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27 June 2025 | Story University of the Free State | Photo Supplied
Ecological Engineering
Dr Jacques Maritz, Albert van Eck, and Dr Nola Redelinghuys are among the University of the Free State researchers driving an interdisciplinary project that combines social insight, high-performance computing, and ecological engineering to support South Africa’s just energy transition.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is taking bold steps to address the complexities of South Africa’s energy transition by combining expertise across disciplines, innovative technologies such as high-performance computing (HPC), and active student involvement. This forward-thinking approach is positioning the UFS at the forefront of solving real-world challenges linked to renewable energy adoption and social dynamics, while equipping students with future-ready skills.

 

Interdisciplinary solutions for a just energy transition

“Current grand challenges – the pressing societal and scientific problems shaping research at the UFS and globally – require students and researchers to include computational approaches such as modelling, simulations, and large-scale data analysis,” says Dr Jacques Maritz, Head of the Unit for Engineering Sciences at the UFS.

“One such example is in merging social dynamics with energy paradigms – two seemingly different worlds, yet connected via scientific elegance,” says Dr Maritz. Energy decisions, such as shifting to renewables, are shaped by the behaviour of communities, governments, and industries. As a recent response to these challenges, ecological and nature-based engineering sciences at the UFS aim to integrate human activity into nature, while benefiting both via the merging of computation, ecological engineering sciences, nature-based solutions, and data-driven complexity science. 

The UFS’ pioneering project models these complex social-energy relationships to better understand how South Africa can sustainably and justly transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This interdisciplinary effort involves researchers and students from physics, sociology, engineering, data science, and mathematical modelling working together to map these interdependencies shaped by economic, political, cultural, and community forces.

For students such as Lurgasho Minnie, a final-year MSc Astrophysics student, this interdisciplinary exposure is transformative. “It has given me a new lens or perspective on approaching and solving problems in my field of research. By approaching challenges from an interdisciplinary point of view, new methods and techniques can be applied to solve challenging problems,” he says.

A crucial part of this research involves modelling dynamic social-energy networks using systems thinking, network analysis, and scenario planning. These tools help simulate interactions between government policies, community behaviour, environmental impacts, and technological innovations, allowing researchers to predict and plan for different future scenarios.

Students are actively shaping this work. The first set of social data was collected by UFS students on the Qwaqwa Campus, with training and support from the Centre for Global Change and Student Affairs. These data-gathering efforts are not only enriching the research but also building students' skills in real-world data collection and analysis.

“One of the study objectives is to inform the development of an awareness campaign about the complexities inherent in transitioning from a predominantly non-renewable to a renewable energy system, firstly aimed at UFS students but ultimately at the broader community,” explains Dr Nola Redelinghuys, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the UFS.

The research team also hopes to help shape sustainable energy solutions for the university itself, with plans to create a renewable energy supply network that balances energy demand and renewable supply across the UFS campuses.

 

High-performance computing powering new insights 

At the heart of this initiative is the UFS High-Performance Computing (HPC) Unit, which enables researchers to run complex simulations and process vast data sets. The HPC is essential for solving problems that require immense computing power and data storage, and the UFS is making these resources accessible to a growing number of students – even those from non-computational disciplines.

“The eResearch and HPC team promotes the development of new skills and knowledge to harness the power of HPC and expand one’s technological abilities to solve problems. The HPC staff must first train a student or researcher to use the system effectively before using their toolsets. Thereafter, students can streamline or even automate specific processes by using a collection of more generic toolsets. Even if not using an HPC daily (or after entering the workforce), the HPC methodologies and toolsets they are exposed to often change how a person approaches future problem sets. Students using the HPC are more likely to share their experiences and are encouraged to assist other students in their department to lessen the burden of entry for newcomers. This broadens the collective knowledge within a department on their toolsets and how to use them effectively,” says Albert van Eck, Director of the UFS HPC.

Students can also learn how to build and configure basic HPC clusters through freely available training materials, opening doors to careers in private cloud hosting, data science, genomics, and other tech industries. By focusing on open-source tools, the UFS ensures that students acquire industry-relevant skills without being locked into specific software vendors.

