The recent appointment of Professor Kugen Permaul as the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Research Chair in Biovalorization has positioned the Durban University of Technology (DUT) as a leader in biotechnology research. His appointment underscores the University’s commitment to advancing innovative, sustainable solutions that address environmental challenges, promote economic development, and contribute to a more inclusive future.
Professor Permaul from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology under the Faculty of Applied Sciences is among eight South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chairs awarded to DUT by the NRF under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs for Historically Disadvantaged Universities, Universities of Technology, and Emerging Universities.
Professor Permaul is a distinguished researcher with a career spanning more than two decades at DUT. After completing his PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he joined the Department of Biological Sciences at the then ML Sultan Technikon in 1999 as a postdoctoral fellow under the supervision of the late Professor Bharti Odhav. At a time when only a few departments at the institution were actively engaged in research, he became one of DUT’s first postdoctoral fellows and quickly established himself as a leading researcher in biotechnology.
He was employed as a lecturer in 2000 and over the years, he progressed through the academic ranks, becoming an Associate Professor in 2008 and a Full Professor in 2011. His research journey evolved from molecular biology to enzyme technology and ultimately: biovalorization – the conversion of biological waste into high-value products.
Expressing his excitement about the appointment, Professor Permaul said the SARChI Chair would provide an opportunity to pursue innovative research with greater flexibility and impact.
“I am thrilled to have been awarded a Tier 1 SARChI Research Chair in Biovalorization. Personally, the guaranteed funding will allow me to plan and execute exploratory projects without constantly thinking of financial constraints. Professionally, it is hoped that the position will create new opportunities for collaboration and establish beneficial partnerships,” he said.
According to Prof Permaul the Chair’s primary research focus will be to expand existing work on biomass valorization and develop practical applications that can deliver tangible societal benefits.
Professor Permaul explained that his research aligns strongly with the national priorities of environmental sustainability, green technologies, re-industrialisation and circular economies.
“Most of my future work will involve translating laboratory research into viable processes that convert biological wastes into fuels, biochemicals and biopolymers. These processes will employ green technologies and generate minimal waste,” he said.
Among the Chair’s key goals is the commercialization of innovative bioprocesses, including the conversion of waste crustacean shells into bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, hybrid biopolymers and fertilisers. Prof Permaul shared that research in this area has been ongoing for several years, and the Chair award will help consolidate these efforts into a fully integrated circular process.
By partnering with relevant industries, Professor Permaul hopes to reduce environmental pollution while creating value from waste streams.
“Being a province with a large coastline and extensive agricultural activities, KwaZulu-Natal presents opportunities to convert waste into useful products. Through strategic partnerships, we can help reduce waste pollution while supporting sustainable economic growth,” stated Prof Permaul.
He further revealed that the Chair will also play a crucial role in developing the next generation of scientists and innovators. Professor Permaul emphasized that postgraduate students and emerging researchers will be at the heart of the programme, receiving opportunities to develop advanced biotechnology skills, build professional networks and explore entrepreneurial pathways.
“Postgraduate students and emerging researchers are pivotal in developing new innovations. We want to equip them with the skills and experiences needed to pursue successful careers in research, industry and also as entrepreneurs,” he said.
Beyond research and training, Professor Permaul believes that the commercialization of biotechnology innovations can inspire students to view entrepreneurship as an attainable career path. He envisions the creation of spin-off enterprises that showcase how scientific discoveries can be transformed into real-world solutions and economic opportunities.
Looking ahead, Professor Permaul hopes that by the end of his first five-year tenure as SARChI Chair, a multidisciplinary network of researchers, industry partners and international collaborators will have successfully transformed local biological resources into valuable products that address environmental and economic challenges.
“A successful tenure would be the establishment of a multidisciplinary network predominantly based at DUT, but including industrial, national and international partners, that has valorized local bioresources into useful products. This foundation will allow future generations of researchers to extend these innovations to address other environmental challenges,” he said.
Pictured: Professor Kugen Permaul, the newly appointed South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Research Chair in Biovalorization.
Simangele Zuma
