Page 4 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q1

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides an overview of the key initiatives, challenges, and opportunities across various faculties and units at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in the first quarter of 2025. DUT has made significant strides in research engagement during this period, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. This report highlights key research activities, partnerships, innovations, and outcomes achieved within this period. In research productivity, researchers have published an impressive number of peer-reviewed journal articles, presented at national and international conferences, and secured research grants, reflecting an upward trajectory in research output. Collaborations and partnerships are constantly developing. Strengthened interdisciplinary and industry- academia collaborations, including partnerships with other universities, industry and research institutes, to enhance applied research impact and societal development. DUT through its faculties, has hosted research training workshops, mentoring programmes, and grant-writing seminars aimed at enhancing academics and student research skills and capacity development. DUT has also been engaged with local regional, and and international communities through applied research initiatives addressing pressing societal challenges, such as renewable energy solutions and sustainable agriculture.
DUT’s research outputs have exceeded expectations, with 531.61 units for journal articles, 46.69 units for conference proceedings, and 42.22 units for book chapters, totaling
620.52 units as of March 2025. This has been an increase from 575.40 units in 2023.
Through the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics (FAI), DUT continues to drive innovation and research, with significant events planned, including the 9th Annual Information Communication Technology and Society (ICTAS) Conference, the launch of the Smart Robotics Lab, and an immersive arena. The faculty is also working towards the establishment of an Accounting Centre of Excellence, while faculty members actively contribute to research and industry collaborations.
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE) at DUT remains at the forefront of research and community engagement, with various projects planned for the year. Notable initiatives include the Department of Chemical Engineering’s ongoing collaboration with the Springfield Civic Association, the Department of Architecture’s engagements on the proposed new girls’ hostel at Inanda Seminary School, and the Department of Town and Regional Planning’s upcoming student research trip to Botswana. Additionally, DUT, through the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, is co-hosting the Construction Business and Project Management Conference with the University of Cape Town in April 2025.
The Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) is strengthening research capabilities and industry collaborations while enhancing student learning experiences through innovative teaching methodologies and real-world business applications. The faculty remains committed to fostering entrepreneurship and leadership development within its academic programmes.
The Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD) continues to emphasize creative excellence and industry engagement. Efforts are being made to expand research output, provide students with hands- on learning experiences, and integrate digital innovation into arts education. Collaborative initiatives with external partners are shaping the faculty’s contributions to the creative economy.
Research Capacity Development initiatives have been robust, with notable programmes including the Article Writing Retreat, Strengthening Postgraduate Supervision (SPS), and the flagship Doctoral Mentoring Programme (DMP), aimed at fast-tracking doctoral completions and building a pipeline of NRF-rated researchers. Furthermore, DUT nominated potential candidates for the prestigious DHET Future Professors Programme and supported international staff exchanges.
Grants Management saw impressive achievements, with DUT securing over R11 million in NRF postgraduate scholarships and allocating nearly R3 million in internal scholarships. A total of 63 NRF-rated researchers were recorded, and the university submitted 13 NRF applications in Q1. DUT’s growing postdoctoral ecosystem now includes 68 active or pending contracts under the GOOT and HANT fellowships, demonstrating a strong pipeline of research talent.
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Energy Efficient Training & Resource Centre (KZN IEETR) under the Department of Physics, is advancing its international partnerships and research initiatives, including preparations for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and the Women TVET Lecturers Programme. Meanwhile, the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) continues its vital work in addressing critical water quality and wastewater treatment challenges. By integrating environmental science, engineering, and artificial intelligence, the institute is developing innovative solutions while maintaining strong community engagement efforts.
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