The project is also laying the groundwork for partnerships with renewable energy companies, technology firms, NGOs, and development agencies. These collaborations will strengthen the UFS’ industry ties and create more work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students.

As part of UFS Vision 130, this project advances academic excellence, societal impact, and inclusivity. By involving diverse staff and students from both the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, it demonstrates the university’s commitment to building a future-ready, skilled, and socially conscious graduate community prepared to tackle South Africa’s energy challenges.

In a country grappling with energy security and the need for a just transition, the UFS’ approach – blending social insight, cutting-edge technology, and student empowerment – offers a valuable model for addressing one of the nation’s most pressing development priorities.

News Archive

Inauguration of Prof Francis Petersen as 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS
2017-05-23

Description: Prof Petersen Inauguration Charl Devenish photo Tags: Prof Petersen Inauguration Charl Devenish photo

Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the UFS, robes Prof Francis Petersen as Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
Photo: Charl Devenish

“At the UFS, we want to produce graduates for the world, and we need to ensure that we use our knowledge to uplift society”
— Prof Francis Petersen, 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS)

On Friday 19 May 2017, the University of the Free State (UFS) celebrated the inauguration of its 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis Petersen. The formal inauguration was held in the Odeion Theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus. The ceremony was preceded by a week-long welcoming programme on the three UFS campuses.

The guest list included representatives from local and provincial government, vice-chancellors and rectors from across South Africa, and senior members of the university’s executive management.

During the inaugural address, Prof Petersen paid tribute to his predecessors for the role they played in making the university what it is today. This included former rectors and vice-chancellors who attended the ceremony, such as Prof Francois Retief and Prof Frederick Fourie, and Prof Stef Coetzee and Prof Jonathan Jansen who were unable to attend.

Prof Petersen characterised 2015 and 2016 as watershed years for the South African higher-education system. “The Rhodes Must Fall, and subsequent Fees Must Fall student and staff protests challenged us, and re-energised a critical engagement around the purpose of the university in an equal society, both as a site of complicity and as a potential agent for social change,” said Prof Petersen.

He committed himself to developing the UFS into an institution that will have an even greater impact than before.

“This institution I am striving to establish will be one that responds positively to inclusivity, diversity, and transformation, and which can incorporate these values into our curriculum, scholarship, and research in a productive way,” said Prof Petersen.

Prof Petersen emphasised the importance of the three-campus model. “The University of the Free State is ONE university with three campuses: the Bloemfontein Campus, our South Campus, and the Qwaqwa Campus. I am committed to align the activities of the three campuses, and to integrate our activities to a greater extent.

“We must work together to infuse each campus with the values we have identified as essential if we are to make our mark as a united University of the Free State: academic excellence, diversity and inclusivity, and innovation.”

The Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, had the honour of handing over the gown to Prof Petersen. Prof Lis Lange, Vice-Rector: Academic, explained the relationship between the university and the Basotho people, and how this relationship is honoured through the official procession gowns of the UFS. The Basotho blanket is worn by kings, and the university therefore hopes that the symbolism of the gown would be a source of inspiration to Prof Petersen.

The event was concluded by congratulatory messages from former colleagues and the President of the Student Representative Council on the Bloemfontein Campus, SK Luwaca. The event was elegant and graceful – the inaugural address was thought-provoking and inspiring.

 

Official Inauguration Ceremony:

19 May 2017
Bloemfontein Campus

 Description: Official Inauguration photo small Tags: Official Inauguration photo small


"I challenge you to dream big and do big." - Prof Petersen

 

Photo Caption: Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the UFS, robes Prof Francis Petersen as Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
Photo: Johan Roux

Short biography of Prof Francis Petersen
Inaugural address: 19 May 2017
Transcription of the ceremony
Photo Gallery
Video

 

Welcoming Ceremonies:

The week of 11-19 May 2017 was one of the highlights in this year’s calendar for staff and students of the University of the Free State (UFS), with various ceremonies taking place to welcome Prof Francis Petersen – who assumed his duties on 1 April 2017 – as the 14th Vice-Chancellor and Rector. The festivities culminated in the official inauguration ceremony at the Bloemfontein Campus on 19 May 2017.
 
