The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science under the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with the South African Society for Microbiology recently hosted the 36th South African Society for Microbiology (SASM) KZN Regional Symposium. The SASM KZN Symposium was held at the DUT Hotel School Conference Centre, Ritson campus.
SASM is a non-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of microbiological sciences in South Africa. Its members comprises of microbiologists employed in universities, institutes, industry and government as well as student and corporate members.
Delivering the welcome remarks was the Head of Department, Professor Feroz M. Swalaha. Prof Swalaha said that in 2023 they extended the programme to 30 talks in diverse areas of Biotechnology and Microbiology.
“There are a pleasant array of mostly applied research talks that I am sure you will enjoy. The year’s hard work should have borne some fruit that you will be showcasing. To the supervisors and students who worked hard and whose work will be presented, I commend you on a job well done,” said Prof Swalaha.
The symposium was attended by Honours students from the Durban University of Technology and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), professors, doctors and industry representatives. The symposium had three sessions comprising of various themes aligned to microbiology and industrial biotechnology.
Professor Guegium Kana from the School of Applied Sciences at UKZN congratulated the supervisors for taking their time in designing the work. Prof Kana applauded the students for carrying out the work diligently, analysing the data, interpreting, and emphasising on the application of the research findings.
After the presentations, awards were handed over to the students who had the best presentations. The winners were selected by a panel of judges. Apart from that, for the first time, people’s choice awards were also constituted. DUT students won first places in two of the four sessions and won three of the four people’s choice awards.
Professor Santhosh Pillai, who is chairperson of the organising committee of SASM-KZN, delivered the vote of thanks. Prof Pillai expressed his gratitude to the HOD Prof Swalaha for the opportunity and thanked the esteemed sponsors and exhibitors for their generous support. He also thanked the SASM organising committee members and each and every staff member of the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science for their unwavering commitment and support.
Pictured: Professor Santhosh Pillai and the Biotechnology and Food Science Head of Department, Professor Feroz Swalaha with the students who were awarded for best presentations.
Sibahle Ngcobo
