Page 27 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q1

7. FUTURE OUTLOOK
The FAI is preparing to host the 9th Annual ICTAS Conference in July 2025, alongside the launch of the Smart Robotics Lab and a new immersive arena in the second quarter of the year. Additionally, the faculty has submitted a proposal to HDC for the establishment of an Accounting Centre of Excellence. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, with several journal articles submitted to Q1 and Q2 publications. Efforts are also underway to strengthen industry collaborations and foster engagement with key stakeholders.
Looking ahead to the upcoming quarter, the EBE has several planned activities and initiatives for 2025. Emphasis on community outreach and industry collaboration for research,
teaching, and learning will continue as the main areas of focus. Specific activities planned for the second quarter of 2025 include ongoing engagement in the Department of Chemical Engineering with the Springfield Civic Association, as well as ongoing engagements in the Department of Architecture related to the proposed new girls’ hostel for Inanda Seminary School, Inanda.The Department of Town and Regional Planning will continue planning and undertaking an honors student research trip to Botswana in 2025. Further engagement between grassroots projects and DTRP postgraduate students will take place in the second quarter, as well as contributions to the ongoing policy review project within KZN. Additionally, DUT’s Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying is collaborating with the University of Cape Town to co-host the Construction Business and Project Management Conference in April 2025.The planning and rollout of RoboGirl 2025 also continues.
The IWWT continues to play a pivotal role in interdisciplinary collaboration,integrating expertise from engineering,environmental science, and public health to develop holistic solutions. Innovations in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are opening new avenues for improving water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment, and resource management. Strengthening partnerships with national and local governments, as well as stakeholders in the water sector, will facilitate the dissemination of research findings and their practical application. The IWWT’s community engagement efforts will continue through media reports on water quality and school outreach initiatives, ensuring meaningful engagement with rural communities.
The TTI is preparing for key events, including co-hosting World IP Day with MUT in April 2024 and hosting the GISU Global Entrepreneurship Competition. Simultaneously, the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CSERI) is gearing up for an active second quarter, with a range of entrepreneurial activities planned.These include finalizing the recruitment of a new incubation cohort,inducting participants,launching the incubation program,and implementing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Design Thinking
(DT) projects.The Centre is also focusing on financial sustainability by offering value-for-money services. Several funding proposals have been submitted and are awaiting approval, including applications for SEDFA incubation financial assistance, an eThekwini Municipality partnership for a self-sustaining business accelerator (2025-2028), a South African Islamic Relief youth development initiative, the DUT Supplier Development Programme, and mentorship services under Allan Gray.
Innobiz DUT remains committed to aligning its initiatives with the university’s strategic direction, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and preparing graduates to tackle societal challenges. The centre is working to strengthen and position itself as the incubation center of choice within DUT.
At the KZN IEETR, upcoming initiatives include the launch of the Women TVET Lecturers Programme in June-July 2025, ongoing preparations for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2025, and the expansion of international academic partnerships.
Community Engagement at DUT is set to expand its impact by strengthening existing initiatives and introducing new programmes that address evolving educational and societal needs. Priorities for the coming months include increasing engagement with more schools, especially in remote and underserved areas, to broaden access to DUT’s programmes. The focus will also be on strengthening collaborations with faculties, departments, and external partners to ensure the sustainability and scalability of outreach efforts. Integrating technology into community engagement initiatives through virtual workshops, online learning resources, and digital platforms will extend the reach and maintain ongoing interaction. Additionally, there will be a focus on fostering innovation in education, particularly in STEM fields, to equip learners with critical skills for the evolving job market. Expanding environmental sustainability efforts by incorporating climate change awareness and green technology education into outreach initiatives will also be a key priority.
By addressing challenges, capitalizing on opportunities, and adapting to the needs of students and communities, DUT remains committed to driving educational transformation and community empowerment.
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