Overview
The School of Engineering is home to world class researchers who seek sustainable solutions for problems faced by contemporary society. Often, these researchers work as part of multi-disciplinary groups, providing unique and useful insights.
NRF SARChI Chairs
The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) was established in 2006 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).
It is designed to attract and retain excellence in research and innovation at South African public universities through the establishment of Research Chairs at public universities in South Africa with a long-term investment trajectory of up to fifteen years. There are the SARChI research chairs in our College.
There are two SARChI research chairs in the School of Engineering.
Prof Muthukrishna Kumarasamy
Research Centres
Aerospace Systems Research Institute
The Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) is located within the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Engineering. ASRI was formed in 2009 as a research group (ASReG) by Prof Jean Pitot and Prof Michael Brooks.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre
A transdisciplinary research and development hub in Africa that produces next-generation solutions for global water and sanitation challenges.
Centre for Power and Energy Systems (CEPS)
Promotes research and innovation in power engineering, renewable energy, smart grids, and sustainable energy systems, supporting the development of reliable and efficient energy solutions through collaboration with industry and academia.
Research Chairs
Prof Mohamed Mostafa
Prof David LOKHAT
Research Chair: Umgeni Water Chair in Water Resources Management
Research Units & Projects
Thermodynamics
The Thermodynamics Research Unit is located in the School of Engineering at the University of KwaZulu Natal (on the Howard College Campus). This research group has some 30 years of expertise in the equipment design of apparatus for phase equilibria measurements.
Clean coal technologies / high temperature processes
Conducting research into clean coal technologies and high-temperature engineering processes to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and support sustainable industrial and power generation applications.
Research Groups & Labs
SMART Lab / Stopforth Mechatronics, Robotics and Research Lab
A dedicated research laboratory focused on mechatronics, robotics, automation and intelligent systems.
Environmental Fluid Mechanics Lab (EFML) and Coastal Engineering Group
EFML is a research laboratory; the Coastal Engineering Group is the associated research group.
Power Systems Research Group
Advances research in electrical power systems, renewable energy integration, smart grids, and power system reliability to develop innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
Sustainable Transportation Research Group (STRG)
Advancing research in sustainable transportation, smart mobility, and transport infrastructure to create safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport systems.
Reactor Technology Research Group
Advances research in reactor engineering, process design, and reaction technologies to develop efficient, sustainable, and innovative solutions for the chemical and energy industries.
Energy, Food and Water Engineering Research Group (EFWERG)
Advances research in sustainable engineering, renewable energy, water resources, and food systems to develop innovative solutions for global resource and environmental challenges.
Mechatronics and Robotics Research Group (MR2G)
Driving innovation in robotics, automation, and mechatronic systems through cutting-edge research in intelligent engineering and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Biorefinery Research Group
Advancing research in biomass conversion and biorefinery technologies to produce sustainable fuels, chemicals, and energy from renewable resources.
Coastal Engineering Group
Focuses on coastal processes, erosion control, wave dynamics, and resilient coastal infrastructure to support sustainable shoreline management.
Particle Technology Group
Researches the behaviour of granular and particulate systems, focusing on particle flow, mixing, and processing for applications in mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, and industrial engineering.
Structural Engineering & Computational Mechanics Group
Conducts research in structural analysis, computational modelling, and engineering design to improve the safety, efficiency, and resilience of infrastructure systems.
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)
Advancing research in biomass conversion and biorefinery technologies to produce sustainable fuels, chemicals, and energy from renewable resources.
Centre of Excellence Radio Access & Rural Technologies
Conducts research in wireless communications, radio access technologies, and rural connectivity, developing innovative solutions that improve digital inclusion, broadband access, and communication infrastructure for underserved communities.
Industry/ Research Awards And Research Expo
At this premium event, awards are conferred on our top researchers and on donors who provide financial support to the School. This event has been part of the Engineering calendar at UKZN for approximately 10 years. The event has played an important role in maintaining sustainable links with corporate donors as well affirming the research achievements of our academic colleagues and students.
research spotlights
- CAES Career Day (Page in development)
- Career Postgraduate Booklet
Student Dissertations
Research Space is an institutional repository of the University’s publications. It was developed to increase the visibility, availability and impact of its research output. Take a look at publications from the disciplines within the School of Engineering.
Laboratory Equipment and Testing Facilities
Underdevelopment