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Engineering the Future
DST/NRF SARChI Chairs
associated with this theme
Catalysis
The DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Catalysis, c*change,
has been awarded a SARChI Chair in Catalysis, which is
expected to boost the scientific output of the centre. The
Chair, which has not yet been filled, will focus on the field
of preparation and characterisation of nano-materials
and assist various activities throughout the centre, with
the expectation that this will provide a mechanism of
bringing the research of c*change to the level of world-
class excellence.
Reaction Engineering
UCT was awarded a SARChI Chair in Reaction
Engineering in 2012 and a recruitment process to fill
this Chair is currently under way. Reaction engineering
comprises all physico-chemical transformations, the
design of equipment for their mediation and the
integration of such units into complete industrial
processes. This Chair is expected to establish
competencies and human capacity development; and
undertake novel research in South Africa.
Industrial Computational
Fluid Dynamics
UCT was awarded a SARChI Chair in Industrial
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in 2012. The
recruitment of a candidate is under way and it is
envisaged that the Chair will grow the CFD field to
develop a CFD technology niche that will empower
and serve engineers in industry to develop improved
products. CFD is today a widely used strategic
tool, with the current market size estimated at
R5.6 billion annually. It is also one of the most
scientifically rigorous and fastest-developing fields
in engineering.
Professor Sue Harrison’s presentation at TEDxCapeTown 2012 focused on
the potential of integrated bioprocesses to be used to enhance resource
productivity. By using resources efficiently, overall demand is reduced, as are
wastes requiring assimilation.