The University of South Africa (Unisa) on September 26 held its Engineering Profession Student Symposium at the Science Campus in Roodepoort, providing undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students with knowledge, insights and connections to enable success in their engineering careers.

During the symposium, speakers emphasised the importance of industry-based research as a foundation for students embarking on entrepreneurship in the field.

Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions acting head Professor Linda Z Linganiso emphasised that university education should focus on training students to identify industrial and societal problems, and to be able to suggest solutions to those problems.

In advocating for research, Unisa’s Lethabo Malokaloka mentioned publishing in journals as one example of a way for students to remain competitive while their academic and industrial network was still developing.

She highlighted that students should also investigate “excellent and important research questions” and those that are of interest to others in the field.

Malokaloka also said quality should be prioritised over quantity and encouraged students to get into the habit of publishing impactful research.

Students should also attend scientific conferences including those linked with prizes or awards, she encouraged.

Malokaloka also called for students to apply for research awards, grants, scholarships and fellowships.

She also advocated for students to teach and learn at a small scale.

Further to conducting their research projects, Malokaloka said that students also had to ensure the knowledge created or experienced was shared outside of their research niche, for the benefit of society.

Society structures could include local communities, government, industry, university and local and international organisations.

Malokaloka also stressed that students should prioritise their mental health, with many at risk of suicide and/or other mental health issues.