Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius will host an evening of tasting eight different Australian wines.

Professor Sakkie Pretorius is internationally recognised as a pioneer in molecular microbiology and biotechnology and in translating research outcomes to innovative industry applications.

Originally from South Africa, Professor Pretorius studied agriculture at the University of the Free State from 1977 until 1986, when he was awarded a PhD for his work on physical, genetic and biochemical characteristics of yeast. He was appointed Professor of Microbiology at Stellenbosch University in 1993, where he later became the founding director of South Africa's Institute for Wine Biotechnology.

By identifying some of the unique characteristics of South African wine production during his ten-year tenure he was part of the team involved in the refooting of the technology of wine production in South Africa. Professor Pretorius' role in this team enabled the burgeoning South African wine industry to grow its production and market presence significantly and attract global recognition for the quality of wines from the region.