As of January 2025, Professor Hendrik Brink assumed a new position as a full-time professor in chemical engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP). Prior to this, he held the position of associate professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering from 2022 to 2024. As a full professor, he plays a key role in shaping university policies, securing significant research grants and mentoring early-career academics, while continuing to teach and supervise postgraduate students.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a full professor is the ability to inspire and guide the next generation of engineers and scientists,” he says. “Teaching remains a core responsibility, from undergraduate classes in reactor design where students learn the mathematical foundations of chemical reactions to mentoring PhD students tackling cutting-edge sustainability challenges.”

Research has been the cornerstone of his career, with a strong focus on sustainability, waste valorisation and resource recovery. His early work ranged from bioremediation and microbial metal precipitation to waste beneficiation, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to developing practical solutions to environmental challenges.

“The interdisciplinary nature of my work has allowed me to integrate chemical reaction engineering, bioprocessing and environmental management into a cohesive research strategy,” he explains.

Through his research and teaching, Prof Brink meets the University’s sustainability goals by advancing studies in waste valorisation and industrial water treatment. He drives innovation through interdisciplinary collaborations and efforts to secure funding for cutting-edge research projects.

“By mentoring postgraduate students and integrating sustainability into my teaching, I strive to cultivate the next generation of environmentally conscious engineers,” he says.

During his academic career, which spans nearly a decade, he has supervised and co-supervised 27 master’s and nine PhD students to completion. His expertise in guiding postgraduate students through their research journeys has been a career highlight.

In his role, Prof Brink aims to advance integrated bioremediation and biosorption processes for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. He is committed to strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to ensure research translates into real-world applications.

“I also aim to expand our work in mechanistic modelling of pollutant remediation to improve predictive capabilities for treatment technologies,” he says.

Prof Brink hopes to leave a legacy of practical, scalable solutions that bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application. He envisions a paradigm shift where waste is viewed not as a liability but as a valuable resource.

A defining moment in Prof Brink’ career was realising the potential of bioprocesses as catalysts for recovering valuable resources. This led to his involvement in waste valorisation research, highlighting the urgent need for innovative remediation technologies that benefit both industry and the environment. His work focuses primarily on developing low-cost solutions that transform waste into valuable products, shifting his approach from traditional wastewater treatment to sustainable, circular economy solutions, where part of his research explores converting acid mine drainage waste into usable resources, such as catalysts or adsorbents for further water treatment.

“This approach not only reduces waste but also creates new economic opportunities, making industrial processes more sustainable and circular. My career ambition is to close the loop in the circular economy through scientific and technological research that advances environmental, economic and social sustainability."

Prof Brink recognises the invaluable role of mentorship in his academic journey. He credits Prof Willie Nicol, his PhD supervisor turned colleague, for guiding him in navigating academia, prioritising key milestones and managing time effectively.

He also acknowledges Prof Evans Chirwa, who mentored him during his tenure in the Water Utilisation and Environmental Engineering Division. Prof Chirwa’s insights on securing research funding, mentoring students in academic writing and understanding the broader impact of research have been instrumental in shaping his career.

“Effective supervision goes beyond research – it’s about equipping future leaders,” Prof Brink reflects.

For Prof Brink, research that integrates material science, process engineering and environmental management has the potential to drive groundbreaking innovations. He encourages students and young researchers to seek industry partnerships and focus on translating their research into real-world applications.