Chemistry and Physics are essential sciences which both look at how earth and life interconnect.
There is no true understanding of Biology without Chemistry. And there’s no true understanding of Chemistry without Physics said American astrophysicist Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson.
The South African Chemical Institute in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal hosted a Postgraduate Research Colloquium competition on the 10th of November. This event is hosted annually for the benefit of the students with the hope that they learn alternative synthetic pathways, analytical procedures and the approach to aims and objectives by different participants.
This event took place at the School of Chemistry on the Pietermaritzburg campus. Over 50 people attended, with some there to support and gain knowledge while others competed for the fantastic prizes, networked and shared ideas as postgraduate scientists.
In order to partake in this Colloquium competition, presenters needed to be registered MSc or PhD students at UKZN or at a university of technology.
Students researched different topics which were presented in oral or poster form. After each presentation the audience and judges were given an opportunity to ask questions or to comment so as to enhance the educational value of the interaction.
External sponsors included MERCK, Lasec, Whitehead Scientific, CRSC Local Section and SACI, with internal support being provided by the School of Chemistry and Physics and the College’s Public Relations Office.
Congratulations to this year’s SACI research winners: five students for oral presentations and six for posters. Students are encouraged to check Chemburg and the School of Chemistry and Physics communication lines so as not to miss such events.
Words: Sphesihle Duze