The programme connects with academic excellence, research and leadership by enhancing academic skills through mentorship, funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It aims to cultivate new generation professors dedicated to research, teaching, and community engagement.
Highly selective, it identifies promising candidates for academic leadership roles. Producing skilled academics to lead research and mentor others, the programme strengthens higher education in South Africa and key elements include networking, research development and capacity building.
The programme over two years includes training sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects and is expected to start in January 2025.
Dr Ogunlaja’s research focuses on the development of advanced functional catalysts for application in fuel desulfurisation and carbon dioxide (CO2) utilisation.
Fuel desulfurisation removes sulfur compounds from fuels like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. These compounds contribute to air pollution when burned, producing harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can cause acid rain and respiratory issues in humans.
Carbon dioxide utilisation involves converting (CO2) into useful products, such as methanol, to create sustainable energy solutions and address climate change. This technology is vital for South Africa's economy as it shifts towards green hydrogen and a low-carbon economy.
Both research areas contribute significantly to society by improving environmental conditions, fostering economic growth through innovation and job creation, enhancing energy security while promoting sustainability practices.
Dr Ogunlaja believes the programme will help him build academic networks, facilitate interdisciplinary exchange, and promote teaching excellence while sharing resources with visiting scholars.
He hopes to gain enhanced research capabilities, valuable mentorship, and meaningful community engagement experiences. He also wants to develop personally and contribute to creating a more representative academic environment.
Dr Ogunlaja is a C2-rated NRF researcher and has published several articles and book chapters, and Google Scholar H-index 20. He is a recipient of several awards and research grants and a member of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK and American Chemical Society.