Caption: Emeritus Professor Peter Beighton is a leading figure in human genetics.

Emeritus professor in human genetics Peter Beighton is the subject of a Festschrift to be published as a supplement to the SA Medical Journal on 1 June 2016. (In academia, a Festschrift is a collection of writings in book form that honours a respected person and is presented during his or her lifetime.)

Four of Beighton’s former PhD students worked on the project to honour his leadership and the influence he has had on their professional lives. They are Michael Hayden (his first PhD graduate in 1979, now in Canada), Jacquie Greenberg (UCT), Alan Bryer (UCT / Groote Schuur Hospital) and Lawrence Stephen (his last PhD graduate before his official retirement in 1999, University of the Western Cape).

Professor Gregory Hussey, interim dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences, commented: “Contributions and tributes have been sent from people all over the world, attesting to PB’s outstanding knowledge, leadership and mentorship in the field of medical genetics at UCT and abroad.”

Story Andrea Weiss. Photo Michael Hammond.