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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 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 National
Laser Centre 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.
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