In a year that brought Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to the fore in a much stronger way than before, it is essential to demonstrate our authentic wisdom and empathy as engineers in all we do, says Prof Wynand JvdM Steyn, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria. While AI engines and apps provide us with additional tools to collect, analyse, and synthesise information and data on a scale that was previously only imagined, our authentic human talents and abilities to ensure a sustainable future are vital.

Do you want to make a difference in society as an engineer? Gone are the days when engineers were known only for their technical prowess. Today’s engineer – and the engineer of the future – is intent on changing the world for the better, designing innovative, yet functional systems, structures and materials that ultimately benefit the individuals who will be using them. Sustainable development and resilience are the driving forces behind today’s engineering innovations. And the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) is the place to prepare yourself for such a future.

Recognised as a top faculty nationally and internationally, it is one of the few faculties in Africa to feature among the top 550 in the world in five subject areas in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by subject in engineering and technology. It has also been ranked in the top 1% in the world in terms of research output by the ISI Essential Science Indicators.

The Faculty is home to a generation of leaders and innovators dedicated to improving lives – in their communities and cities, the country and the world. Its exceptional students and staff are process thinkers and problem solvers. Their research leads to real-world change through holistic, transdisciplinary solutions.

The strategic vision of the faculty is to develop critical mass and synergies at the intersection of its research focus areas. Its slogan, “Innovating our tomorrow”, keeps it on the path of pursuing innovation. It is committed to remaining relevant and addressing the challenges of the future of work.

Flagship Research Initiatives

With research initiatives aimed at making an impact locally, regionally and around the world, the Faculty’s researchers consider key priority areas that have the potential to address global challenges. These focus areas have been identified for their potential to enable transdisciplinary research: water and environmental engineering, minerals and materials beneficiation, the fourth industrial revolution, smart cities and transportation, energy, big data science, information and communication technology, and technology and innovation management.

The Hatfield Digital Twin City

One of the Faculty’s flagship transdisciplinary initiatives is the Hatfield Digital Twin City. This collaborative, data-driven platform has real-world applications with multiple stakeholders. It is focused on developing smart cities, and transcends the boundaries between architecture, civil engineering, project management and information systems, particularly regarding the role of big data.

This platform facilitates a multitude of research and experimentation opportunities. It focuses on the 10 km² area that forms the Hatfield Metropolitan Development Node in Tshwane, Gauteng. This includes the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus, university-owned residential assets and the University’s Innovation Africa @UP platform, encompassing the Engineering 4.0 facility and the Future Africa research institute.

The Hatfield Digital Twin City provides opportunities for transdisciplinary work, and acts as a testbed for developing smart applications that support improved service delivery, the more efficient use of resources and urban resilience. For example, the facilities management and civil infrastructure environment focus on developing continuous responsive networks, where real-time data informs maintenance and management decisions on both the local and national scales.

The success and new possibilities that arise from such collaboration could lead to a longer-term vision to establish a centre of excellence for African digital and smart cities, hosted and anchored at the University of Pretoria.

Malaria Control

Another research initiative that is changing lives is the development of insecticide-infused products to prevent malaria. This innovation has taken the laboratory to the marketplace. Emanating from research conducted in the University’s Institute of Applied Materials, a long-lasting, slow-release insecticide active is woven into material fibres. This has proven to be an effective means of protection from the mosquitoes that cause malaria.

This life-threatening disease is caused by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito infected with the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is endemic to Africa. Although mostly confined to tropical areas, it results in approximately 250-million clinical malaria cases and nearly half a million deaths annually.

The EBIT inventors’ patented slow-release technology reduces the evaporation of expensive insect repellents, making them last longer. Initially applied to mosquito nets, it has been expanded to a hiking sock, where it is woven into the material fibres. This product is already available in stores.

Additional future applications of the slow-release technology are being investigated. This includes slow-release pheromone traps for sustainable agricultural pest control and the transdermal dosing of pharmaceutical actives. These initiatives have passed the proof-of-concept stage, and are currently under further development.  

Sustainable Energy Use

The sustainable use of energy impacts every aspect of our daily lives. Research into energy security is driven by the targets of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. In addition to efficient energy use, it focuses on alternative energy sources in the global quest to achieve a zero-carbon economy by 2050. This is in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which strives to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

Industry support of the faculty’s research in energy security is evident in the Exxaro Chair in Energy Efficiency, focusing on improving energy use in the mining, manufacturing, commercial and residential sectors. On the other hand, research in the Centre for New Energy Systems forms the interface with energy systems, econometrics, control theory and financial mathematics to provide a platform for developing transdisciplinary solutions.

Another aspect of the faculty’s work focuses on integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into traditional energy grids and reducing inefficiencies and emissions. This includes diagnostics for renewable energy systems and assessing and optimising energy storage solutions. An emerging field of interest that is gaining momentum relates to hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative energy source.

“The future-focused research is testimony to our need to innovate to create a better tomorrow for all of us. Connecting emotionally with a community in need ignites the passion for innovation – innovation for the good of the human being. “Walking the walk” is where our strength lies – this is what we as engineers do. Sometimes we lead, sometimes we follow, we inspire, and we produce solutions. But most of all, we touch lives and change lives; our most significant responsibility is to keep hope alive. YOU are the beacon of hope.

On World Engineering Day 2023, I challenge you to reflect on your authentic contribution to improving the lives of those we serve,” concludes Prof Steyn.

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