The Durban University of Technology department of Analytical Chemistry and the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) held a research and development information session, last Friday (20 October 2024).

The regional event which is held annually took place at the university’s Hotel School conference centre. This event sees academics and students from different universities in Kwa-Zulu Natal converging in one area to discuss employment, funding, research and developments within the field of chemistry.

“The symposium caters for postgraduate students doing their Honours and Bachelor of Technology degrees. Students are given an opportunity to present their research to fellow students and academics. Top students that are studying chemistry are selected from each university. Students compete against each by presenting their work,” explained Dr. Thishana Singh one of the organizers for the event.

Singh added: “These students have never been exposed to a conference before so this gives them a clue on what to expect in symposiums particularly academic conferences. They meet their peers who are in the same field as them. We are also using the symposium for students to consider DUT as a preferred university for postgraduate study.”          

Furthermore, Dr Singh said the platform is also aimed at exploring funding and employment opportunities for students, saying the field of chemistry is wide and offer life rewarding opportunities. She said funding for students considering masters study was readily available.

“Bursaries and scholarships are available for specific research fields and areas of specialization within chemistry,” said Dr. Singh.

The seminar was attended by students from University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mangosuthu University of Technology, University of Zululand and the host Durban University of Technology. Chemical industry experts and academics also converged in the same venue to offer industry and academic advice for students intending to study further.

Pictured: Front Row – Prof Werner van Zyl South African Chemical Institute (SACI) chair in KZN and SACI Pesident Prof Vincent Nyamori during the 2024 SACI Hons/BTech Symposium held at DUT on Friday. On the back row are postgraduate students who received awards for their outstanding research projects.