Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Senior Researcher in the Green Engineering Research Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), has won the prestigious TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award at the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) South32 Awards, often referred to as South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars.’

His victory was announced at the NSTF Awards and Gala Dinner on Thursday, 31 July 2025.

The TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award celebrates exceptional researchers within the first six years of their careers. Driven by excellence and his commitment to advancing green engineering solutions for environmental sustainability, Dr Tetteh’s innovative research in the water-energy nexus highlights DUT’s global research footprint. Dr Tetteh was recognised as an exceptional researcher for his multidisciplinary research interest, leadership and innovation which continues to shape sustainable environmental engineering.

Dr Tetteh has made a significant contribution to DUT’s research outputs and capacity development, by publishing over 60 journal articles, conference papers and book chapters, as well as mentoring and supervising several honours and postgraduate projects to completion. His consistent dedication to impactful, high-quality research exemplifies DUT’s commitment to excellence, innovation and transformation in science and technology.

Professor Faizal Bux, Director for Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at DUT, Dr Emmanuel Tetteh, winner of TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award and Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT.

Sharing his excitement on winning his first NSTF Award, Dr Tetteh said: “Being acknowledged as a winner for the Emerging Researcher category came as a shock to me. Last year, I was a finalist in the same category but I did not win. However, my mentor and Acting Executive Dean in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT, Professor Sudesh Rathilal comforted me, saying these things take time. I am excited about the recognition but deep down being an emerging researcher comes with lots of demands, you have to be disciplined, committed and persevere in order to overcome some of the challenges.”

He shared that winning this award also promotes the hard work, dedication and commitment of his team at the Green Engineering Research Group. Dr Tetteh expressed his gratitude to DUT for giving him the platform for his research as well as his family and friends for their consistent support.

Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT said, “Dr Tetteh’s recognition at the NSTF Awards was a very proud moment for DUT and a powerful endorsement of our ENVISION2030 commitment to excellence in research, innovation and societal impact. His work exemplifies the values we seek in our emerging researchers at DUT.”

Dr Tetteh’s mentor, Professor Sudesh Rathilal who is the Executive Dean in Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT shared his congratulatory remarks. “A well-deserved accolade for a fantastic researcher. I am extremely proud of him and his achievements. He has achieved a lot for himself, the Green Engineering Research Group, the Department of Chemical Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and DUT as a whole. Well done Dr Tetteh!” said Prof Rathilal.

Ms Seipati Moleleki from the NSTF’s Forum said: “Congratulations Dr Kweinor Tetteh on winning the prestigious 2024/2025 NSTF-South32 Award in recognition of your outstanding contribution to science, engineering, technology (SET), and innovation. This is no small feat- and your excellence continues to inspire.”

Some of the new research areas under Dr Tetteh’s development include magnetic separation technology, green hydrogen production technology, and smart water system. Looking ahead, Dr Tetteh’s future research goals include his commitment to advancing knowledge by empowering future generations through science, innovation, technology, engineering education, and research.

Pictured:  Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Senior Researcher: Green Engineering Research Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at DUT after winning the prestigious TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award.

Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters