Durban University of Technology (DUT) has announced a major expansion of its research and innovation ecosystem, following a Council decision approving the establishment of 18 research institutes to be implemented through a phased rollout. The programme marks a strategic step in strengthening DUT’s capacity to deliver high-impact, solutions-driven research aligned to economic development, social progress, and sustainable innovation.
DUT’s existing research institutes, the Institute of Wastewater Technology (IWWT) and the Institute of Systems Science (ISS), have already demonstrated the value of focused, applied research with tangible relevance. The new institute ecosystem builds on this foundation, positioning DUT to respond more decisively to emerging national and global priorities, including clean energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, sustainable cities, climate resilience, food security, health innovation, and the future of work.
Council’s decision includes approval of a 10-year funding distribution to support implementation from 2026 to 2035. DUT will commence implementation this year with six institutes entering the first wave, combining Phase 1 launches and accelerated establishment work through conversion/activation pathways where existing capability can scale rapidly.
“The establishment of these institutes is about delivery, real research for real problems,” said Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement. “We are building platforms that connect researchers, industry, government, and communities to produce practical solutions that improve lives and livelihoods, while strengthening postgraduate training, research excellence, and innovation-led development.”
The 18 research institutes span key domains including hydrogen technology, data science and AI, health devices innovation, smart agriculture and food security, advanced manufacturing and robotics, ocean engineering, biotechnology, climate change research, the BRICS research agenda, the future of work and education, and smart cities and urban planning.
DUT will provide ongoing updates as institutes become operational, partnerships are formalised, and the first major research programmes are launched. The University has indicated that stakeholder engagement, including industry, communities, and public sector partners, will form a central pillar of implementation and public accountability as the programme progresses.
About DUT:
Durban University of Technology is a University of Technology committed to innovative, entrepreneurial and engaged scholarship that produces practical solutions and future-ready graduates, aligned to the ENVISION2030 strategy.
Pictured: Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
