There are several developments that have strengthened the Department's research strength in the field of biotechnology:

• the Department has long been a leader in the field of water utilization;
• a microbrewery has been in operation for a number of years and, in addition to building an excellent team spirit, provides hands-on brewing technology experience for students;
• through an agreement with Sappi,  Dr Berdine Coetzee, a researcher in the field of biotechnology in the pulp and paper industry was appointed as extraordinary lecturer in the Department. This appointment strengthens the link between the Department and Sappi and will enable development of expertise in this strongly developing area.

Biochemical applications in chemical engineering are increasing, and know-how in this field should be transferred across disciplines.