DUT researchers finalists in 'Science Oscars'

Two of Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) leading researchers, Professor Faizal Bux and Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, have been selected as finalists for the esteemed 2024/2025 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) South32 Awards, often referred to as South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’.

Professor Bux, Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at DUT and Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Senior Researcher in the Green Engineering Research Group within the Department of Chemical Engineering at DUT, have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to science, engineering and technology (SET) in South Africa.

Professor Bux has been named a finalist in the prestigious NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award category, which acknowledges individuals who have dedicated 15 years or more to impactful research in South Africa. His nomination underscores the national and international stature of DUT’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, as a leader in innovative water research. In addition to heading the institute, Professor Bux holds the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Wastewater Treatment. He is celebrated globally for reimagining wastewater as a valuable resource, with sustainable solutions that protect the environment and generates economic potential.

Dr Tetteh is a finalist in the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher category, which recognises exceptional researchers within the first six years of their research careers. Passionate about promoting green engineering solutions for environmental sustainability, Dr Tetteh’s work in the water-energy nexus continues to elevate DUT’s global research footprint.

“I am honoured to accept the nomination as a finalist for the 2024/2025 NSTF-South32 Awards. I am truly humbled by this recognition and grateful to the NSTF Adjudication Panel for this prestigious acknowledgement of my work,” said Dr Tetteh.

Expressing his pride in the finalists, Prof Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT said they  are immensely proud of Professor Bux and Dr Tetteh for being named as finalists in the NSTF-South32 Awards. 

“Their dedication to impactful, high-quality research exemplifies DUT’s commitment to excellence, innovation and transformation in science and technology. This recognition not only honours their achievements but also inspires a new generation of researchers at our university and across South Africa,” he said.

The NSTF-South32 Awards are South Africa’s most prestigious accolades in the fields of science and technology, celebrating outstanding contributions by professionals, teams and organisations. Established in 1998, the Awards span multiple categories, including lifetime achievement, emerging researchers, innovation and science communication.

Winners will be announced at the NSTF Awards Gala Event, scheduled as a hybrid celebration on Thursday July 31, simultaneously hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre and the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).