Various topics were presented, including, Strategies for Enhancing University-industry Linkages on the African Continent; Towards Innovative Mineral Research in Namibia; and A Comprehensive Study on the Use of Selected Locally Produced Agricultural Residues in Namibia to Produce Thermal Efficient Insulating Materials Used in Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings.

During his keynote address, Professor Cyril O’Connor, from the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, emphasised that one of the key challenges has been to ensure that in becoming more reliant on industry sponsorship of university research, the core mission of a university is not distorted. He went on to highlight, that however, if well managed, such links can be of major value to both industry and academia.

“Without our key stakeholders, our efforts towards building a world-class institution of higher learning will be futile. As a result, one of our focal points is forging robust links with industry in order to benefit from the symbiotic relationship that exists between the two parties. Our role as an institution of higher learning is to produce competent human capital that can advance industry to the next level as the country pursues the path towards a knowledge economy,” remarked Dr Gert Günzel, the outgoing Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Finance, who spoke on behalf of the NUST Vice-Chancellor, Dr Tjama Tjivikua.

At the event, students of the faculty displayed their research posters, which included topics such as Design of a New Bulk Water Supply System for Rundu Town; Solar Energy Potential and Performance Assessment of CSP Technologies in Selected Locations of Namibia; and An Evaluation of the Maintenance Strategy for Haul Trucks: Case Study of a Selected Mine in Namibia.