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31 December 2019
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Story Dr Cindé Greyling
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Photo Anja Aucamp
KovsieInnovation at the UFS supports innovative research outputs in various ways – one of which is to protect the intellectual property and to register patents where viable. This is in line with KovsieInnovation’s broader aim to create third-stream income for the university. Patent registration is a complex process and the UFS is proud to have the needed expertise to properly facilitate such an endeavour.
The SAENSE Platform
South Africa is a water-scarce country, with many water hungry industries (such as agriculture and mining). “Industrial processes often contaminate water with heavy metals, harmful chemicals, radioactive waste, and even organic sludge,” Dr Mariana Erasmus, SAENSE Platform Manager, explains.
Hence, water remediation is vital for both the ecosystem and industries. One of the key functions of the SAENSE Platform is to offer water-remedial solutions for the (bio)remediation of nitrates, heavy metals, and salts, among others. The platform’s activities and services are supported by undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers, using Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) funding. TIA is a national public entity that serves as key institutional intervention to bridge the innovation chasm between research and development.
From waste to water
Through the joint effort of two mining companies and the UFS/TIA SAENSE Research Platform, a new treatment for mine drainage (MD) has been developed. This patented B-DAS (Barium – Dispersed Alkaline Substrate) technology effectively treats the major contaminants found in acid, alkaline, or neutral mining wastewater. The aim of the B-DAS system is to provide a passive water-treatment solution with minimum waste production; it can also be a potential pre-treatment for reverse osmosis (RO) to lower the requirements of the membranes and therefore potentially reduce the RO cost.
The success of the patent is that it turns unusable water into water that is fit for agricultural purposes at a reduced cost and increased efficiency.
New career opportunities now possible with a degree in Computer Information Systems
2015-08-25
Are you a matric learner interested in a future career as systems analyst, IT manager, business analyst or IT entrepreneur? If so, the University of the Free State is the best place for you.
From 2016 the Department of Computer Science and Informatics in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences offers a new degree in Computer Information Systems.
The Baccalaureus in Computer Information Systems, or BCIS, is an exciting new degree that opens doors for the IT fanatic who wants to be a manager as well. Besides Computer Science and Informatics you will also receive training in the application of Information Technology in the corporate world with modules in Computer Assisted Programming, Systems Infrastructure and Integration, as well as Information Systems in organisations. To enroll for this course you need an admission point of 30+ and a pass rate of at least 50% for Mathematics.
Contact Jaco Marais at +27 (0)51 401-2929 or maraisj@ufs.ac.za for more information