Research Chairs
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Research Chairs
The Research Chair initiative is one of the strongest programmatic and practical intervention strategies for breakthrough improvement in research at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The initiative conducts national/internationally recognised research in fields related to the CPUT research focus areas. It aims to drive the research agenda through master's and doctoral supervision, research publications, and grant funding for research activities and conferences.
Research Chairs report to the DVC: RTIP through the Director of Research Development (DRD). Ideally, a research chair will lead or at least be linked to a research entity, and the work will align with a research focus area and its subsequent research niche areas.
CPUT Chairs
CPUT Research Chair in Biotechnology Prof Jeanine Marnewick Director: Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) Prof Jeanine Marnewick, also Director of AMHBI, leads research on natural product bioactives and public health, notably rooibos and honeybush. Her work translates laboratory findings into community wellness and strengthens South Africa’s bioeconomy. CPUT Research Chair in the Oceans Economy Dr Sparks Director: Centre for Sustainable Oceans (CSO) Dr Conrad Sparks (Interim Chair) leads research on microplastics, ocean sustainability and sector partnerships, promoting research uptake and skills development. CPUT Research Chair in Energy As head of the Energy Institute, Prof Mohammed Tariq Khan directs programmes that couple research, postgraduate training and industry-aligned innovation in power systems, substations and smart-grid automation.
External Chairs
NRF/WRC SARChI Chair: Governance & Economics for Water & Sanitation Sector Institutions Prof Bongani Ncube Prof Bongani Ncube, Director of CWSR, focuses on institutional frameworks and economic dimensions that enable equitable and sustainable water services. NRF Research Chair in Teacher Education Prof Chigona Director: Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society (GITES) Prof Chigona (Chair) and Director GITES, leads research into teaching quality, continuous professional development and policy-relevant scholarship. Her work under the SARChI Chair aligns with national goals to expand research capacity and generate high-impact educational scholarship. NRF Research Chair in Work-Integrated Learning Prof Chris Winberg Director: Professional Education Research Institute (PERI) Prof Chris Winberg leads the SARChI Chair in Work-Integrated Learning, advancing research on curriculum innovation, postgraduate supervision and the integration of theory with practice in post-school education. Her work has positioned CPUT as a national hub for WIL research and innovation. NRF–Nedbank SARChI Chair in Cardiometabolic Health Prof Davison Director: SA-MRC Unit Prof Glenda Davison (Interim Chair) conducts translational research into risk, prevention and population health, advancing understanding of one of South Africa’s most pressing health challenges, and shaping strategies for improved prevention and care nationally and globally. ETDP–SETA Research Chair in Work-Integrated Learning in TVET Colleges Prof Nduna Prof Nothemba (Joyce) Nduna spearheads pioneering work on lecturer development and industry-responsive WIL models, strengthening TVET education so that teaching and training remain relevant, practical and aligned with South Africa’s skills priorities.