​​​​​​​Chemistry students at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) are among the major beneficiaries of Dow Southern Africa’s, recently concluded R 300 000 cash boost to fortify research and strengthen innovation and skills development.

According to Professor Annah Moteetee, Acting Dean of the University’s Faculty of Science, the donation is supporting the Department of Chemistry’s drive to encourage talented and motivated undergraduate University students to enrol for postgraduate programmes. “The Department of Chemistry aims to ensure future sustainability by focusing on undergraduate research. Dow’s decision to back this initiative, not only compliments the high standard of the University’s teaching and learning programmes, but also illustrates its commitment to skills development in South Africa.”

The students enrolling for the Undergraduate Research programmes, within the Department of Chemistry, will be paired, on different research projects, with selected senior students, who do well academically, are good communicators, are able to identify with students’ needs and act as an interface between students and staff.

Says Professor Moteetee: “Dow’s contribution will mainly be used to give Undergraduate Research Students a stipend, as an incentive for their involvement in these research projects. The initiative continues to provide UJ with the opportunity of being involved in real-life and major industry research projects. With education and research high on the country’s agenda, this initiative is investing in the nation’s development as it will translate our advances into gains for the country, which could translate into job creation within the sector.”

Professor Moteetee, Acting Dean: Faculty of Science will be joined by Dow representatives for the official handover, taking place on Tuesday, 12 November 2013 from 16:00 until 18:00 at the Council Chambers, Madibeng Building, Kingsway Campus.