Page 99 - UniZulu Annual Report 2020

UNIZULU submitted three applications for re-evaluation to the NRF in the first quarter of 2020.
SARCHI Chair
There is currently only one SARChI Chair at UNIZULU, being a nano-technology research programme that is based in the Department of Chemistry. Work is in progress on efforts to get a second SARChI portfolio approved, in the Hydrology Department.
Research and Postdoctoral Fellowships
The University had 20 research fellows and 24 postdoctoral fellows at the start of 2020. However, this function is currently still undergoing institutional review and thus will be updated once the process has been concluded.
ACHIEVEMENTS/AWARDS
Significant Developments
A Research Data Management System (RDMS), which is
Table 21: Disclosures and Registered Patents
coordinated from the Institutional Planning Directorate, was developed for the administration of research output units (journal articles; books; book chapters; conference proceedings). The data is stored in the central database and integrated with PowerHEDA (data warehouse.) It allows users to access the research output data at any given time and caters for analysing research output and trends. This will improve benchmarking of research output with peer institutions, has validations of data captured, automatic notifications of potential problems and allowances for the export of reports in the prescribed DHET format for submission. The system was piloted with the current 2020 submissions and is now fully functional and live. Training was conducted with the nominated persons from all faculties and the Research Office. The Strategic Analytics and Business Intelligence Office provided system administrative support.
Intellectual Property
Table 21 below provides an overview of significant disclosures and patent registrations.
PATENT/PROJECT
INVENTORS
DEPARTMENT
STATUS
IP LAW FIRM
COMMERCIALISATION
1. The Synthesis of Core- Shell Metal-Semiconductor Nanomaterial
REF: PA160940/PCT
Prof. N. Revaprasadu and Dr R. Dunpall
Chemistry
Granted
Spoor & Fisher
Pending
2. A Synthesis Method
of Carbon Nitride-Metal Chalcogenide Composite REF: PA172194/P
Prof. N. Revaprasadu and Dr M. Khan
Chemistry
Provisional patent In 2019
Spoor & Fisher
3. Process for Producing Cyclohexanol and Cyclohexanone by Cyclohexane Oxidation Process for Producing Cyclohexanol and Cyclohexanone by Cyclohexane Oxidation – REF: PA173108/P
Prof. V.S.R. Pullabhotla
Chemistry
Provisional patent filed in 2019
Spoor & Fisher
4. Advanced oxidation of cyclohexane using metal oxide catalysts and ozone at ambient reaction conditions
Prof. V.S.R. Pullabhotla
Chemistry
Pending approval
Spoor & Fisher
5. Smart Drive
REF: PA162782/P
Dr P. Mudali
Computer Science
Provisional patent lapsed
Spoor & Fisher
6. Beta Lactam Project
Prof. T. Govender
UNIZULU Chemistry and UKZN
Co-ownership/ NDA to be signed
Spoor & Fisher
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UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND ANNUAL REPORT 2020