Rhodes University (RU)’s state-of-the-art Institute of Nanotechnology Innovation (INI), which used to be housed in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, has finally relocated to a new home. This follows its phenomenal success as a hub which saw it outgrow its current space.
Nanotechnology represents one of the most ground breaking technological and scientific advancements with its wide range of applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals, energy, medicine and in renewable energy technologies, including solar cells.
Early detection of human disease
The facility was established in 2007 as the DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, focusing specifically on health applications in nanotechnology. The INI forms part of three national facilities which include the Universities of the Western Cape (UWC) and Johannesburg (UJ). The former focuses on bio-labelling while UJ specialises in water solutions. The INI offers post-graduate courses focusing on designing sensors for the early detection of human disease. It also develops sensors for analysis of pollutants and neurotransmitters including the photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Unique scientific apparatus
The new facility boasts a collection of cutting-edge equipment that will further enhance its capacity to carry out additional national projects. It also houses an assortment of unique scientific apparatus, which Professor Philani Mashazi, RU’s associate professor of Inorganic-Analytical Chemistry, described as a ‘one-stop-shop,’ making it the only centre of its kind globally. Distinguished academic and SARChi Chair of Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology, Professor Tebello Nyokong, heads the newly-minted INI.
Nurturing a pool of African researchers
Dr Iain L’Ange, RU’s infrastructure consultant, said what necessitated the building of the new facility was the rapid evolution of the INI into an internationally recognised institution known for high-quality education and research. It is envisaged that the facility will nurture and produce a pool of young African researchers through scholarships and international exchanges, while maintaining cutting-edge scientific equipment in an educational environment.
The Logistics at Play
According to Dr L’Ange, moving the equipment from the ChemPharm building to its new location was a logistical nightmare. He said the operation involved transporting the INI’s sophisticated and sensitive instruments, including some of the most advanced in the Southern Hemisphere which required extreme caution to maintain their functionality. A helicopter had been deployed given the fragile and sensitive nature of the instruments being transported.
He further explained that the construction of the new INI facility and the refurbishment of the ChemPharm building are among the most complex projects undertaken by the RU. He praised the nanotechnology team involved in the project and for successfully executing and accomplishing the tricky assignment.
Positioning INI as a global leader
It is hoped that the move will contribute to positioning INI as the international leader in knowledge creation and human capital development, particularly in creating capacity among the African research community. RU aims to strengthen and position the INI as a critical platform to produce internationally recognised and relevant research. Consequently, this will assist the University to fulfil the following objectives:
- Nurturing a cadre of African researchers in nanotechnology through scholarships and international exchanges;
- Operating, maintaining and replenishing leading-edge scientific equipment required to manufacture in-demand molecules and fulfil the institute’s scientific mission;
- Providing long-term accommodation of an appropriate standard to safeguard the equipment and offer a productive educational environment.
The future of INI
RU intends to put nanotechnology at the centre of its plans to raise its credibility and consolidate its educational and research offerings. It is anticipated that the new INI building would not only represent a physical expansion, but will also symbolise its commitment to leading-edge research and innovation in nanotechnology. This should put the INI on the road to significantly contribute to local and global research in nanotechnology. In addition, as a relatively new discipline at the leading edge of pure and applied science, nanotechnology will strengthen the RU as an international leader in this field.
