# University of the Free State professor Ivan Turok has been named the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award by the Regional Studies Association. This international recognition celebrates Turok’s significant contribution to the field of urban and regional research, both globally and on the African continent. His research has focused on the economic structure and performance of cities in South Africa and across the continent. Turok says receiving this award is a great honour, particularly in representing academics from the global South.
University of the Free State professor honoured with a global award