By Charmaine Ndlela
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been awarded eight prestigious research chairs under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI).
The chairs were awarded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) as part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Decadal Plan, aimed at supporting historically disadvantaged and emerging institutions.
DUT’s eight chairs form part of a national cohort of 41 newly introduced positions unveiled by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, at a launch event held in Pretoria.
The initiative is designed to expand research excellence, develop critical skills, and drive innovation across South Africa’s public universities.
The newly appointed DUT chairs span a wide range of strategic research areas, including sustainable protein innovation, wastewater treatment and reuse, smart manufacturing technologies, inclusive entrepreneurship, education and social justice, biovalorisation, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure development.
DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Fulufhelo Nemavhola, described the achievement as a significant milestone for the institution.
He said the appointments reflect DUT’s growing research profile and its commitment to addressing societal challenges through impactful and solution-driven research.
Nemavhola added that the chairs will play a critical role in strengthening postgraduate training and developing future researchers, while aligning with the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy and the recent establishment of 18 research institutes.
At the launch, Nzimande emphasised that the initiative seeks to broaden access to high-level research opportunities, particularly at institutions that have historically been under-resourced.
He called on the newly appointed chair holders to prioritise mentorship, especially for young, black and women researchers, and to ensure that research contributes meaningfully to national development.
Similarly, NRF Acting CEO Angus Paterson said the chairs carry the responsibility of building strong research communities and producing knowledge that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant.
He noted that their impact is expected to extend beyond academia into communities and industry.
Acknowledging the award, the institution said that the achievement marks an important advancement in strengthening research excellence, innovation, and academic leadership.
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