b ioresource Engineering r esearch g roup ( b ioE rg )

Bioresource Engineering is an interdisciplinary programme that integrates environmental studies, water studies, renewable resources, engineering design, material sciences and the biological sciences. BioERG was formally approved in 2014, after having operated for five years under the leadership of Prof Ntwampe.

The BioERG formation is in line with the suggested CPUT research and innovation niche areas, highlighted by the RTI Focus Areas Programme guidelines. Our vision is to be a research centre of excellence committed to technological innovation through bioresource engineering for economic and environmental well-being in Africa. Our mission is to commit to the advancement of applied natural resources and indigenous knowledge through excellent teaching, learning and research.

The research group has members and associate members who lead individual projects in Plant Biotechnology, General and Environmental Microbiology, Bioresource and Biochemical Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences, including GeoHydrology and Agricultural Engineering. The staff complement includes a biologist- and a chemist-in-residence. Collaboration partners include the Agricultural Research Council.

In 2014, the group published seven manuscripts, and seven international presentations were delivered. Four MTech students completed their degrees during this time, with one student completing his doctoral candidacy. The group hosts 14 MTech students and seven DTech students, who are registered in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering.