Page 29 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q2

7. FUTURE OUTLOOK
The EBE remains committed to community outreach and collaborative research and teaching initiatives for the remainder of 2025. Preparations for the RoboGirl 2025 project continue, with implementation set for the fourth quarter. The Department of Chemical Engineering is engaging with the Springfield Civic Association, while the Department of Architecture is involved in planning a new girls’ hostel for the Inanda Seminary School. These engagements are complemented by both national and international collaborations in the field of architecture.
The Department of Town and Regional Planning is preparing for an honours student study trip to Botswana and is actively contributing to a provincial policy review initiative.The continuation of several other departmental projects will depend on the outcomes of funding applications currently under review.The Student Recruitment team will participate in upcoming career exhibitions at the King Cetshwayo District and the Social Cohesion Sports Festival to promote the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and its academic programmes.Additionally, a visit to the Mpumalanga province is planned to enhance DUT’s brand awareness among learners outside of KwaZulu-Natal.
The FMS has initiated a Community Engagement Roadshow across all departments within the faculty. This initiative aims to strengthen internal collaboration, align strategic priorities, and solicit departmental input to ensure that engagement activities are cohesive and aligned with the faculty’s broader mission. The roadshow is currently in progress and is expected to conclude in the third quarter of 2025. In a related development, the FMS Business School is in discussions to establish a formal partnership with AmaZulu Football Club. Talks are underway to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will potentially support various collaborative and community-based initiatives.
DUT’s IWWT continues to play a pivotal role in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating insights from engineering, environmental science, and public health, the Institute facilitates the development of comprehensive solutions for water quality management. Emerging technologies in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are being harnessed to enhance monitoring, treatment, and resource optimisation. Collaboration with government entities and water sector stakeholders remains a priority, ensuring that research outcomes are disseminated and applied in real-world settings. The Institute also continues to engage with schools and rural communities, raising awareness about water issues and supporting long-term environmental sustainability.
The CI is seeking DUT’s continued support and strategic guidance as it focuses on consolidation and long-term sustainable development.
ICON will see a range of initiatives which include a practitioner’s dialogue which will bring together various organisations to collaboratively design context-specific strategies that promote
nonviolent communities, reduce crime, and foster a culture of peace. This dialogue will explore the multiple forms of violence affecting individuals, groups, and communities, while also addressing the challenges of rebuilding safe, secure neighbourhoods.Additional community engagement efforts will target capacity development, peace education, and the promotion of green economy practices. Ongoing collaboration will continue through the UNESCO Chair, the Global Jury of the International Science Prize (ISP), and partnerships in the Great Lakes region. A series of webinars and the release of new research publications are also planned for the next quarter.
The Innobiz DUT has a vibrant third quarter lined up with several entrepreneurial initiatives. These include the launch of the incubation and launch league programmes, project-based learning (PBL) and design thinking (DT) initiatives, and continued engagement with both internal and external partners to strengthen DUT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Innobiz DUT aims to ensure financial sustainability by providing high-impact, value-driven services.
The TTI Unit will also be hosting a series of strategic events and workshops in the third quarter.These include an intellectual property (IP) filing drive aimed at increasing the number of patents and copyrights submitted by students and staff. A dedicated IP awareness workshop will be held to educate researchers on protection processes and technology transfer mechanisms, with participation from key stakeholders such as NIPMO, Adams & Adams, and the CIPC.
A comprehensive incubation review workshop is planned to evaluate key metrics including the number of supported start-ups, funding raised, job creation, and intellectual property commercialisation. This will be followed by an industry collaboration roundtable to explore opportunities for joint projects and partnerships, and a “Lab to Market” workshop designed to equip researchers with the skills to translate discoveries into market-ready innovations.These engagements aim to strengthen DUT’s innovation ecosystem and foster a culture of entrepreneurship across the university.
Other key initiatives include the Tech Showcase Day in August, the drafting of an express licensing policy, the opening of a seed fund call for university-affiliated start-ups in September, and the formal launch of the Alumni Innovation Fund. Additionally, DUT’s
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