Research Focus Areas
- Home
- Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships
Research Focus Areas
The Focus Area programme develops research expertise and provides an institutional view of CPUT’s strengths and priorities. These areas underpin CPUT’s Smart RTIP Strategy, reflecting our commitment to transdisciplinary research and innovation.
Each Focus Area incorporates research niche areas that deepen disciplinary expertise while fostering collaboration across faculties. They link institutes, centres, research groups and technology stations into a coherent ecosystem – creating a pipeline from discovery through to application. Flagship institutes, technology stations and Research Chairs ensure that research is translated into solutions and skills, often in partnership with industry, SMEs and government.
Aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Focus Areas ensure CPUT’s research is both nationally relevant and globally competitive.
Research Focus Areas
Focus Area 1: Bioeconomy and Biotechnology
This area harnesses South Africa’s biodiversity and bio-based value chains to deliver healthier lives, greener processes and competitive products. The following Research Niche Areas are currently associated with this Research Focus Area: CPUT Research Chair in Biotechnology Prof Jeanine Marnewick, also Director of AMHBI, leads research on natural product bioactives and public health, notably rooibos and honeybush. Her work translates laboratory findings into community wellness and strengthens South Africa’s bioeconomy.Research Niche Areas
Research Entities
Research Chairs
Focus Area 2: Space Science, Engineering and Technology
CPUT is a leader in space science and technology, supporting South Africa’s reliance on space-based services for environmental monitoring, national security and resource management. The following Research Niche Areas are currently associated with this Research Focus Area:Research Niche Areas
Research Entities
Focus Area 3: Smart Energy
Smart Energy integrates electrical, thermal and chemical innovations to support a sustainable energy future. The following Research Niche Areas, amongst others, are broadly encouraged in the Research Focus Area: CPUT Research Chair in Energy As head of the Energy Institute, Prof Mohammed Tariq Khan directs programmes that couple research, postgraduate training and industry-aligned innovation in power systems, substations and smart-grid automation.Research Niche Areas
Research Entities
Research Chairs
Focus Area 4: The Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability
This area addresses water security, ocean health and environmental remediation through multidisciplinary teams and partnerships. Research Niche Areas and the respective research thrusts are: NRF–WRC SARChI Chair in Governance & Economics for Water & Sanitation Sector Institutions Prof Bongani Ncube, Director of CWSR, focuses on institutional frameworks and economic dimensions that enable equitable and sustainable water services. CPUT Research Chair in the Oceans Economy Dr Conrad Sparks (Interim Chair) leads research on microplastics, ocean sustainability and sector partnerships, promoting research uptake and skills development.Research Niche Areas
Research Entities
Research Chairs
Focus Area 5: Human, Health and Social Dynamics
This Focus Area contributes to greater global understanding and builds knowledge of shifting human, health and social dynamics, and responds to the needs of our South African society. NRF Research Chair in Teacher Education Prof Chigona (Chair) and Director GITES, leads research into teaching quality, continuous professional development and policy-relevant scholarship. Her work under the SARChI Chair aligns with national goals to expand research capacity and generate high-impact educational scholarship. NRF Research Chair in Work-Integrated Learning Prof Chris Winberg leads the SARChI Chair in Work-Integrated Learning, advancing research on curriculum innovation, postgraduate supervision and the integration of theory with practice in post-school education. Her work has positioned CPUT as a national hub for WIL research and innovation. ETDP–SETA Research Chair in Work-Integrated Learning in TVET Colleges Prof Nothemba (Joyce) Nduna spearheads pioneering work on lecturer development and industry-responsive WIL models, strengthening TVET education so that teaching and training remain relevant, practical and aligned with South Africa’s skills priorities. NRF–Nedbank SARChI Chair in Cardiometabolic Health Prof Glenda Davison (Interim Chair) conducts translational research into risk, prevention and population health, advancing understanding of one of South Africa’s most pressing health challenges, and shaping strategies for improved prevention and care nationally and globally.Research Niche Areas
Research Entities
Research Chairs
Focus Area 6: The Digital Society
Digital transformation, AI and data-driven methods are embedded across CPUT’s research. The centres and hub housed in this Focus Area cultivate the capabilities needed for a just digital transition – from data literacy and AI tooling to entrepreneurship and digital-economy skills.Research Niche Areas
Research Entities