On Thursday, 24 April 2025 the Central University of Technology announced that Prof. Deon de Beer has been awarded the Tier 1 NRF-SARChI Chair in Medical Product Development through Additive Manufacturing. This recognition follows a distinguished career spanning 38 years in higher education, where he has held various roles including teaching, industrial research and development, and academic management. His extensive publication record covers topics such as additive manufacturing, product development, and technology transfer.

His journey in academia began at the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA), which sparked his interest in research. His previous appointment as the DSI/MerSETA Chair in Innovation and Commercialisation of Additive Manufacturing at CUT laid the groundwork for his interim role as NRF SARChI Chair. Following a thorough evaluation, the NRF panel recommended an upgrade from Tier 2 to Tier 1, reflecting the university's strong standing in additive manufacturing through its Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) and the TIA-fundedProduct Development Technology Station (PDTS).

The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), established in 2006, aims to enhance research and innovation at public universities. It focuses on attracting and retaining top researchers, increasing the production of postgraduate students, and creating career pathways for emerging researchers. The initiative supports the development of research leadership within universities, ensuring that South Africa remains competitive in the global research landscape.

The upgrade to a Tier 1 Chair signifies not only the NRF's commitment to advancing research at CUT but also acknowledges the university's leadership in the field. This recognition allows the CUT to secure higher funding levels and enhances its research strategies, which are crucial for addressing social and economic challenges.

The NRF award highlights the collaborative efforts of the CUT’s Additive Manufacturing research team. Dedicated to medical product development and with access to advanced infrastructure, the team is well-positioned to expand its impact beyond South Africa, fostering collaboration across the African continent and enhancing international partnerships. This strategic focus aligns with the CUT’s mission to contribute to Africa’s development through research and innovation.