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21 June 2021 Photo Supplied
Dr Robert Hansen
Dr Robert Hansen was recently appointed (31 May 2021) as Director of the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry in the Department of Geography. He believes that we as humans must try to make the world better.

With a mandate to promote the science of biogeochemistry in South Africa, the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry (CMBG) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) is working nationally with industry teams in the mining and agricultural sectors to contribute towards sustainable agriculture and sanitary conditions for South Africans.

Dr Robert Hansen, recently appointed (31 May 2021) as Director of the centre, believes that we as humans must try to make the world better, and plans to carry this vision to the larger Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as the international community.

A sustainable future for the planet
CMBG aims to use biogeochemistry as a tool to facilitate a sustainable future for humans and planet Earth. “We study the area where water, rock, the atmosphere, and life come together in a complex system. Many aspects of these interrelationships, such as the removal of pollutants from water, can be used to the advantage of human society in a sustainable manner, such as having little, and in some cases, no waste products,” explains Dr Hansen.

He says they will also be focusing on developing and rolling out new emerging biotechnologies, which can be used to help mitigate the polluting legacy of the past. “The idea is to research and develop new biotechnologies that will result in creative and innovative solutions for a sustainable global society,” he says.

The Mineral Biogeochemical Research Infrastructure Platform (BIOGRIP) node, established in 2019, is also housed in the centre. According to Dr Hansen, the centre is conducting integrated, multidisciplinary research through the BIOGRIP platform. Scientists are investigating how the interaction between natural elements can be used to practically improve the lives of South Africans, especially in areas plagued by dirty water.

Improving water quality in the region
He also envisions building collaborative networks with specialists within the university, as well as with external organs of government and the private sector, both at national and international level, to increase the centre’s knowledge and application of biogeochemistry, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

In one of their more recent projects, the centre is working in the agricultural sector as part of a research team with the farming company, ZZ2, striving to ensure sustainable agriculture for the future.

In another project, they started with a multidisciplinary initiative on the biogeochemistry of the Welkom wetlands, with the aim of improving water quality in the region. “The project is still in its initial phases, but we are all very excited about it and the possibilities for improving the lives of local communities,” he says.

Dr Hansen, who is very pleased with the autonomy he and his team have received in pursuing projects and objectives with respect to academic research as well as industry initiatives, is really excited about the centre as a whole and where they are heading.

News Archive

UFS student makes breakthrough in the application of nanorobots
2005-04-21

A student from the University of the Free State (UFS) has made a ground-breaking discovery in the field of microbiology by uncovering a series of new compounds that may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots.

Mr Olihile Sebolai, a full-time student at the UFS’s Department of Microbial- Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, made this discovery while working on his M Sc-study on yeast.

With this discovery Mr Sebolai will also be awarded six prestigious prizes during this week’s autumn graduation ceremony at the UFS.  This university has recognised this exceptional achievement as a build-up to the celebration of national Science and Technology week next month.     

Mr Sebolai’s dissertation on the yeast genus Saccharomycopsis Schionning has been published in an accredited international journal of repute. 

“Words cannot describe how excited I am. I never expected to receive such recognition for my studies.  I am humbled by all of this,” said Mr Sebolai.

The Lipid Biotechnology Group at the UFS recently discovered that some yeasts produce their own water-propelled capsules in which they are transported.  These capsules have different shapes and resemble among others miniature flying saucers, hats with razor sharp brims etc.  “In order to function properly, parts of the capsules are oiled with prehistoric lubricants – lubricants that are produced by yeasts and that probably existed for many millions of years as yeasts developed,” said Mr Sebolai.  

According to Mr Sebolai these capsules are so small that approximately 300 can be fitted into the full-stop at the end of a sentence and are therefore invisible to the naked eye.

“With my studies I discovered many new compounds that resemble these prehistoric lubricants.  These lubricants may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots and are similar in size compared to yeast capsules,” said Mr Sebolai.  The nanorobots are used to perform tasks in places that are invisible to the naked eye and could one day be used, among others, to clean up human arteries.

Mr Sebolai has been interested in the subject of Micro technology since he was at RT Mokgopa High School in Thaba ‘Nchu.  “I was specifically interested in the many possible applications the subject has – in the industry, as well as in medicine,” said Mr Sebolai. 

His next goal is to successfully complete his Ph D-degree.

The prizes that will be awarded to Mr Sebolai this week include:

Best Magister student at the UFS (Senate medal and prize);

Best Magister student in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science and Dean’s medal at the same faculty;

The Andries Brink – Sasol-prize for the best M Sc dissertation in Microbiology;

The JP van der Walt prize for best M Sc dissertation in yeast science;

The Chris Small prize for an outstanding Master’s dissertation; and

Honorary colours awarded by the UFS Student Representative Council

Media release

Issued by:                     Lacea Loader

                                    Media Representative

                                    Tel:  (051) 401-2584

                                    Cell:  083 645 2454

                                    E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

20 April 2005

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