FAS harnesses power of biological technologies

In an effort to support students and researchers, both emerging and established, in their quest to share knowledge and harness the power of artificial and biological technologies, the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) recently hosted a Research Colloquium at the Cape Town Hotel School.

The theme of the event was “Collaborate to Innovate: Your Ideas, Our Future! Creating Solutions.” It offered attendees a platform to devise solutions for current and future challenges, as well as to support grant-writing and foster partnerships between CPUT and relevant industry partners.

Assoc Prof Felix Nchu from the Department of Horticultural Sciences stated that the Applied Sciences Faculty Research Office is dedicated to enhancing the quality of research. This commitment involves creating an enabling environment that fosters research ideation and innovation. Nchu noted that the Faculty is home to a significant number of NRF-rated scientists and aims to become the leading faculty among universities of technology in terms of knowledge production, capacity building, research, and innovation. The Faculty plans to achieve this by promoting teamwork, forming partnerships, and working efficiently.

The event commenced with a welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof Joseph Kioko, setting a positive tone. Following this, Nchu, who is also the acting Faculty Research Manager, delivered opening remarks that illuminated the event's objectives. He highlighted the vital role of collaborative research in overcoming challenges and elevating the university's research output, inspiring attendees to pursue innovation together.

The brainstorming session provided an opportunity for participants from various fields to collaboratively explore research ideas and questions related to the different focus areas at CPUT. This event was one of the few occasions where several support units, including the Directorate of Research Development, the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, and the Library, shared information about their facilities and specific roles in assisting researchers and students, while also addressing questions openly.

Reflecting on the Colloquium, Nchu said: “It was amazing to see students, technicians and academics from different departments getting to know each other and working in teams in a cordial and supportive manner. A key highlight of the event was the collaborative development of several research concepts, such as:

• Utilising marine actinomycetes to enhance plant health and growth.
• Optimising the cultivation of medicinal plants and underutilised vegetables.
• Assessing air pollution and shoreline contamination around Robben Island.
• Exploring indigenous and underutilised crops for food security, including the potential of sweet lupins as a gluten-free, high-protein, high-fibre alternative.”

He noted that participants' feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for future colloquia and a desire to expand these events to involve more faculties and greater engagement from university leadership. “The event not only sparked innovative thinking but also laid the groundwork for forming research consortia, promoting long-term collaborative partnerships that extend beyond the colloquium itself.”

Nchu mentioned that several projects are now being developed into comprehensive research proposals, demonstrating the Faculty's dedication to tackling critical issues through interdisciplinary research.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za