Faculty of Engineering now internationally affiliated

The Faculty of Engineering on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently established a student branch of the prestigious International Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) on this campus.

The IEEE is the world’s biggest professional association that supports the promotion of technological innovation in order to benefit mankind. It is also the responsibility of the IEEE to disseminate new knowledge and research on specialist fields in engineering across the globe.

According to Prof Jan de Kock, acting dean of the Faculty of Engineering, it is a long-awaited understanding that was signed at last. “The establishment of the student branch of the IEEE on campus means that we can equip our students and staff even better regarding innovation, technology and research. We also have better access to specialists in their fields through conferences, training sessions and special lectures.

The IEEE is so prestigious that about 80% of all research articles that are published in journals are published through the IEEE. According to Prof Jan it now gives the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU a better opportunity to present lectures on an international level. “This Institute is divided into 10 regions across the world. More than 10 000 lectures and conferences take place annually worldwide, from which members can receive special benefits. There are already more than 2 000 student branches across the world, which presents the opportunity for the extension of knowledge in interest fields, as well as career opportunities.

During the official establishment of the student branch of the IEEE on the NWU-Potchefstroom Campus the following people were present (from left to right): Ms Leenta Grobler of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof Jan de Kock, acting dean, and Ms Melanie Delport, president of the newly established IEEE student branch. With them is Prof Constantinos Papadias of Greece. He is currently one of the most prominent lecturers of the IEEE. Prof Sunil Maharaj, of the South African branch of the IEEE, is also present.