Researchers at CPUT are planning to take innovation to another level with the development of the institution’s first satellite.

During the next two years, postgraduate students, specialising in Satellite Systems Engineering, will build a nano satellite.

This venture into space science and technology is being backed by the National Research Foundation, who recently approved funding of R21 million for the Satellite Systems Engineering Programme.

The rollout of the programme comes just months after former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe signed the SouthAfrican National SpaceAgency Bill that will drive space-related activities.

Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities, said with the Bill in place, the institution saw an opportunity to develop students for the South African Space Industry.

“The new Space Policy opens up opportunities for our students. This will be a viable industry in the future,” he said.

The programme is based in the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), a specialised unit at CPUT that focuses on Electronic Engineering.

The students will work alongside Prof van Zyl, F’SATI staff members and several external specialists, developing the satellite. A network of collaborators, including the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, the Space Applications Centre, EADS ( France ), and ClydeSpace ( Scotland ) are some notable partners in this venture.

“This is a very ambitious project, but we will succeed,” he said.

Prof van Zyl said they will develop a CubeSat, which will measure 30 by 10 by 10 cm and will weigh three kg.

If all goes as planned, the satellite will be completed in 2011.

It will then be showcased at the International Astronomical Federation Conference, which will be held in Cape Town in October 2011.

“We already have commitment from the European Space Agency to facilitate the launch of the satellite,” said Prof Van Zyl.

The programme has also received backing from the Department of Science and Technology ( DST ), which has listed space science and technology as one of its grand challenges.

According to a 10 year plan drafted by the DST , South Africa must grow the local satellite industry and increase research, development and innovation in space science.

Dr Thandi Mgwebi, director of the NRF Human Capacity Programme, said to ensure this industry thrives in South Africa , higher education institutions must develop human capacity in the space arena .

She said F’SATI, which has a strong focus on innovation, can contribute to developing skills in this area.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, CPUT deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said CPUT wants to be at the forefront in contributing to the implementation and success of South Africa ’s National Space Strategy.

By Candes Keating
Photograph: Prof Robert van Zyl, who will drive CPUT’s space activities with students enrolled in programmes offered at the French South African Institute of Technology.
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Two academics from the Media and Communication Department recently presented their work at the Annual South African Communications Association (SACOMM) Conference, hosted by the Departments of Journalism and Visual Arts at Stellenbosch University.

Lecturer Dr Adelina Mbinjama presented on her National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka grant project, which ran from 2021 to 2023. Her presentation was titled: An Investigation of Cyber-Ethics among Digital Media Marketers in a changing Media Landscape: A Case Study on Black-owned SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upasna Maharaj, nGAP Lecturer in Film Production, presented her research article: Decolonising Film Education in South Africa: A Review of Approaches and Challenges, as part of the New Pedagogies panel at the Conference.

Mbinjama, who is the Chair of the Media Department Research Committee at CPUT, where she chairs the master’s proposal defences, also serves as a mentor on the Sisonke 3.0 Mentorship Programme, where more experienced supervisors give support and advice to CPUT employees who are new to postgraduate supervision.

Through a qualitative approach, her study investigated the use and practices of cyber-ethics among digital media marketers and employers in 50%-100% black-owned Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs). The study revealed the ethical and moral behaviour-related challenges that black businesses encountered during the period of COVID-19. Limited technological and legal infrastructures proved challenging for SMEs considering their loss of revenue during the pandemic.

“Due to my work on cyber-ethics for Thuthuka, I noted certain topics that emerged from my study but need to be expanded on, so I have a call for book chapters with Emerald Publishers, which I am working on with two other editors with research interests in the digital world, Dr Janelle Vermaak-Griessel (Nelson Mandela University) and Prof Bianca Wright (Coventry University in the UK).

She is also part of the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) CPUT Cohort as a supervisor to master’s and doctoral students.

Mbinjama recently attended the Humanities International Spring School at North West University, where postgraduate supervisors and students are capacitated to do research.

“The exposure to research is important to me as an emerging scholar and postgraduate supervisor. Through conference presentations and attendances, I believe that I will be able to enrich my knowledge and speciality in cyber-ethics and digital media. I also feel that my research activities will expand from an interdisciplinary approach to a more multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach.

