Professor Daan Lenstra a leading scientist from the Technical University of Delft, in The Netherlands, held a two day seminar on the revolution of photonic technology and the challenges of becoming a high-ranked university by world standards…
Professor Daan Lenstra a leading scientist from the Technical University of Delft, in The Netherlands, held a two day seminar on the revolution of photonic technology and the challenges of becoming a high-ranked university by world standards. The seminar was held on at ML Sultan Campus earlier this year and was attended by academics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and DUT.
Professor Theo Andrew, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) had met with Professor Lenstra on a visit to Technical University of Delft in 2010. Their passion for science, engineering and research has led to an academic partnership between the two institutions.
Professor Lenstra has co-authored more than 500 research publications and is currently in retirement but is keen on developing interest and engaging with academics on the continent in the field of photonic technology. Professor Andrew said the visit was a scouting exercise to establish future collaborations in innovation and research. According to the world ranking system, the Technical University of Delft is ranked 33 in Engineering and Technology in the world and is first in The Netherlands.
Professor Andrew said: “It is great to learn from someone who is linked and working with such a prestigious university. It gives us a new long term horizon. Thus far we have identified possible areas of collaboration with the FEBE, UKZN and Prof Lenstra in quantum information and communication. After Professor Lenstra’s three week academic and scouting visit, he will report to the two universities on possible areas that can be taken further.” He said Technical University of Delft shares a similar background to DUT, as it had developed from a Polytech.
International Education and Partnerships director, Dr Lavern Samuels said: “Professor Lenstra is an exemplar on the topic of photonic technology. His vast experience can contribute strategically and at a systemic level in terms of how DUT can elevate its standing within the international higher education sector and in its local community.”
Professor Lenstra said telecommunication plays a crucial part in our life and it is therefore essential to have tailored, state of the art communication. Photonic technology is currently implemented in Europe; however there is insufficient research on it in Africa. “Although photonic integration is still in its infancy, it has already proven the ability to be a breakthrough technology, especially in telecommunications and information, health and life sciences as well as lighting and displays.” He said the new partnership aims to make photonic technology commercially available in an affordable way using devices.
With regards to developing research capacity, he said: “Besides striving to become a research university, DUT has the ambition to become a research university of note. This will require a certain change in attitude amongst the staff towards excellence in various respects such as international visibility, competitiveness and scientific leadership.”
– Karishma Ganpath
