Stellenbosch University’s Department of Chemical Engineering has welcomed three new faculty members. Naomi Harrisankar de Oliveira focuses on green hydrogen and photocatalysis. Marno Basson specializes in applying machine learning to engineering challenges. Dr. Mieke Nieder-Heitmann brings expertise in bioresource valorization and process design.

Prof. Christie Dorfling, Chair of Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University, delivered his inaugural lecture on April 18, 2024. He detailed his research in hydrometallurgy, focusing on metal recovery from primary and secondary resources to support a circular economy.

On 25 March 2024, Profs Tobi Louw and Lidia Auret led a SACAC workshop on exploratory data analysis for industrial processes. The session bridged academia and industry, covering time series data, clustering, and model interpretation.

Dr. Jamie Cripwell from Stellenbosch University has earned a prestigious NRF Y1 rating as a "Promising Young Researcher." Recognized for his impact in thermodynamics, he now plans to integrate his work with machine learning, showcasing the university’s commitment to top-tier research.

The Department of Chemical Engineering turns waste into eco-friendly biomolecules to replace fossil fuels. Key projects include producing safe, mold-preventing biosurfactants for the fruit industry, high-value lipids from waste sugar, and clean biohydrogen energy using innovative photobioreactors.

The SARChI Chair in Green Hydrogen focuses on clean energy and supply chain sustainability. Key work includes green hydrogen modeling, e-waste recycling for critical metals, and managing brine waste. Through industry partnerships, they aim to build a circular economy that balances profit with planet.

This project uses a biorefinery approach to sustainably extract fucoidan from South African seaweed without harming its environment. Fucoidan shows massive potential in treating diabetes and killing cancer cells. The team's growing research network aims to scale this into a thriving seaweed industry.

The Department of Chemical Engineering has patented a circular economy method to separate active medicinal compounds from waste cannabis wax. This process prevents economic loss, reduces waste, and boosts efficiency, with researchers now engaging local industry to implement the tech in South Africa.