environment, proposed a framework to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in human-in-the-loop systems, a critical step toward more intuitive and responsive industrial ecosystems.

With a Google Scholar H-index of 5, Dr Coetzer has published extensively in DHET-accredited journals and presented at 11 international conferences, with her work featured in respected outlets such as Springer’s Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems and the IOP Conference Series: Journal of Physics. She has secured R780,000 in research funding from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the Centre for Sustainable Smart Cities (CSSC).

Her innovative spirit was previously recognised with the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award in Entrepreneurship (2017) for the Balambie Baby Cot Project, a socially impactful initiative blending design and care.

Reflecting on her latest award, Dr Coetzer shared that receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the Early Research Career category is both humbling and deeply meaningful to her. “This reminded me of the many moments that make up a research journey, the long nights, the trial and error, the excitement of discovery, and sometimes, the frustration of starting over. This award reminds me that all those moments matter, that perseverance, curiosity, and passion truly pay off.”

Dr Coetzer highlighted the collaborative essence of her work, underscoring that a research journey is by its very nature a collective endeavour, never a solitary pursuit. I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues who bring creativity, precision, and bold ideas to every paper and project. Together, we’ve explored how technology can make a real difference, from smarter manufacturing systems to improving how humans and machines interact.”

She also paid tribute to her family, noting that the journey has also been made possible by the love and patience of her family, especially her children. “They’ve grown alongside my research, often seeing me surrounded by books, laptops, and coffee cups. Their understanding, laughter, and constant reminders of what truly matters have kept me grounded and motivated.”

She expressed gratitude to CUT for fostering an environment of innovation and growth. “CUT has given me the platform and support to explore new ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to research that matters. I’m proud to be part of a community that values excellence, mentorship, and meaningful impact.”

Looking ahead, Dr Coetzer remains committed to advancing collaborative intelligence, mentoring young researchers, and ensuring her work continues to connect with real-world challenges: “Most of all, this award reminds me that research is more than producing papers and results, it is about curiosity, creativity, and connection,” she concluded.

Join us in celebrating Dr Coetzer’s remarkable achievement and exploring the transformative impact of her work on the evolving industrial landscape.

From left: Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, Acting DVC: Research Innovation and Engagement, award winner Dr Jeanne Coetzer, and Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, celebrating a visionary researcher whose work is transforming human–machine collaboration in the age of smart technology.

Uploaded: 28 October 2025