The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has once again demonstrated its growing global research excellence, winning the Best Paper Award at the prestigious 2025 World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) and Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) Annual Conference, currently underway in Daegu, Republic of Korea (from 21 to 25 September 2025).

The conference, which has drawn more than 800 participants from over 50 countries, is one of the world’s foremost gatherings for academia, industry, government and students. With its theme, “Engineering We Need” the 2025 WEEF and GEDC Conference is a platform to explore how engineering can address pressing global challenges such as sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI) and societal responsibility.

DUT’s winning paper, titled “Engineering Ethics in Experimental Research: A South-South Perspective on Deliberative Strategies and Institutional Management” offers a critical examination of engineering ethics in experimental research, particularly within the Global South. This interdisciplinary collaboration between the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the University of Ibadan underscores the power of South-South partnerships in advancing ethical and innovative engineering research. The recognition underscores DUT’s commitment to producing knowledge that not only advances academia but also responds to the needs of society.

The award-winning team of authors includes:

• Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, Interim Director: Research and Postgraduate Support, DUT.
• Professor Rendani Maladzhi, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, DUT.
• Professor Pfano Mashau, Director: DUT Business School and a Chair of the Institutional Research Ethics Committee.
•  Dr Olatunji Iyiola, Principal Research Administrator at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Congratulating the team, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT said: “This award stands as a powerful testament to DUT’s commitment to research with societal impact. It reflects our growing influence on the global stage and highlights the quality and relevance of research conducted by our academics. Importantly, it underscores the strength of our collaboration with our Pan-African partners. By addressing issues of engineering ethics from a South-South perspective, our colleagues have generated knowledge that is both timely and transformative.”

This recognition helps to affirm the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy of being an engaged, people-centred, innovative and entrepreneurial university, where research excellence, creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society.

Sharing his message of congratulations, Prof Sudesh Rathilal, the Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT, said: “Thank you to our experts for placing DUT at the forefront of international recognition. This is a great achievement for the faculty and DUT and I would like to congratulate the authors of this paper for sharing their knowledge and expertise on ensuring engineering ethics when performing experimental research. DUT staff will continue to play a leading role in this forum,” he emphasised.

Pictured: Professor Rendani Maladzhi receiving the award.

A jubilant Dr Mthombeni could not contain her excitement and joy upon receiving news that they won such a prestigious award.

“This award is not only a recognition of our paper, but a celebration of DUT’s growing influence in shaping ethical and responsible engineering research globally. It affirms the value of South-South collaboration, particularly between DUT and the University of Ibadan, in developing innovative approaches to engineering ethics. For me, this win reflects the dedication of our researchers, the interdisciplinary nature of our partnerships, and DUT’s commitment to contributing solutions that are both globally relevant and locally grounded. It is an inspiring moment for DUT and a call to continue leading with integrity, innovation, and impact,” she expressed.

Pictured: The Award presented to DUT at the prestigious 2025 World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) and Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) Annual Conference in Daegu, Republic of Korea.

Waheeda Peters/Alan Khan