Page 25 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q2

5. IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Faculty activities during this quarter reflect DUT’s deep commitment to the strategic priorities of ENVISION2030. These include strengthening international engagement, producing high-impact research, and developing responsive, globally oriented graduates. Through robust industry and community partnerships, students have gained experiential learning opportunities that enhance career readiness, foster collaboration, and cultivate entrepreneurial thinking. The faculty’s contributions also align with sustainability imperatives—particularly in renewable energy and ecological innovation—and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). These initiatives support DUT’s role in building socially conscious graduates, promoting research- informed teaching, and fostering university-community partnerships.The impact of student recruitment efforts is reflected in the volume of applications received and the depth of engagement with schools and learners. These activities are central to broadening access and promoting DUT’s academic offerings to diverse communities.
The IWWT continues to lead impactful research with environmental and socio-economic benefits. The Institute has advanced water treatment technologies with potential applications in new industries and job creation. A strong focus on science communication has enabled the dissemination of research findings through media articles, webinars, social platforms, and public talks.These efforts promote public understanding of water quality, environmental sustainability, and health. Additionally, the IWWT provides practical solutions to improve water treatment, reduce contamination, and conserve resources, thereby advancing environmental protection and natural resource sustainability. The CI continues to play a vital role in advancing DUT’s strategic goals. Through academic exchanges, collaborative research, and cultural immersion programmes, CI-led initiatives provide valuable opportunities for international engagement.These efforts benefit students and staff alike, fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and globally connected academic environment. In doing so, the CI strengthens DUT’s international partnerships and reinforces the university’s leadership in global education and research.
The ICON remains engaged in community development through initiatives that involve both primary and higher education institutions. The Centre’s programming addresses peace and security challenges at local, national, and global levels, promoting a shift from cultures of violence to those of peace and nonviolence. ICON fosters public dialogue and policy engagement to support education and practice in peacebuilding.
The Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CSERI) continues to cultivate entrepreneurial talent through structured incubation and pre-incubation programmes. Sixty SMMEs are currently supported, evenly divided between the 12-month incubation and 6-month pre-incubation phases. Notably, over 60% are women-owned, 55% youth-owned, and 8% led by DUT alumni. The programme also includes differently-abled
entrepreneurs, reflecting CSERI’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.
Further extending its community development efforts, the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation participated the promotion of entrepreneurship, offered career guidance, and shared academic and funding opportunities available at DUT.These efforts are aimed to inspire innovation, enable informed decision- making,and strengthen DUT’s visibility in underserved communities. Innobiz DUT also continues its involvement in the Adopt a School initiative, supporting 30 schools. These engagements help shape learners’ career aspirations and introduce entrepreneurial thinking from an early age.
DUT’s continued advancement in international partnerships and research networks supports the the universities commitment to global engagement, sustainability, and innovation. Recent formalisation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading universities in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas has created a solid platform for joint research, staff and student mobility, and Collaborative Online International Learning. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, benchmarking, and curriculum co-creation key to DUT’s vision of global competitiveness and academic excellence.
DUT’s leadership in integrating sustainability into curricula and research, including its role in the UNESCO South-South University Cooperation Network, highlights its commitment to sustainable development. Participation in global platforms such as the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress reinforces DUT’s influence in shaping sustainability discourse. Through initiatives like the African Partnership Universities Alliance, DUT continues to champion Africa-centred internationalisation and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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