Maharaj joined CPUT in November 2023.

“My presentation explored the ‘decolonisation’ of film education in South Africa, attempting to address questions of how to make film education more relevant, accessible, and context-specific in the post-colonial university. Decolonisation in film education involves interrogating and decentring Western and dominant theories, methodologies, and assumptions. It requires experimenting with curriculum design, teaching delivery, and shifting power relations within the classroom, where new approaches are underpinned by a desire to make education more relevant and accessible to students.

“The study synthesises existing literature and insights from South African film educators to investigate how ‘decolonisation’ translates to tangible efforts and specific actions that assist in equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in our current globalised/glocalised mediascapes. Additionally, the research explores barriers and challenges faced by academics and institutions attempting to engage meaningfully in context-sensitive pedagogy.”

She will be presenting an updated version of this research at the CPUT Research Festival on 31 October 2024.

Maharaj serves as an editorial intern for Intellect's Journal of African Cinemas and freelances as a story consultant in the film industry.

She holds an MA in Media Theory and Practice from the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing a PhD in Film Studies.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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The Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED), led by Director, Dr Xena Cupido, successfully hosted the 12th Annual Research Innovation in Teaching and Learning (RITAL) Conference at the Cape Town Hotel School.

This event emerged as a vital platform for educators and researchers to share insights and propel the advancement of teaching practices. Dr Najwa Norodien-Fataar, the Research Coordinator at Fundani CHED and chair of the RITAL committee, announced that the conference was supported by the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG).

“The RITAL Conference was a resounding success, featuring an impressive 36 presentations. This year, academics from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) actively contributed papers, significantly increasing conference registrations. The rise in postgraduate student participation provided an invaluable opportunity for CPUT's postgraduate students to showcase their research,” Norodien-Fataar stated.

The conference was structured around the theme: Innovative Pedagogies: Embracing Diversity and Technology for Student Success. Sessions tackled crucial topics such as Digital Literacy, Technological Integration, Language and Learning, Equity, Decolonization and Social Justice, Teacher Training and Professional Development, and Student Success and Retention. Keynote speaker Prof Joanne Hardman, a psychologist at the UCT School of Education and Deputy Director, delivered an impactful message on the necessity of cultivating meaningful pedagogy that encourages students to engage in metacognitive thinking about their acquired knowledge. “We must seriously reconsider our teaching model to ensure it acknowledges the socially embedded nature of teaching. Children do not leave their lives at the door; they bring their experiences with them,” Hardman asserted.

Hardman presented a compelling dialectical model of pedagogy that confronts the challenge of developing effective teaching approaches to foster metacognitive thinking and successful learning outcomes. Drawing on Marxian psychology, she highlighted how social beings shape consciousness, emphasizing that learning progresses from external (inter-psychological) interactions to internalized (intra-psychological) understanding. “This model integrates the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), where language mediates learning and is guided by a culturally competent individual, transitioning from abstract to concrete knowledge. Inspired by Hedegaard’s Radical-Local Pedagogy, we must connect general concepts with meaningful, situational problems to effectively engage students,” Hardman observed.

She emphasised that the model effectively fosters interactive learning and enhances critical reasoning through exploratory talk, highlighting the significance of this pedagogical approach for meaningful and collaborative experiences.

Norodien-Fataar further announced that Paradigms is moving forward with its application for accreditation with the Department of Higher Education and Training. This accreditation is contingent upon the journal's consistent publication for three consecutive years without interruption. “Achieving this significant milestone depends on the unwavering support and participation of our academic community,” she emphasised.

To ensure success, Norodien-Fataar called on the researchers, comprising over 70 academics from CPUT and UWC, to actively support this initiative by submitting their research articles to Paradigms. She reinforced that this journal is a peer-reviewed platform, guaranteeing that all contributions are meticulously evaluated for quality and academic integrity. “Additionally, Paradigms benefits from the insights of a professional editor, ensuring that your work is presented in the best possible manner,” she concluded.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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An internship opportunity with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has secured three engineering students passage on the SA Agulhas research vessel.

The students, who hail from the Mechatronics and Electrical Engineering Departments, recently set sail on the SA Agulhas along with 30 other scientists, who will conduct research in the waters surrounding Antarctica.

