With years of experience as an award-winning organic chemist and researcher, Dr Cragg has learnt many important life lessons.
He shared some of these with the Science graduates in his address at graduation. “A good scientist needs to be a good listener,” he said.
With years of experience as an award-winning organic chemist and researcher, Dr Cragg has learnt many important life lessons.
He shared some of these with the Science graduates in his address at graduation. “A good scientist needs to be a good listener,” he said.
“You should not be hesitant to acquire knowledge, or to share it.” Cragg graduated from Rhodes University with a BSc (Hons) almost 45 years ago, and marvels at the research opportunities that students have now but regrets that these did not exist during his time.
He recounts how he lacked the means to develop a research idea due to insufficient technological facilities.
He therefore proceeded to obtain a DPhil in Organic Chemistry from Oxford University and conducted two years of post-doctoral research at the University of California.
“Once you get a degree you have an obligation to use it to make a difference in your discipline,” he said. This is something Cragg has demonstrated proficiently throughout his career.
His extensive involvement in cancer-drug research begun in the late 70s and he was closely associated with the National Cancer Institute based in the USA, where his research focused on the promotion of drugs obtained from natural resources.
Cragg explained that his interest in plants as possible sources of drugs was sparked by the vast range of flora present in South Africa.
“You need to have an enquiring mind and never stop questioning.” He has always paid specific attention to the ethics of science, something he warns all future scientists should be careful to uphold.
He frowns as he expresses how scientists have to work hard to demonstrate to the public that they will deal with the good side of science only. As soon as the topic of cancer creeps into the conversation, it is evident that Cragg is in his element.
He crosses his legs and leans back in his chair, “The best way to cure cancer is to prevent it.” For all his innovative contributions to cancer-drug research, Cragg has received numerous notable awards throughout his career and even has a tree (recently discovered in Madagascar) named Ludia Craggiana in his honour.
However, he says that being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Rhodes University is the highest mark of respect yet. “It is the ultimate honour and I am very humbled.”
It is hard not to notice the twinkle in eye as he recalls his days at Rhodes. “It was a special place. I have a wide network of good friendships.”
Cragg smiles warmly as he mentions all his close friends, and looks back at the memories they shared. He is confident that the most recent graduates will scale great new heights in their future professions.
Cragg reiterates the responsibility they have to towards themselves, and society, to uphold the values of being graduates of Rhodes, “where leaders learn”.
