News & Media
Distinguished Unisa academic associate earns a global recognition for his research prowess
Unisa recently celebrated its most outstanding researchers at the annual Research and Innovation Awards ceremony, which was held on Friday, 7 June 2024 at the CSIR International Convention Centre. The awards were presented to honour more than 100 Unisa researchers and innovators who exemplified African excellence in 2022-2023. Professor Jianxin Li, a Professor Extraordinaire within the College of Science, Engineering and Technology’s (CSET’s) Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS) at Unisa, is based at Tiangong University in China and was unable to attend the ceremony in person where he was to be recognised for garnering a National Research Foundation (NRF) B1 rating in 2023.
From left: Prof Extraordinaire Jianxin Li, Unisa Principla and Vice-Chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula and Prof Bheki Mamba
Li began his academic career in 2002 as a research associate at the University of Colorado in the United States after obtaining his PhD in Polymer Science from Stellenbosch University. In the years that followed, he has held various visiting professor positions in Japan, the United States, and China.
He is a Professor Extraordinarius at iNanoWS and a Distinguished Professor and Director at China State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes. iNanoWS focuses exclusively on pioneering research aimed at tackling contemporary and future challenges in water scarcity and quality. One of the notable achievements that have emanated from his research group is being the first to conceptualise an electrocatalysis-coupled membrane separation technique to create a self-cleaning electrocatalytic membrane reactor for use in water treatment applications. He has been involved in the co-supervision of doctoral degree students at iNanoWS and has hosted numerous academics at Tiangong University for research visits and student exchange programmes.
Prof Li with attendees of his seminar
After his visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office to receive his award, Li hosted a highly attended research seminar at the Unisa Science Campus titled “Advanced membranes for life resources and health”. The seminar shined the spotlight on recent work in Li’s laboratories on the commercialisation of electrocatalytic membranes for water treatment applications as well membranes that are capable of removing viruses.
Li is yet another of Unisa’s outstanding corps of researchers and innovators who have produced sterling work that advances African knowledge production and supports the realisation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
By Edgar Rathelele, Senior Media Officer Department of Institutional Advancement & Dr. Nozipho Nonsikelelo Gumbi, Communication and Marketing Specialist (acting), College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Publish date: 2024-07-02 00:00:00.0
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