|
Research and development outputs resulting from the CSIR programme that supports laser-based research at tertiary education institutions (TEIs) in South Africa during 2006, included 108 research publications, two patents, nine products and 33 workshops.
This was announced at the 6th Rental Pool Programme (RPP) users meeting, held recently at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. The RPP is an extensive human capital development programme in support of growing laser-based research at TEIs in South Africa and is managed by the CSIR National Laser Centre.
Dr Paul Motalane of the CSIR says the main objective of the users meeting is to provide mid-term reporting by the RPP grant-holders. Eighteen RPP grant-holders presented their current research projects for peer scrutiny and interrogation. The portfolio of projects is multidisciplinary, spanning diverse fields such as physics, health and medical sciences, chemistry, engineering and nanotechnology.
The CSIR provides the research teams with state-of-the art laser equipment and diagnostics, scientific and technical support and much-needed laser optics consumables.
The Grant-holder of the Year was awarded post humus to Professor Pieter Swart of the University of Johannesburg, whose work on Bragg gratings in optical fibre and sensors is being continued at that university.
|
