The NRF delegation met with university officials to discuss the current Chair, guidelines, requirements for applying for the next Tier, and the university's research strategy. Back row from left: Prof. Nicolaas Luwes, Associate Professor: Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering; Dr Elisha Markus, Associate Professor: Electrical, Electronic, Computer Engineering; Prof. Kanzumba Kusakana, Head: of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering Department Dr. Nana Boaduo, Director: Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence, Mr. Nathan Sassman, Director: Applied Research, Innovation and Collaboration, National Research Foundation South Africa, Mr. Tumelo Mosia, Delegate from NRF, Prof. Tshepiso Makhafola, Director: CQHL and Assistant Dean: Research Innovation and Engagement, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof. Kobus van der Walt, CUT Senior Researcher.

Seated from left are, Ms. Andisiwe Jukuda, Professional Officer: Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence; Prof. Deon De Beer, SARChI Chair: Additive Manufacturing; Ms Edith Sempe, Director: Research Development and Ms. Rose Msiza, Deputy Director: Department of Science and Technology.

The Central University of Technology (CUT) hosted a National Research Foundation (NRF) delegation on 07 November 2023 to discuss the university's current SARChI Chair and the application process for the next Tier. The aim is to learn more about the SARChI Chair program and to strengthen the relationship with the NRF.

The SARChI Chair program is a flagship initiative of the NRF that aims to attract and retain world-class researchers in South Africa. The program provides funding for research chairs at universities across the country.

CUT plans to apply for the SARChI Chair Tier 1 in preparation for the next application cycle. The Tier 1 chairs are the most prestigious and competitive SARChI chairs.

Professor Deon de Beer holds the NRF DSI/merSETA Chair: Innovation and Commercialisation of Additive Manufacturing, at CUT.

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the CUT Research Centre and engage with some of the university's rated researchers.