FEBE’s new unit to contribute towards global competitiveness in materials science
Recently, the Functional Materials Research Unit (FMRU) was formed within the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) to advance research in materials science and engineering.
Led by Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Mahabubur Chowdhury, the unit focuses on developing functional materials for applications in health diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and renewable energy technologies. FMRU’s research covers areas such as metal oxide thin films, nanomaterials, and sensor technologies, aiming to address real-world challenges like biomarker detection and gas sensing.
Chowdhury says the unit is designed to foster interdisciplinary research and to provide opportunities for postgraduate students, researchers, and industry professionals to collaborate on impactful projects.
“Our aim is to create innovative solutions that bridge academia and industry while contributing to technological advancement,” says Chowdhury. “For example, developing low-cost sensors for environmental monitoring can directly benefit communities by improving air and water quality analysis, while biosensors for early disease detection could enhance healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.”
Each year, the FMRU will accommodate 10 to 15 postgraduate students, as well as research associates and postdoctoral fellows, drawing expertise from diverse disciplines such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Environmental Science. As collaborations expand, this number is expected to grow, creating a platform for interdisciplinary learning and research.
The unit is also committed to hosting training workshops, seminars, and fostering international collaborations, creating a vibrant research environment that promotes innovation and knowledge exchange. These initiatives aim to not only advance academic research but also equip researchers with the skills to address global challenges effectively, adds Chowdhury.
Beyond academia, the FMRU actively seeks engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure its research findings are translated into practical solutions. Industries working in health diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and renewable energy are invited to collaborate on projects that drive innovation and create societal impact.
For more information about the Functional Materials Research Unit, its research focus, or opportunities for collaboration, contact the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
CPUT celebrates unity in diversity
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) recently hosted its highly anticipated 3rd Annual International Day at the Cape Town Hotel School.
The event brought together students, staff, and international partners to celebrate cultural diversity and academic excellence. The theme was: Unity in Diversity: Engineering a Multilingual Future. The harmonious performance of the CPUT Choir set a celebratory tone with a blend of songs that resonated with the spirit of unity and cultural exchange. Their moving performance created an atmosphere of inclusivity and joy, reminding all in attendance of the powerful role music plays in bridging cultures.
Prof Veruscha Fester, Assistant Dean: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships said: "Smart internationalisation is CPUT’s commitment to the strategic value of our internationalisation efforts in achieving and sharing our advancements in technology and innovation. We aim to blur the lines between ourselves and our international partners, creating multicultural communities of practice that foster mutual benefit and sustainability, both locally and globally."
Fester emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving internationalisation both at home and abroad, through active collaborations in technology, innovation, and cultural exchange.
In his keynote address, Prof Gerhard Hillmer, an industrial engineer and leadership professional from the Management Center Innsbruck in Austria, shared his vast expertise in process engineering, leadership development, and human resource management. Hillmer, who also leads the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, stressed the necessity of building bridges between Africa and Europe, underscoring the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063 in uniting the two continents.
"Europe needs Africa, and Africa needs Europe. The students here today are the key to creating a sustainable future. They hold the ideas that will shape our tomorrow, and collaboration is the way forward," Hillmer noted. His message of cooperation resonated with the audience, particularly in the context of sustainability, leadership, and innovation in the global engineering landscape, Fester observed.
The event also provided a platform for students to present technical papers, particularly focusing on sustainable mining practices within their provinces and regions. The technical discussions demonstrated how sustainability, a core focus for both SDGs and Africa Agenda 2063, is embedded in the work of CPUT's students.
The event was not only about academic discourse but also a vibrant display of cultural diversity. South African students as well as students from Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Europe showcased their cultures through poetry, dance, and music. The building's foyer was transformed into a cultural exhibition where international exchange students from Germany and collaborators from Japan added to the colorful representation of different cultures. Participants could also learn how to write in Chinese. This served as a powerful reminder of how diversity enriches the learning environment and fosters deeper connections, Fester noted.
The staff and students participated in language exchange activities, where participants taught each other phrases in their mother tongues, emphasising the role of language as a bridge for cultural understanding.
Fester said the event was a resounding success, showcasing how engineering can transcend borders through the shared goals of sustainability, innovation, and cultural exchange. The unity in diversity theme was brought to life through rich cultural performances, technical expertise, and international collaboration as Fester noted that “smart internationalisation is more than just partnerships—it’s about creating an interconnected global community committed to the sustainable future of our planet”.
The day ended on a high note, with staff and students reflecting on the need to foster unity while celebrating the diversity that makes the world of engineering an ever evolving and inclusive space.
