Message from the Deputy-Dean: Research and Postgraduate Education

Prof Jan Eloff

The Faculty’s research strategy is aligned with the University’s overall vision to be a leading, research-intensive university in Africa. It also aims to make a significant contribution to society at large. As such, it focuses its research strengths on six broad research themes, which are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

I BELIEVE THAT THE FACULTY IS WELL RESOURCED TO CONTINUE TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING CHALLENGES OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD, PARTICULARLY THOSE RELATED TO THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JOB CREATION, POVERTY, INEQUALITY, FOOD SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND QUALITY HEALTH. WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Research in the Faculty emphasises issues related to water quality, wastewater treatment, waste treatment, biotechnology and environmental engineering. Furthermore, the inquiry into engineered nanomaterials investigates how nanomaterials interact with environmental and, in particular, water systems. Environmental engineering also focuses on sustainable building methods, building and development, bio-sensors and mining engineering. Within mining engineering, ongoing research includes rock engineering, rock breaking, environmental management and leadership.

MINERALS AND MATERIALS BENEFICIATION

Research in this focus area is conducted to further the frontiers of the science and engineering impact on the South African minerals value chain. Optimised industrial processes for minerals processing and the extraction of valuable metals and materials are of particular interest. Furthermore, research projects are aimed at advanced manufacturing, and the fabrication of polymers and advanced alloys. There is an emphasis on nuclear accident-resistant fuel-cladding materials, nanofluids, bionanofluids, nanocellulose, carbon nanotubes, thermal-fluid behaviour and heat transfer.

THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Research conducted across many departments in the Faculty serves as critical components for creating a highly integrated environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Studies focus on computer engineering, computer science, electronic engineering, systems engineering, bioengineering, signal processing, power electronics, control systems, optics, electromagnetism, micro-electronics, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, condition monitoring and artificial intelligence. The Engineering 4.0 Complex entails an integrated roads materials reference laboratory, a training laboratory and a research laboratory, combined with a live traffic research facility and an accelerated pavement testing facility.

The Faculty’s research excellence is illustrated by the fact that 92 of its researchers have been rated by the National Research Foundation (NRF), and it boasts two A-rated researchers in the area of clean energy efficiency and demand-side management. Its research excellence is furthermore recognised by industry and government through the establishment of 19 externally funded research chairs.

EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH CHAIRS NRF-RATED RESEARCHERS NRF A-RATED RESEARCHERS

SMART CITIES AND TRANSPORTATION

Smart cities in the 21st century should be resilient and connected. This can only be achieved by employing radical and innovative planning methods to facilitate radical spatial transformation. The research related to smart cities focuses on the co-creation of solutions with communities so as to achieve healthy urban systems. It conducts investigations into regenerative public spaces, building-integrated urban agriculture, and intelligent transportation and infrastructure. Furthermore, there are ongoing research projects in modular construction management, sustainable building, quantity surveying and real estate. Transportation development in this focus area puts the spotlight on railway engineering, road pavements, vehicle dynamics, autonomous and electric vehicles, and intelligent modelling

BIG DATA SCIENCE, ICT AND TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT

Research in this area investigates innovative machine and statistical learning approaches to unlock hidden knowledge in big data sets. It also explores the broader field of information and communication technologies (ICT), including cybersecurity, digital forensics, enterprise architectures, artificial intelligence, condition monitoring, software engineering, and ICT and engineering. Technology and innovation management focuses on the introduction of new products so as to secure an organisation’s growth and sustainability. Technology and innovation management, and engineering management also focus on supply and value chain management, optimisation, ICT for development, human-computer interaction and data science management.

ENERGY

Energy provision for all citizens of South Africa is vital to support quality of life. This includes load and distributed generation balancing, as well as the storage and utilisation of all energy resources. Researchers in multiple disciplines, such as materials science, mechanical and aeronautical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering (hydropower) and engineering planning and management have contributed to efficient and sustainable energy systems. There is increased penetration of renewable energy generation such as wind or photovoltaic power into traditional grids and micro-grids. Clean energy that receives attention in the Faculty includes solar energy, heat exchange, nuclear accident-resistant fuel-cladding materials and nanofluids.