From left: Dr Gerrie Booysen, Director: CRPM, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof. Wilfrid Pilloy from the School of Nuclear Medicine at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology and Dr Jacques Combrinck, Head of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.

It is the beginning of a new era for the Central University of Technology (CUT) and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), as they anticipate collaboration on the Medical Additive Manufacturing Training Programme to support local communities.

On 28 January 2025, Prof. Wilfrid Pilloy from the School of Nuclear Medicine at SMU visited the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) to collaborate on several projects envisioned to contribute to community development and achieve sustainable development goals. 

Prof. Pilloy’s visit signifies the beginning of a promising collaboration to advance the field of Medical Additive Manufacturing and its applications in healthcare and beyond. As part of this collaboration, comprehensive Medical Additive Manufacturing Training is underway. The anticipated programme, which will be led by Dr Gerrie Booysen, Director of CRPM, and Prof. Pilloy, will feature a mix of lectures, hands-on activities, and case studies, combining both theoretical and practical learning.

Training will be conducted across multiple platforms, including sessions at both SMU and the CRPM, ensuring a broader reach and fostering a collaborative environment. Participants will gain practical experience using cutting-edge technologies, including 3D printing and handheld scanning devices, which are pivotal in the evolving landscape of medical technology.

In support of this groundbreaking initiative, the acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, and Engagement, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa expressed her full support for the project. "This collaboration is exciting for our institution and the broader community. It exemplifies our commitment to advancing academic research and making tangible improvements in people’s lives. By equipping individuals with the skills to use transformative technologies, we are empowering them to make a real difference in the healthcare sector and beyond," she said

Prof. Setlalentoa highlighted that the programme will further inspire cross-departmental collaborations, noting that the training could also take place at SMU, opening the doors for participation from other departments and universities as well.

Dr Booysen highlighted the benefits of providing access to a desktop 3D printer and handheld scanner through CUT’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, specifically the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. "This access will offer hands-on experience, enhancing participants' learning outcomes. The initiative is expected to make a significant impact on the healthcare community and contribute to the advancement of medical technology. Our collaboration will drive innovation, training, and community development for years to come," he said.