The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has a reason to celebrate, as two of its eminent researchers have been recognised as finalists for the 2024/2025 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) South32 Awards - often referred to as South Africa’s "Science Oscars".
Professor Faizal Bux, who serves as the Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at DUT, has been named a finalist in the NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award category. This honour is bestowed upon individuals who have dedicated over 15 years to impactful research in the nation.
Professor Bux's nomination not only highlights his extraordinary contributions to the field but also affirms DUT’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology's position as a leader in innovative water research. In addition to his directorship, he holds the DSTI/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Wastewater Treatment. He is lauded internationally for transforming wastewater from a burdensome problem into a valuable resource, promoting sustainable solutions that safeguard the environment while unlocking economic potential.
Joining him on this list is Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, a Senior Researcher in the Green Engineering Research Group within the Department of Chemical Engineering at DUT.
Dr Tetteh is recognised as a finalist in the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher category, an accolade that celebrates exceptional researchers within the first six years of their careers. Driven by a commitment to advancing green engineering solutions for environmental sustainability, his innovative research in the water-energy nexus serves to enhance DUT's global research visibility.
Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, said: “We are immensely proud of Professor Bux and Dr Tetteh for being named as finalists in the NSTF-South32 Awards. Their dedication to impactful, high-quality research exemplifies DUT’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and transformation in science and technology. This recognition not only honours their achievements but also inspires a new generation of researchers at our university and across South Africa.”
The NSTF-South32 Awards are prestigious accolades that celebrate exemplary contributions by professionals, teams, and organisations in science and technology, having been established in 1998. The awards encompass various categories, including lifetime achievement, emerging researchers, innovation, and science communication.
The winners of these awards will be announced during a hybrid gala event scheduled for July 31.