SAIL: The trio boards the SA Agulhas research vessel at the Cape Town Harbour

The trio have been interning at the CSIR since last year and jumped at the opportunity to spend several weeks aboard the research vessel.

Electrical Engineering student JP Smith says they will provide researchers with technical support during the month-long research trip.

JP says several laboratories have been set up on the ship and each will run different experiments.

Mechatronics student Ashley Botes says they are well-prepared for the voyage, which will see them work with high-tech research equipment.

“We are very excited about this opportunity,” says Ashley.

Sinekhaya Dilana, who is studying Electrical Engineering, says he is looking forward to tackling the task ahead.

The vessel will return to South African shores in March.

By Candes Keating

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Countries are looking for ways to diversify their power generating capacities as the demand of energy increases.

This reality was discussed by leading researchers during the “Solar Power and Energy Supply of the Future” lecture that took place at the CPUT Bellville Campus.

The lecture was organised by the German Academic Exchange Service and forms part of the German South African Research Lecture Series on Energy Sciences.

The series saw leading researchers, such as CPUT’s Prof Ernst Uken, share insights on energy related issues during lectures that took place at universities across the country.

Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo welcomed the series of lectures.

He says energy has been highlighted as one of the key focus areas in the institution’s Research and Technology Blueprint (RTI). The RTI advocates the integration of innovation, research and technology, which can offers solutions to the needs of society.

Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in South Africa, Roland Hermann says such discussing on energy is necessary as all countries are looking at how they can meet increasing demands.

The series culminates today at the the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth with the lecture titled “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies.” 

By Candes Keating

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CPUT’s Dr Chris Nhlapo will play a key role in research and innovation in the South African mineral sector.

Nhlapo has been appointed by South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Susan Shabangu, to serve as a member of the board of Mintek.

Mintek is a leading research and innovation organisation that specialises in minerals processing, extractive metallurgy and related areas.

The organisation is also responsible for developing and transferring new technology for the national and international mineral sector.

Nhlapo, who is the Deputy-Vice Chancellor of Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships at CPUT, will serve a three-year term on the board. 

Nhlapo, who is actively involved in the national and international discourse on innovation and technology transfer, will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board.

Earlier this year Nhlapo was also tasked with developing a new framework for innovation in South Africa, as a member of a national task team set up by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI).

NACI was created to advise the South African Minister of Science and Technology on the role and contribution that innovation plays in addressing economic, social, scientific and technology challenges.

By Candes Keating

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Renowned author and researcher, Prof Rajendra Chetty has been appointed as the President of the English Academy of Southern Africa.

The Research Coordinator for the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Chetty is the 17th president of the academy.

Chetty, who has also been appointed at the Chairperson of the Provincial Parliament Language Committee, says it’s an honour to head up the academy, which plays a key role in promoting the effective use of English in Southern Africa.

“The Academy was founded to engage with those in power and with the general public about the role and significance of English. It has done so vigorously, with dignity and in a positive spirit,” says Chetty.

The academy has made regular submissions to government on language issues, ran seasonal schools for teachers, hosted a number of valuable conferences and lectures and published first-rate journals.

With education high on the academy’s agenda, they are now concentrating their efforts on literacy.

“The crisis of decreasing literacy levels in the public schools needs to be addressed more seriously. For this to happen, creative solutions (and massive expenditure) would have to be applied to the teaching of English, particularly in disadvantaged and rural schools,” says Chetty.

“If well managed, mastery of English in disadvantaged settings may be an invaluable tool of exchange between those living on the margins of society and those who are part of the global village.”

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

Dr Bongani Ncube, a researcher at the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research, has recently scooped a 2017 Water Research Commission (WRC) Knowledge Tree Award.

Ncube won the award in the ‘Empowerment of Communities’ Category in recognition of her research projects which focus on smallholder farmers in the Western Cape.

"I feel honoured and privileged to receive such an award. This award means a lot to me personally, the Research Unit and CPUT,” she says.

“It gives me great pleasure that my team have made a difference in the lives of the farmers in such a short period of time. The research has built capacity through MSc students and collaboration with the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Agency."

The awards celebrate men and women who make a major impact in pursuing excellence in the water science domain, and were presented during the third biennial WRC symposium held recently in Ekurhuleni under the theme ‘Adaptation to the new normal’.

