ARUA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

ARUA Centre of Excellence in Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology (CoE-MEN)

Director: Prof. Lesley Cornish

Email: Lesley.cornish@wits.ac.za

The ARUA (CoE-MEN) is currently hosted by the University of Witwatersrand and also includes the Universities of Pretoria, Nairobi and Ghana, together with the University of Dar es Salaam, Makerere University, Nelson Mandela University (although not an ARUA university) and University of Johannesburg (also not an ARUA university), with links to other non-ARUA universities in Africa.

The targeted research focuses on the development of materials science and new technologies that would enhance the development of Africa, especially for materials energy and Nanotechnology.

The ARUA (CoE-MEN) aims to become the hub for materials science and engineering universities in Africa, as well as to develop the necessary environment to build materials and energy research capacity and human capacity in Africa. Hence the collaboration with the African Materials Research Society whose main objective is to promote excellence in all aspects of materials research.

Sponsors

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News

  • Capacity Building Workshop

    Theme: Building Capacity for Sustainable Development in Materials, Energy, & Nanotechnology

    Date: 30 July – 3 August 2023

    Time: 09:00 – 16:00  (GMT+2)

    The ARUA CoE-MEN Capacity Development Workshop is a hybrid event aimed at developing capacity in Africa in Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology research. The target audience is early-career researchers, postdoctoral fellows and PhD students. The objective of this workshop is to enhance the capacity of participants in the areas of materials, energy, and nanotechnology, with a specific focus on sustainable development. The workshop aims to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to address current challenges and contribute to the advancement of sustainable technologies in these fields.

    SPEAKERS
    Prof. Malik Maaza
    UNESCO UNISA ITL/NRF Chair in Nanosciences & Nanotechnology
    Mr. Thapelo Mmotong
    Partner and Patent Attorney, Adams  & Adams
    Ms. Nikiwe Khoza
    Assistant Manager Deloitte
    Dr. Fortunate Farirai
    Managing Director Sustenergy
    REGISTRATION
    Follow the link below to register for the Workshop

  • Mini Conference: Nanotechnology

    Theme: Urgent Materials for Africa

    Date: 19 July 2023

    Time: 09:00 am (GMT+2)

    The objective of nanotechnology in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to leverage the unique properties and capabilities of nanoscale materials and devices to contribute to sustainable development in various areas. Nanotechnology involves manipulating and engineering materials at the atomic and molecular level, allowing for precise control over their properties.
    SPEAKERS
    Prof Neil Coville
    University of the Witwatersrand
    Title: The behavior of carbon dots in catalytic reactions
    Prof David Dodoo-Arhin
    University of Ghana
    Title: Nanostructured Semiconducting Metal Oxides for Water Pollutants Remediation
    Prof Nolwazi Nombona
    University of Pretoria

     

    CALL FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION!

    The abstract must include:

    • Title
    • Author(s)
    • Affiliations
    • Text of not more than 300 words.
    Please include your contact details as part of the document.
    Abstract Submission Deadline: 12 July 2023
    REGISTRATION
    To register for the Mini Conference proceedings:

  • Mini Conference: URGENT MATERIALS FOR AFRICA

    Theme: Urgent Materials for Africa

    Date: 24 May 2023

    Time: 09:00 am (GMT+2)

    In conjunction with The African Materials Research Society, African Research Universities Alliance’ Centre of Excellence – Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology invites you to the second mini-conference. The event is targeted at all scientists and researchers interested in materials, energy and nanotechnology, and will give you a chance to present your work online, and possibly help to obtain interest and some collaborations. The purpose of this virtual conference is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and advancements among researchers and students regarding the provision of sustainable energy to various regions in Africa.

     

    CALL FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION!

    The abstract must include:

    • Title
    • Author(s)
    • Affiliations
    • Text of not more than 300 words.
    Deadline: 22 May 2023
    REGISTRATION
    To register for the Mini Conference proceedings:

  • Mini Conference: ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR AFRICA

    Theme: Energy Solutions for Africa

    Date: 17 May 2023

    Time: 09:00 am (GMT+2)

    In conjunction with The African Materials Research Society, African Research Universities Alliance’ Centre of Excellence – Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology invites you to the second mini-conference. The event is targeted at all scientists and researchers interested in materials, energy and nanotechnology, and will give you a chance to present your work online, and possibly help to obtain interest and some collaborations. The purpose of this virtual conference is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and advancements among researchers and students regarding the provision of sustainable energy to various regions in Africa.

     

    CALL FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION!

    The abstract must include:

    • Title
    • Author(s)
    • Affiliations
    • Text of not more than 300 words.
    Deadline: 17 April 2023
    REGISTRATION
    To register for the Mini Conference proceedings:

  • ARUA-CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN MATERIALS. ENERGY & NANOTECHNOLOGY MINI CONFERENCE 2022

    Theme: Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology

    Date: 19 August 2022

    Time: 10h00 (GMT+2)

     

    Click here to register for attendance.

     

    Call for Abstracts

    In conjunction with The African Materials Research Society, ARUA CoE-MEN invites you to send an abstract of up to 300 words for the online Mini Conference. The conference is targeted at all scientists and researchers interested in materials, energy and nanotechnology, and will give you a chance to present your work online, and possibly help to obtain interest and some collaborations.

    The abstract must include:

    • Title
    • Author(s)
    • Affiliations
    • Text of not more than 300 words.

    View Call for abstracts flyer 

    View Conference Programme

    Plenary Speakers

    (Click on speaker to view their bio)

    Please send your abstract to: marina.labuschagne@wits.ac.za

  • ARUA 2021 BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

    Title: Global Public Health Challenges: Facing Them in Africa

    Dates: 17 – 19 November 2021

    The ARUA 2021 Biennial Conference will bring together experts from universities, research institutions, government, industry, civil society, international organizations, etc., to discuss the different steps that African economies need to take in order to face global public health challenges squarely.
    The conference is jointly hosted by the University of Pretoria and the University of Witwatersrand and will take place at the Future Africa Facility at the University of Pretoria. This year’s conference will be hosted as a hybrid event with physical and online participation. The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) invites you to join the conversation by registering for the event.

    View the conference flyer

  • WOMANITY FEATURES PROF L. CORNISH

    Title: Women in Science with Professor Lesley Cornish University of Witwatersrand

    Date: 27 October 2021

    This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks toProfessor Lesley Cornishfrom the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at theUniversity of the Witwatersrand (Wits). She is also the Director of the DSI-NRFCentre of Excellence in Strong Materialsand the Director of theAfrican Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence in Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology. We discuss women in science in terms of barriers and opportunities in the context of the African Union’s strategy to place science, technology and innovation at the epicentre of Africa’s socio-economic development and growth.Prof. Cornishunpacks some of their focal areas on material research that ranges from improving the effectiveness of materials, such as increasing strength and longevity of use to reducing waste and becoming more energy efficient.We also discuss the role of tertiary institutions to developing students into responsible global citizens that contribute positively to humanity and the world at large.Prof. Cornish reflects on her life experience and remarks that there is nothing a woman cannot do,they just need to be given the opportunity to pursue their ambitions. #womeninscience.
    Tune in for more.

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