UJ Centre for Ecological Intelligence

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🌱 Industrial H**p Innovation Seminar & Demonstration Programme a Great Success at UJ

On 28 May 2026, the University of Johannesburg's Centre for Ecological Intelligence, together with partners across the institution and industry, successfully hosted the Industrial H**p Innovation Seminar & Demonstration Programme, bringing together researchers, innovators, industry practitioners, students, and stakeholders to explore the transformative potential of industrial h**p.

The event showcased cutting-edge research and practical demonstrations highlighting h**p's role in sustainable construction, advanced materials, environmental remediation, energy innovation, food systems, and the circular economy.

We were privileged to receive insightful contributions from:
• Prof. Michael Rudolph, Programme Director
• Prof. D. Mashao, Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
• Prof. Vicky Graham, Strategic Operations
• Prof. Jeff Mahachi and Dr Ntebo
• Brendan Wood, H**p Technical and Research Associate
• Prof. R. Phaswana-Mafuya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research

Attendees engaged with live demonstrations featuring:
✅ H**p Bricks for sustainable construction
✅ E-Bric (H**p + Fly Ash) eco-bricks
✅ Post-lithium solid-state h**p energy storage innovations
✅ H**p paper products and production insights
✅ Phyto- and bioremediation applications of h**p
✅ H**p-based food and cosmetic products

The seminar highlighted the growing importance of industrial h**p as a catalyst for sustainable development, green manufacturing, environmental restoration, housing innovation, and future-focused research.

A sincere thank you to all speakers, facilitators, exhibitors, institutional partners, and participants who contributed to making the event a success.

Together, we are advancing innovation, sustainability, and the bioeconomy through research, collaboration, and practical solutions.

🌱🥬 From Seed to Success! 🥬🌱

Today we're celebrating another beautiful lettuce harvest! 🎉

Did you know that lettuce is one of the most efficient crops to grow from an agronomic perspective?

✅ Fast growing
✅ Space efficient
✅ Ideal for greenhouse and aquaponic systems
✅ Converts nutrients into fresh biomass in a matter of weeks
✅ Helps maximize productivity throughout the year

Every head harvested represents more than just food, it showcases smart water use, efficient nutrient cycling, and sustainable farming practices. 🌍💧

Our lettuce may be headed for the table, but before that, it serves as a powerful example of how modern agriculture can produce more with less.

The Centre for Ecological Intelligence (CEI) is excited to partner with the Student Life & Governance Unit in facilitating benchmarking engagements with institutions across South Africa.

On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, we had the privilege of hosting a delegation from North-West University for a collaborative knowledge-sharing session focused on sustainability, student development, food systems, and innovation in higher education.

These engagements are critical to strengthening institutional collaboration and sharing practical approaches that contribute to resilient, student-centred campuses.

We look forward to continued partnerships that drive meaningful impact within the higher education sector.

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTICE 🚨

We have received an overwhelming response to the recent Internship Opportunities advertisement under the Centre for Ecological Intelligence. The high volume of applications has prompted us to bring the closing date forward to today, 14 May 2026, instead of 15 May 2026 as initially communicated.

We sincerely thank everyone who submitted their applications and showed interest in this opportunity.

Applicants who make the final shortlist will be contacted directly regarding the next steps, including interview arrangements.

An Agricultural Internship Opportunity is now open for applications.

This programme is designed for individuals interested in sustainable agriculture, agroecology, and practical, hands-on experience within agricultural and ecological systems. The internship provides exposure to crop production, research support, and community-based agricultural initiatives aimed at strengthening applied skills and real-world impact.

Interested candidates are invited to review the attached advert for full details on requirements, responsibilities, and application procedures.

Applications should be submitted via email to: [email protected]

Application deadline: Friday, 15 May 2026

🎓 Congratulations to Ms Phodzo Mashau and Mr Celimpilo Sikhosana, and on graduating with their Diplomas in Crop Production from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)!

Their achievement reflects dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to agricultural excellence.

Celimpilo and Phodzo form part of our Work Integrated Learning intake for 2025/26, and in 2026, they were officially absorbed into the Centre for Ecological Intelligence as part of our succession management and staffing development strategy.

We are incredibly proud of this milestone and celebrate the growth of young professionals who are helping shape the future of agriculture and sustainability.

We look forward to their continued success and contribution to the Centre for Ecological Intelligence's mission.

The Centre also congratulates the other 2025/26 WIL cohort, who also graduated with their Diplomas in Crop Production.