Emerging CSIR researcher receives 2013 JD Roberts Award

27th September 2013 By: Natalie Greve - Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

Emerging CSIR researcher receives 2013 JD Roberts Award

Council for Scientific and industrial Research (CSIR) geo-informatics scientist in spatial planning and systems Alize le Roux has been awarded the JD Roberts Award for emerging researchers for her work in urban and regional development and planning.

Le Roux’s most recognised work includes research into developing a widely accepted settlement typology for the continuum of urban and rural areas in South Africa, as well the identification of the country’s most vulnerable settlements.

Her contribution towards work done in support of local municipalities to adopt land-use change models as part of the authorities’ urban and regional planning processes was also lauded.

Le Roux’s areaa of research include regional socioeconomic and environmental analysis, geo-informatics, planning support systems, data management, urban simulation, land-use change modelling and risk and vulnerability analysis.

This was the first time the JD Roberts Award was conferred to an emerging researcher under the age of 35, which come amid an effort by award administrators, the CSIR and construction firm Murray & Roberts, to recognise the contributions of younger researchers in the CSIR’s Built Environment unit.

The award, which is bestowed based on the relevance and potential of the work to improve the quality of life of South Africans, has historically been awarded to a more seasoned researcher.