Young Chemists' Symposium - Western Cape RSC/SACI 2024

On Friday, 12 July, the University of Cape Town proudly hosted the Western Cape RSC/SACI 2024 Young Chemists' Symposium. This annual gathering aims to provide postgraduate students in the chemical sciences with a platform to meet their peers, present their research, and engage in fruitful discussions with colleagues from other institutions.  

Despite the cold and stormy weather, over 120 postgraduates from Stellenbosch University (SU), the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) attended this event. The symposium was successfully organized by a dedicated group of postgraduate students from these institutions: Leah Amod and Nicole Teixeira (UCT), Ilanie Wessels and Michael-Phillip Smith (SU), Eldon Pierre Damon and Tatum Matthews (UWC), and Sapokazi Timakwe (CPUT). 

The event commenced with a registration and breakfast session, followed by a warm welcome address by Leah Amod and Nicole Teixeira. This was succeeded by an address from Prof. David Gammon representing the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Prof. Denzil Beukes from the South African Chemical Institute (SACI). 

The morning session featured Masters’ oral presentations and flash talks. After a tea break, a panel discussion on "Cultivating the Path to Academia for Early Career Researchers" was held. This discussion featured young academics including Dr Marwaan Rylands from UCT, Dr Candice Franke from UWC, Dr Masixole Makhaba from CPUT, and Dr Prinessa Chellan from SU. The session was inspiring and provided valuable insights and motivation for future academics in the audience. 

The midday session included PhD oral presentations, followed by a lunch break. The afternoon resumed with more PhD oral presentations and flash talks, showcasing advanced research work by doctoral candidates. This led into the poster session and judging, where attendees had the opportunity to discuss research posters and network with peers and exhibitors. The judges were: Assoc. Prof. Clinton Veale (UCT), Prof. Selwyn Mapolie (SU), Prof. Lindiwe Khotseng (UWC), and Dr Kanyisa Maqashu (CPUT). 

The symposium concluded with a closing ceremony, marking the end of a successful and well-attended event. The organizing committee did a superb job, taking on the challenge of coordinating every aspect of the event. From issuing the calls for abstracts and scheduling the posters and presentations to organizing the catering and ensuring the venues were perfectly set up, their meticulous planning and execution ensured a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees. 

Prize Winners: 

• Best MSc Oral presentation: Sandisiwe Mdoda (UCT) 
• Best MSc Flash Talk presentation: Shannon Mislpon (UCT) 
• Best PhD Oral presentation: Thando Juqu (UWC) 
• Best PhD Flash presentation: Jaymi January (UWC) 
• Best Poster presentation: Thembekile Hoyi (UWC) 
• Best Presenter (Student’s Choice): Braydon Paulse (SU) 

Leah and Nicole received great feedback from delegates. What stood out was multiple student presenters thanking them for the opportunity to present, as this was their first chance to share their research with a wider audience, and it meant a lot to them to gain this experience. 

The organising committee extend their heartfelt gratitude to their generous sponsors: SACI, the RSC, A/Prof. Anwar Jardine (UCT Chemistry Department), Merck, Microsep, Analytical Solutions, Lasec, the H3D foundation, and Separation Scientific. Special thanks go to event photographer Laa-iqa Rylands, the panellists (Dr Marwaan Rylands, Dr Prinessa Chellan, Dr Candice Franke and Dr Masixole Makhana), Deirdre Brooks from the UCT Chem CAO, Prof. Denzil Beukes (SACI), Laila Smith (SACI), Prof. Edith Beukes (SACI), and Assoc. Prof. David Gammon (RSC). Their support was instrumental in making this event a success. 

Well done to all who contributed to and participated in this remarkable event!