Ncube recently completed a project that saw farmers and institutions collaborating to find solutions in accessing water and agriculture knowledge. She previously documented indigenous knowledge strategies for drought management in another project in the same province.

She is grateful to the institutions involved in her research work, the farmers and the team of students who work with her.

The research also further strengthened relations between CPUT and the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency, who have since 2013 been collaborating through a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Western Cape.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Delegates were welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, who highlighted, among other developments, the establishment of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies on the Bellville and Cape Town Campuses.Prof Liz van Aswegen of the Research Directorate also stressed that CPUT’s research output has increased over the last three years in terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s publication subsidy allocations. External funding has also increased, with funding exceeding R1 million sourced by six researchers.Guest speaker Dr Edith Madela-Mntla from the Medical Research Council congratulated CPUT for creating an environment conducive to research, but also warned that universities were facing the danger of becoming diploma factories, with fewer students progressing to post-graduate studies. Dr Thandi Mgwebi, from the National Research Foundation (NRF) outlined some of the financial deterrents facing budding academics from advancing in their research, but also indicated how the NRF helps institutions of higher learning with research and funding.Outstanding CPUT researchers were honoured at the event, with a platinum award given to Prof Daniel Makinde for research publication, and Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva for postgraduate supervision. Both professors hail from the Engineering Faculty.Prof Stephanie Burton from the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology Research Group was also honoured with a platinum award, while Prof Robert van Zyl, also from the Engineering Faculty, scooped a diamond award for the generation of external funding in excess of R1 million. Researchers in various other categories (publications, successful postgraduate supervision and sourcing of external funding) were presented with gold, silver and bronze awards. Postgraduate students, supervisors, and researchers also received awards for the best research posters.
Other highlights of the day included a presentation by Prof Kamilla Swart from the Faculty of Business who investigated the Fifa 2010 World CupTM initiatives in the Eden District Municipality, their impacts and whether planning initiatives were integrated or not. The findings of Prof Swart’s research will be valuable for the future planning and hosting of sport mega-events in South Africa. Prof Rainer Haldenwang from the Engineering Faculty delivered a presentation titled ‘Everything Flows’, while Prof Jeanine Marnewick of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences spoke about the potent health benefits of South Africa’s wonder-plant Rooibos.Dr Nhlapho summed up the sterling advances made by CPUT in the research sphere by saying that CPUT’s scholarship is recognised as one that has touched the academic lives of many young scholars. This through research and study support from the university research fund and innovation fund. “Our strategies and policies are aimed at encouraging research productivity by rewarding quality research output.”By Andiswa Dantile

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CPUT showcased its diverse research activities on Research Day, held on 28 November 2008.

The event, the first of its kind, celebrated research excellence in order to promote a culture of research at the University. It is envisaged that it will be a regular feature on the CPUT events calendar.

CPUT is rated second among Universities of Technology on the research league tables in respect of research output (after Tshwane University of Technology). It boasts 11 NRF-rated researchers, and invests considerable funding into research activities within faculties and research centres.

Addressing delegates in the Auditorium on the Bellville Campus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo emphasised the importance of the commercialisation of research, which to date had not been a focus of South African higher institutions. A new CPUT venture would enable researchers to convert their findings into commercial products or services.

“Research should not just end up on library shelves”, said Dr Nhlapo.

CPUT is currently in the process of appointing a Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation, who will oversee the commercialisation process, as well as a Manager of Commercialisation. CPUT has also set up an Innovation Board to evaluate research conducive to commercialisation. This should ensure CPUT’s leadership in technology and innovation in Africa, according to Dr Nhlapo.

Director of Research at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, Dr Pieter van Breda, applauded CPUT for its research activities, noting that research thrived within a strong research culture and ethos, coupled with an effective research office. He encouraged CPUT academics to focus on relevant research: “(Research) must make the world a better place.” He also emphasised the integration of research with technology and innovation.

Zena Scholtz briefly outlined the importance of women in research at CPUT, focusing on the establishment of the Women in Research Association earlier in 2008. Assoc Prof Liz van Aswegen analysed CPUT subsidy-generating research outputs from 2005 to 2007.

