The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the CSIR launched the first two SARChI Research Chairs in Solid Waste Management in South Africa in August 2018.
The SARChI Funding Instrument is a strategic intervention by government to attract and retain research excellence and innovation at universities, science councils and national research facilities. The instrument aims to improve South Africa’s international research and innovation competitiveness in a way that responds to the country’s social and economic challenges.
Launch
» Opening welcome – Prof Linda Godfrey, Manager Waste RDI Roadmap
» The importance of Research Chairs in furthering RDI in South Africa – Dr Nana Boaduo, Director Research Chairs & Centres of Excellence, NRF
» Waste as a social issue – Professor Catherina Schenck, Research Chair: Waste & Society, University of the Western Cape
» Mitigating the climate impacts of the waste sector – Professor Cristina Trois, Research Chair: Waste & Climate, University of KwaZulu-Natal
» The Waste RDI Roadmap and the role of Research Chairs – Dr Henry Roman, (Acting) Chief Director Sector Innovation & Green Economy, DSI
SARChI Chair: Waste and Climate Change
Professor Cristina Trois
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Prof Trois, a Tier 1 SARChI Chair brings more than 20 years of experience in waste and engineering. Previously the Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her fields of specialisation include waste management; renewable energy technologies; sustainable development; water and wastewater management.
SARChI Chair: Waste and Society
Professor Rinie Schenck
University of the Western Cape
Prof Schenck, a Tier 2 SARChI Chair brings more than 30 years of experience in social sciences. Previously as the Head of Department Social Work at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. Her fields of specialisation include poverty and unemployment; informal employment; waste recycling; day labour studies; and community development.