The Qwaqwa Campus welcoming ceremony took place on Thursday 11 May 2017, attracting a wide spectrum of community leaders from the area. Prof Petersen was welcomed by representatives from the two trade unions, National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and UVPERSU, as well as representatives from the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District, and the House of Traditional Leaders. Paramount Queen Mopeli of the Bakoena Royal House bestowed a special honour upon Prof Petersen by clothing him in a traditional Basotho blanket and hat. She said, "From our heart of hearts, welcome, Prof Francis ..., and all Godspeed during your tenure."
 
The South Campus in Bloemfontein hosted a welcoming ceremony for the new Vice-Chancellor and Rector on 18 May 2017. The ceremony included a number of vocal performances and messages from various stakeholder groups. The same afternoon, the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice (IRSJ) also facilitated a panel discussion, titled Diversity, inclusivity, and social justice and the renewed call for decolonisation, in the Albert Wessels Auditorium (AWO) on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The welcoming ceremonies culminated in an event in the Callie Human Centre on Friday 19 May 2017 at the Bloemfontein Campus, with a number of performances by musicians associated with the UFS, marimbas, drum majorettes from Jim Fouche Secondary School, the Grey College Gumboots, and school choirs from Eunice Secondary School, Brebner Primary School, and Willem Postma Primary School. Representatives from key stakeholders such as Nehawu, UVPERSU, the Campus Ministries Forum, SRC, Alumni, Convocation, and the UFS Council had the opportunity to convey their messages of welcome to Prof Petersen.
 
The formal inauguration ceremony took place in the Odeion Theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus the same day.

 

Qwaqwa Campus ceremony:

11 May 2017
Qwaqwa Campus

 Description: Prof Petersen with the queen 2 Tags: Prof Petersen with the queen 2

 

"Qwaqwa Campus is the perfect laboratory for sustainable sciences.” – Prof Petersen

 

Photo caption: Paramount Queen Mopeli of the Bakoena Royal House with Prof Petersen and his wife, Cheslyn.
Photo: Mamosa Makaya

Photo Gallery
Video

Read the full story
Transcription of the ceremony

 

South Campus ceremony:

18 May 2017
South Campus

 Description: South Campus welcoming Tags: South Campus welcoming

 

"South Campus: you aspire excellence, adding to diversity and you are innovative in what you do." - Prof Petersen

Photo caption: Flag bearers and drummers walking to the Madiba Arena.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Photo Gallery

Read the full story
Transcription of the ceremony

 

 

Bloemfontein Campus panel discussion:

Panel discussion: Diversity, inclusivity and social justice and the renewed call for decolonisation
18 May 2017
Bloemfontein Campus

 Description: Panel discussion 18 May 2017 Tags: Panel discussion 18 May 2017


"The UFS should be a place of belonging for everyone." - Prof Petersen

 

Photo caption: from left: SK Luwaca (SRC President, Bloemfontein Campus), Prof Elelwani Ramugondo (UCT), Prof Francis Petersen (UFS), Prof Melissa Steyn (WITS), Prof Andre Keet (UFS)
Photo: Lelanie de Wet

Photo Gallery

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Transcription of panel discussion



 

Bloemfontein Campus ceremony:

19 May 2017
Bloemfontein Campus

 Description: Bloem welcoming ceremony on 19 May 2017 Tags: Bloem welcoming ceremony on 19 May 2017


"I can just say, Wow! I've experienced a lot during the welcoming functions on all three campuses." - Prof Petersen

 

Photo caption: Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

Photo Gallery

Read the full story
Transcription of the ceremony


 

 

Description: Inauguration and welcoming of Prof Petersen combined gallery Tags: Inauguration and welcoming of Prof Petersen combined gallery

Photo gallery of Inauguration and Welcoming Ceremonies

 

 

 

 

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