Celebrating the impact of research published through the South African transformative agreement in 2025
The open access articles featured in this celebratory collection have been selected for the great impact they have achieved in such a short period of time.
From achieving high downloads and citations to receiving significant media coverage, these papers show how our TA in South Africa is increasing the visibility and impact of scientific research.
Join your fellow researchers who are shaping the future of science, and your articles could also be featured in news outlets such as The Guardian, The Conversation and Phys.org. Read our 2024 articles.
Find out if your institution is participating in this agreement with our Journal Finder, and make sure your next paper gets the greatest exposure.
Is your institution not currently part of our SANLiC agreement? You can recommend a transformative agreement to your librarian here.
Read the South African articles making an impact across our journal portfolio
Paper | Open Access
Development and assessment of fatigue response in AA2024
Jagadesh Kumar Jatavallabhula et al, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 Mater. Res. Express 12 16505 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ada41c
Paper | Open Access
Microstructural, morphological, and optical properties of Fe2O3 nanoparticles obtained from Fe-MIM MOF
Olalekan Christian Olatunde et al, North West University
2025 Nano Ex. 6 15001 https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-959X/ad9f86
Topical Review | Open Access
Characteristics and properties of hot-deformed duplex stainless steel 2205: an overview
Akinsanya Damilare Baruwa and Ndivhuwo Ndou, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 Mater. Res. Express 12 22001 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/adb2e2
Paper | Open Access
Enhancing termite mound soil blocks with natural fibers and Portland cement: a sustainable approach to construction
Bahiru Bewket Mitikie et al, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 Eng. Res. Express 7 15114 https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/ada48a
Paper | Open Access
Revise the dark matter-phantom scalar field interaction
Andronikos Paliathanasis et al, North West University
2025 Phys. Scr. 100 85007 https://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/adf14e
Paper | Open Access
Modelling and analysis of-to-grid and vehicle-to-load in electromobility energy systems
Idowu Adetona Ayoade and Omowunmi Mary Longe, Johannesburg University
2025 Eng. Res. Express 7 35314 https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/adf026
Paper | Open Access
Smearing out contactuantum gravity
Ulrich Karoo Beckering Vinckers et al, Cape Town University
2025 Class. Quantum Grav. 42 65001 https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6382/adb08c
Paper | Open Access
Fabrication of CoPcMWCNTs nanocomposite for supercapacitor applications
Sheriff A Balogun et al, Limpopo University
2025 Mater. Res. Express 12 25505 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/adb2e1
Topical Review | Open Access
Techno-economic analysis of large-scale battery energy storage system for stationary applications in South Africa
Christopher Borerwe and Omowunmi Mary Longe, Johannesburg University
2025 Eng. Res. Express 7 12301 https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/ad9ce9
Topical Review | Open Access
A bibliometric analysis of wildlife governance in relation to African elephant conservation and community participation
Tanyaradzwa Mundoga et al, Johannesburg University
2025 Environ. Res. Commun 7 22001 https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/adb130
Paper | Open Access
Advanced process parameter optimization for dimensional accuracy in SS 316L 3D printing using response surface methodology
Bridjesh Pappula et al, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 Mater. Res. Express 12 56510 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/addba5
Topical Review | Open Access
Artificial intelligence for quality assurance in friction stir welding – a review on opportunities and challenges
Jagadesh Kumar Jatavallabhula et al, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 Eng. Res. Express 7 22402 https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/adc877
Paper | Open Access
Biomimetic palmitic acid functionalized polydopamine nanoparticles for targeted CNS delivery of the neurotransmitter dopamine in A172 neuronal cells
Yahya E Choonara et al, University of the Witwatersrand
2025 Nano Ex. 6 35016 https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-959X/ae0351
Paper | Open Access
Effect of 1 MeV neutron-irradiation on the electrical properties of Si-based diodes
Joseph Oluwadamilola Bodunrin and Sabata Jonas Moloi, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 JINST 20 P04007 https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/20/04/P04007
Paper | Open Access
Effects of asymptomatic infections and population movements on the geographical spread of Nipah virus
Malebese Mabotsa and Justin Manango Wazute Munganga, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 Phys. Scr. 100 35210 https://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/adaf7c
Paper | Open Access
Enhancing water permeability in thin-film nanocomposite membranes utilizing electrospun recycled PET and graphene oxide
Mantsopa Koena Zamisa et al, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2025 Nano Ex 6 15012 https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-959X/ad9298
Paper | Open Access
Existence of a flat band in highly correlated metal BaCo2P2
Abhishek Pandey et al, Witwatersrand University
2025 J. Phys.: Condens. Matte 37 155602 https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/adb675
Paper | Open Access
Exploring perceived impacts of shifting Mopane woodland on medicinal plants in Vhembe, South Africa
Andisa Andy Mufungizi et al, Johannesburg University
2025 Environ. Res. Commun. 7 15026 https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ada8fb
Perspective | Open Access
Navigating the current landscape of green hydrogen, its potential, and challenges: a South African perspective
Goitsione Emily Olifant et al, University of the Witwatersrand
