The Faculty of Applied Sciences hosted its Faculty Research Day 2019 at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel on 11 November 2019.

The Executive Dean, Professor Suren Singh held the event to share and celebrate the work of the 10 departments, as well as their research successes with the other faculties of the university.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement: Professor Sibusiso Moyo, guest speaker, Mr Mohohlo Molatudi: Head of the Technology Platforms Programme and Acting General Manager: Bioeconomy Division of Technology Innovation Agency, DUT staff, students and external stakeholders.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome from Professor Suren Singh, who said: “Research of this nature shows potential to expand beyond the university and is propelled towards social and economic development of the country. The faculty staff and students endeavour to advance in futuristic and innovative technologies globally. Research in the faculty has proliferated beyond disciplinary boundaries.”

He further added that the Faculty Research Day was an ideal platform for research leaders, researchers and students to explore a variety of different aspects in applied sciences, share their latest research developments and network with colleagues. “The faculty has a few newly appointed staff members and this was an excellent opportunity to officially welcome them to the faculty’s world of research and innovation,” he said.

The programme featured talks, posters, digital presentations, question sessions and an awards ceremony for outstanding contributions. The award categories included departmental awards which were Departmental Researchers of the Year, which went to Professor Tukayi Kudanga (Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology), Professor Robert Gengan (Department of Chemistry) and Professor Sanja Bauk from the Department of Maritime Studies.

This was followed by an array of Faculty awards. Innovators of The Year were presented to Professor Vincent Bisetty (Department of Chemistry- Chili Electrochemical Aptasensor Patent), Dr Viresh Mohanlall from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology-Nitro coumarins as an anti-tuberculosis agent Patent).

The International Collaborative Project Award was presented to Dr Ashika Naicker from the Department of Food and Nutrition.

The Outstanding Collaboration award was bestowed upon Professor Kugen Permaul from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology. He was given the accolade for his BRICS Project.

The Young Emerging Woman Researcher award was given to Pinky Ntola who is from the Department of Chemistry. The Research Poster Of The Year award was given to Kabange Kasumbwe from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology.

The NRF Newly Rated Researchers are:

•  Executive Dean–Professor Suren Singh: NRF B3 rating;
•  Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Professor Tukayi Kudanga: NRF C2 rating;
•  Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Professor Oluwatosin Ijabadeniyi: NRF C2 rating, and
•  Department of Chemistry, Dr Lawrence Madikizela: NRF Y2 rating.

Faculty Research Groups Of The Year are:

• Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology
  Enzyme Technology Group
  Professor Suren Singh and Professor Kugen Permaul

• Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology
  Food Security and Nutrition Group
  Professor Eric Amonsou

• Department Of Chemistry
  Computational Modelling and Bioanalytical Group
  Professor Vincent Bisetty

PHD Student Of The Year was Dr Faiz Ansari from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology. Masters Student Of The Year was awarded to Kwanele Kunene from the Department of Chemistry. The Faculty Researcher Of The Year award was given to Professor Robert Gengan from the Department of Chemistry.

A Special Award: Emerging Department Of The Year went to Professor Cindy Pienaar and team from the Department of Sports Science And Management.

Pictured:  Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Sibusiso Moyo with one of the recipients of the Departmental Researcher of the Year, Professor Sanja Bauk from the Department of Maritime Studies and Executive Dean: Applied Sciences, Professor Suren Singh.

Kameshnee Naidoo Mellem