The future looks bright for research within the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. 

This became evident during the Faculty’s first Annual Research Day which highlighted the work of students and postdoctoral fellows within the Faculty.

The inaugural Research Day event, held at Coastlands hotel Umhlanga, Wednesday (16 November 2016), was the first of its kind for the Faculty. As the University grows its research output, the Faculty’s research programs have become more robust; helping propel the University into becoming a leading research institution.

“This day is not only to remind us of the importance of our research,” said Professor Suren Singh, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. “It’s also aimed at celebrating and acknowledging great strides and cutting edge research made by our students and postdoctoral fellows. Our researchers have produced innovative research and expanded across boundaries,” he said.

The Research Day event does not only provide an opportunity for researchers to present their work, it also helps educate them about other ongoing investigations within the Faculty, which often leads to new, fruitful collaborations for future research subjects.

Dr Adarsh Puri, Faculty  of Applied Sciences Research Coordinator, noted that providing such a platform (Research Day) was about creating an opportunity for researchers to discuss and share their work with others which is a key factor in terms of growth and improvement in research outputs. “For research and researchers to grow, there must be communication on what is being done in the faculty. This gives an opportunity for researchers to ask questions, translate their research and learn about opportunities to collaborate,” he said.

Although only nine post-graduate students presented their research-work, the Faculty has 165 registered post-graduate students for both Master’s and Doctorate degrees.

In her address to students and academics, Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Research and Postgraduate Support Director and Acting DVC: Engagement, congratulated the Faculty for its hard work and initiative in honoring and acknowledging research conducted within the Faculty. “The University is excited to have platforms where researchers can share their ideas and be innovative. It’s important for the University to have people who do research. Congratulations to the Faculty of Applied Sciences for this initiative. I wish other faculties could also do the same,” she said.

The event was closed with an awards ceremony honouring academics and researchers for their outstanding work.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: Xolile Mkhize, PhD student within the Department of Food and Nutrition conducts a presentation during the Faculty of Applied Sciences Research Day event.