2025 Prog. Energy 7 33002 https://doi.org/10.1088/2516-1083/add2cb
Letter | Open Access
Orbital angular momentum with topologically controlled beam sizes
Vasilios Cocotos and Andrew Forbes, University of the Witwatersrand
2025 J. Opt. 27 07LT01 https://doi.org/10.1088/2040-8986/adee2d
2024 featured articles
Paper | Open Access
Interacting dark energy: clarifying the cosmological implications and viability conditions
Marcel A. van der Westhuizen and Amare Abebe, North-West University
2024 JCAP. 01 (2024)048 https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/01/048
Topical Review | Open Access
Application of novel hybrid deep learning architectures combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN): construction duration estimates prediction considering preconstruction uncertainties
Belachew A Demiss and Walied A Elsaigh, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2024 Eng. Res. Express. 6 032102 https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/ad6ca7
Paper | Open Access
Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using Ligustrum lucidum extract, and the antioxidant and antifungal evaluation
Damian C Onwudiwe et al, North-West University
2024 Mater. Res. Express. 11 055010 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad4e9d
Paper | Open Access
Structural and antibacterial properties of copper oxide nanoparticles: a study on the effect of calcination temperature
Sarah Constance Motshekga, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2024 Nano Ex. 5 015011 https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-959X/ad228d
Paper | Open Access
Relativistic and wide-angle corrections to galaxy power spectra
Sheean Jolicoeur et al, Stellenbosch University
2024 JCAP. 08 (2024)027 https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/08/027
Paper | Open Access
Comparative electrochemical properties of polyaniline/carbon quantum dots nanocomposites modified screen-printed carbon and gold electrodes
Omolola E Fayemi et al, North-West University
2024 Mater. Res. Express. 10 125603 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad176e
Paper | Open Access
UiO-66@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as an adsorbent in dispersive solid phase extraction of metformin in surface water and wastewater
Abigail Goitumetswe Sekopelo et al, University of Johannesburg
2024 Nano Ex. 5 025011 https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-959X/ad461c
Letter | Open Access
Socio-environmental impacts of mineral mining and conflicts in Southern and West Africa: navigating reflexive governance for environmental justice
Llewellyn Leonard, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2024 Environ. Res. Lett. 19 104013 https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7047
Topical Review | Open Access
Agro waste reinforcement of metal matrix composites, a veritable sustainable engineering achievement, or an effort in futility? A critical review
Festus Ben and Peter A Olubambi, University of Johannesburg
2024 Mater. Res. Express. 11 062004 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad5642
Paper | Open Access
Propagation of uncertainty for an epipole-dependent model for convergent stereovision structure computation
Ifeanyi F Ezebili and Kristiaan Schreve, Stellenbosch University
2024 Meas. Sci. Technol. 35 045032 https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/ad20bf
Paper | Open Access
Characterization of banana powder-based film reinforced with CNF and Bio-mediated ZnO nanoparticles for potential food applications
Tshiamo B Leta et al, University of Johannesburg
2024 Mater. Res. Express. 11 055402 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad43c1
Paper | Open Access
Influence of posture during gliding flight in the flying lizard Draco volans
Valentin Buffa et al, University of the Witwatersrand
2024 Bioinspir. Biomim. 19 026008 https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/ad1dbb
Paper | Open Access
Investigation of the thermodynamic, structural, electronic, mechanical and phonon properties of D0c Ru-based intermetallic alloys: an ab-initio study
B O Mnisi et al, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2024 Mater. Res. Express. 11 046506 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad3a40
Letter | Open Access
On the role of interconnected mini-grids in net-zero emissions electricity system: insights from Nigeria
Joel Yongoua Nana and Michael O Dioha, University of Cape Town
2024 Environ. Res. Lett. 19 034014 https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad259f
Paper | Open Access
X-ray diffraction profile analysis of green synthesized ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles
Mawethu P Bilibana et al, North-West University
2024 Mater. Res. Express. 11 075011 https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad63ff
Letter | Open Access
Impacts of water, energy, and food nexus challenges on household vulnerability: the case of Harare City, Zimbabwe
C P Gandidzanwa and M Togo, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2024 Environ. Res. Lett. 19 114038 https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7bcd
Paper | Open Access
Pneumatic extrusion bioprinting-based high throughput fabrication of a melanoma 3D cell culture model for anti-cancer drug screening
Maryke de Villiers et al, North-West University
2024 Biomed. Mater. 19 055034 https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-605X/ad651f
Paper | Open Access
Foreground biases in strong gravitational lensing
Daniel Johnson et al, University of Cape Town
2024 JCAP. 10 (2024)055 https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/10/055
Paper | Open Access
Ferrock cement and oxalic acid for enhanced concrete strength and durability against sulphate attack
Bahiru Bewket Mitikie et al, University of South Africa (UNISA)
2024 Eng. Res. Express. 6 025122 https://doi.org/10.1088/2631-8695/ad592a
Topical Review | Open Access
Climate change adaptation by smallholder farmers in Southern Africa: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review
Dumisani Shoko Kori et al, University of Johannesburg
2024 Environ. Res. Commun. 6 032002 https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ad3127
