The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has achieved a significant milestone by being awarded the prestigious South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi) status by the National Research Foundation.

The upgrade of the NRF SARChI Chair in Medical Product Development through Additive Manufacturing to Tier 1 demonstrates the NRF's ongoing support for research development. This advancement reflects a higher funding level aimed at enhancing effective research strategies at CUT and highlights its impact on both academia and the community it serves.

“We have invested many years in our Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing, and we are proud to have been selected as the host for a Research Chair in Medical Product Development using Additive Manufacturing (3D printing technology),” said Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal. 

This recognition shows CUT's exceptional research output and groundbreaking innovations in Medical Product Development through Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing Technology) over the years. 

“Achieving SARCHi Chair status is a significant recognition for CUT as a leader in medical product development among higher education institutions in South Africa”, said Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement. 

Over the years, the National Research Foundation has championed the SARCHi initiative to boost South Africa’s research outputs and innovations across various fields for the national innovation strategy. The initiative stands out as highly competitive among all South African universities and research agencies and is awarded to institutions deemed leaders in selected fields.

“We are deeply grateful to the National Research Foundation for acknowledging and appreciating our pioneering work and the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing ’s significant contribution to research and innovation in the field of 3D Printing technology," said Prof. Deon de Beer, SARCHi Chair at CUT. 

For CUT, this Research Chair is awarded to the university in recognition of the phenomenal work the university continues to produce in this exciting field. By participating in SARCHi, Prof. de Beer and his team will significantly contribute to the national innovation strategy and meaningfully impact the future of research within academia, thereby paving the way for breakthroughs and advancements in Additive Manufacturing.

“In the next five years, we will use our SARChI status to create new platforms with Additive Manufacturing (AM). This will enhance our research and innovation capabilities while offering internships for postgraduate students. By developing career pathways for young researchers passionate about innovation, we are ensuring a bright future for this field while boosting our expertise, said Prof de Beer.

Hosting the Research Chair by CUT is just one more achievement to add to its well-notched belts.