The afternoon programme showcased research within each of CPUT’s six faculties, concluding with a presentation by Mr Mahlubi Mabizela, Director of Higher Education and Development Support at the Department of Education (DoE). In his outline of DoE research funding policy, he noted that many institutions were losing subsidy funding through incorrect or incomplete reporting, especially of conference proceedings.

The day concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals who had demonstrated research excellence, based on work completed between 2005 and 2007.

• The platinum award for industry funding in excess of R1 million went to Assoc Prof Oscar Philander of the Engineering Faculty, who brought in funding in excess of R5 million.
• The platinum award for the most completed Master’s and Doctoral candidates supervised went to Prof André Slabbert of the Business Faculty.
• The platinum award for the highest number of DoE publication subsidy units went to Prof Theo Haupt of the Engineering Faculty.

An exhibition of student and staff research posters was held outside the auditorium. Awards were given to the top three posters in the staff and student categories.

• The prize for best poster in the staff category went to Snyman Ohlhoff of the Department of Tourism Management in the Faculty of Business.
• The prize for best poster in the student category went to Ilse Nadia Frederichs and Maricel Keyser of the Department of Food Technology in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

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Photograph: Prof André Slabbert receives the platinum award for the most completed Master’s and Doctoral candidates supervised.

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CPUT is set to provide researchers with support in a bid to convert research into commercial products or services.

With the establishment of an Innovation Board Fund, the institution will identify research areas, which can be commercialised.

Recently, the board held its first working session, which took place over two days and was attended by various members of the Executive Management.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, who briefly addressed stakeholders at the working session, said innovation had not been an area pursued “rigorously” pre the establishment of CPUT.

“If we do this correctly, it will set us apart from other universities of technology,” she said.

She said the conversion of research into sellable products, “whether services or goods” will also address the needs South Africa ’s economy currently faces.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, who chairs the Innovation Board, said it is vital for the institution to support innovation.

During the two-day working session, 13 CPUT researchers, who are heading up various units at the institution, delivered presentations on their research activities to the board.

Director of Contract Research at the institution, Dr Shaheed Hartley, who is responsible for the Innovation Board process and a member of the board, said they called on researchers and innovation centres to submit proposals, highlighting their innovation capacity.

Once proposals had been submitted, researchers where then each asked to deliver a 15 minute presentation. They also had to field questions from the board.

“We received a number of very good proposals,” said Dr Hartley.

The board is in the process of identifying research and innovation that can be commercialised and present their findings to Executive Management.

The areas identified for commercialisation will then receive substantial funding from CPUT. Dr Hartley said the board will then closely monitor and support the centers that will be awarded funding.

Other members of the board include, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath, Ms Julia Long, CEO of HBD Venture Capitalist and Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens.

There are also two representatives from the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Trade and industry on the board.

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: (left to right) CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo; Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath; CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak; Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens and Director of Contract Research at CPUT Dr Shaheed Hartley.

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The number of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers at CPUT has increased. Three academics, Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway, were awarded NRF ratings in January.

The latest ratings bring the number of NRF rated researchers at CPUT to 13.

The NRF rating system is a benchmarking system through which individuals who produce quality research are identified by South African and international peer reviewers. The ratings are based on the quality and impact of research output over a seven year period. Ratings are valid for five years.

Prof Chetty, who heads up the Research Division at the Education and Social Science Faculty and previously held an L rating, was awarded a C rating.

Prof Chetty has diverse research interests. His key research areas are teacher education, commonwealth literature and social sciences. Over the past decade he has published extensively in all these fields.

However, for the next three years, Prof Chetty, who holds an NRF focus area grant, will focus on quality issues in teacher education in South African Universities. This research project, in collaboration with University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal , will attempt to provide an informed understanding of the complexity of teacher education, determine an environment for quality learning, teaching and research in higher education, and establish strengths and challenges in the current framework.

Prof Sun, who heads up the Centre for Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems at the Bellville Campus, was also awarded a C rating.

This is the second time he has been rated. He previously held an L Rating in 2001.

Prof Sun said, “This rating is a great recognition of my academic work.”

A letter from the NRF, which provided feedback on the review process, stated that Prof Sun “commands the top spot” in South Africa in his research field of Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems.

Prof Sun is also an international recognised scholar and has been invited as Chief Editor for various journals.

Prof Sun said he is planning to extend research in this field and also has a number of new projects lined up for the year. Currently he is putting plans in place to conduct research on using biodegradable materials for environmentally friendly packing solutions for the fruit industry.

Prof Sun is also involved with several research projects with the Department of Science and Technology and private organisations.

Meanwhile, Dr Garraway, who is the co-ordinator of the extended programmes at the Fundani Centre, received an L rating.

This rating is awarded to older researchers who recently started research and show promise.

Dr Garraway, whose research focus is on the intersection between academic learning and working life, said he is pleased about the rating.

He plans to continue his research and is in the process of setting up a research project, which will further explore the transition from the university to the workplace.

“The idea is to enroll two master students who will be involved in interviewing and tracking our students in the workplace and at the institution,” he said.

The project is expected to run over two years. DVC: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is proud of the researchers’ ratings.

“I laud your efforts and encourage staff at CPUT to follow your lead as we have set ourselves great targets,” said Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: (left to right) Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway

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Acclaimed researcher Prof Stephanie Burton has been awarded the South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Beckman (SASBMB) Gold Medal Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution in the field of Biochemistry.

This is the society’s most prestigious award.

It recognizes a lifetime of achievement and contribution to biochemistry and molecular biology nationally and internationally.

Prof Burton, who is the Director of Postgraduate Studies at CPUT, has served the discipline of biochemistry for 20 years. According to SASBMB, she has made a major impact at many levels in research and teaching in the fields of applied biochemistry and biotechnology.

A B-rated researcher, Prof Burton said while the award celebrates her contribution to the discipline it also provides an example to young researchers of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

As Director of Postgraduate Studies at CPUT, Prof Burton plays a crucial role in developing young researchers in South Africa.

In 2009, she established the Postgraduate Studies Centre that aims to enhance the profile of postgraduate activity at CPUT and attract students into the institution’s research community.

The centre offers students dedicated support and assistance in all of the processes involved in postgraduate study.

Prof Burton said pursuing a postgraduate degree is hard work and the skills required are different from those needed to complete an undergraduate degree or diploma.

“Postgraduate students need a wide vision and broad integrated training to understand what it means to be a researcher and what it means to be an academic,” she said.

In addition to running the centre Prof Burton is also at the helm of the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology research group.

The group, which was established by Prof Burton, is researching biological ways to make useful chemical compounds and anti-oxidants. The group consists of 12 researchers, all at different levels.

Prof Burton is also actively involved in a number of councils and committees related to her discipline.

She is currently serving on the SASBMB Council and was recently elected as Vice-President of the Federation of African Societies of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (FASBMB) and as a member of the Nominations Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUMBM).

She is also the Deputy Chairperson of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) and Chairperson of the Science, Engineering and Technological Societies and Allied Professions Group (ProSET).

President of SASBMB Brett Pletschke, said: “She is making, and will continue to make, a major contribution to research and development of biochemistry and biotechnology, both nationally and internationally.”

The award comprises an engraved gold medal which will be presented at a special ceremony of the SASBMB later in the year, at which Prof Burton will present the SASBMB Beckman Gold Award Lecture.

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With South African universities tasked to produce more PhD graduates, one researcher is doing her bit to contribute to the pool of highly skilled graduates.

Dr Nikoletta Bathori is the brain behind the Early Explorer Project, an innovative programme that exposes undergraduate Chemistry students to research and provides them with an opportunity to work alongside skilled academics in a laboratory.

The aim, says Bathori, is to “catch students early”, and stir their interest in a career in research.

A researcher at CPUT’s Crystal Engineering Unit, Bathori says the project was born after she visited Georgetown University in the United States. The university promotes science by opening its laboratories to high school students for holidays.

“I came back and thought of how to apply it to CPUT. I looked at second-year students and how they could contribute to science projects,” says Bathori.

In 2013, the Early Explorer Project was born and has proved an overwhelming success.

“Last year I had three students and all three did exceptionally good and now they are planning to do Masters and Doctoral degrees. One of the students got the Dean's medal and two of them won the Science Idols,” she says.

BTech student Nigel Sharara was among the project’s first recruits and is a testament to its success.

Nigel says thanks to the programme, he was exposed to a range of research techniques and equipment, and by the time he reached the BTech level was light years ahead of his class.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.