The University of the Free State (UFS) is well positioned to uncover solutions and create interdisciplinary research collaborations by using the latest electron microscopes.
This follows the unveiling of cutting-edge technology in the form of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) equipment from JEOL.
The unveiling comes after a two-day microscopy conference held on 14 March.
The process of investing in the microscope started in 2018 and was concluded with the purchasing of a JEOL microscope in March 2020, before the Covid-19 lockdown period commenced. This was done as part of a multimillion investment into research.
Prof. Corli Witthuhn, vice-rector in the department for research and internationalisation at the UFS, said the microscope could be utilised across numerous research disciplines.
“It gives the UFS an advantage in uncovering new solutions and creating national and international interdisciplinary research collaborations,” she said.
“The UFS is at the forefront in this field in South Africa and continues to push the boundaries. This will also positively impact the training of honours, master’s, and doctoral degree students.”
The purchase of the microscope was made possible through collaboration between the faculties of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Health Sciences.
The new HRTEM was delivered in June 2021.
Prof. Danie Vermeulen, dean of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, said that this equipment would set the faculty apart from its competitors.
“The faculty has already reached the goals of Vision 130 by being proactive,” he said.
In the past seven years, equipment worth more than R300 million has been acquired by the faculty, but Vermeulen points out that to be the best is not just about having the best equipment.
“The data coming from using this equipment is what will make the real difference,” he believes.
Prof. Koos Terblans, head of the Physics department and the Centre for Microscopy, said that the HRTEM and its supporting equipment – the final piece of the R65 million research investment puzzle – was part of the faculty’s resources.
“It is now up to the scientists and academics to utilise it for innovative research, enhance research productivity, and foster new collaborations,” he stated.
