Welcome to the Nelson Mandela University Faculty of Science - a vibrant community of scholars, researchers, and students committed to being a transdisciplinary, engaged, ethical, and sustainable 21st-century African Faculty of Science in the service of society.

The MandelaUni brand promise, “Discovering, Educating, and Engaging to Change the World,” guides every aspect of our work. In alignment with the University’s Vision 2030 Strategy, we are deeply focused on pursuing impactful, pioneering research and innovation that address societal and environmental challenges while promoting sustainable futures.

Our faculty is structured to foster collaboration across traditional boundaries, generating solutions that matter regionally, nationally, and internationally. Our academic clusters - encompassing Life, Earth, Environmental and Agricultural Sciences; Biosciences and Biotechnology; Physical Sciences; Mathematical and Computational Sciences; and X-STREAM - provide the deep disciplinary foundations essential for transdisciplinary success.

We are actively shaping the future through excellence in key areas, including:

• Environmental Stewardship: Leaders in conservation ecology, marine and estuarine studies, and the development of advanced hydrogeological models crucial for drought resilience and water sustainability in our region.
• Digital and Community Impact: Through the Centre for Community Technologies (CCT) - recipient of the South African Science Diplomacy Award - we demonstrate how digital innovation transforms health, education, and agriculture across Africa.
• Fundamental and Applied Sciences: Home to pioneering research in optical fibres, nanotechnology, electron microscopy, and the renowned Centre for Rubber Science & Technology.

At Mandela University, we believe that exceptional science requires exceptional citizenship. Our learning environment is student-centred, emphasizing inclusive access and success. We aim to ensure that our graduates not only gain in-depth disciplinary knowledge but also embody:

• Social Awareness and Responsible Citizenship: Prepared for service to society and grounded in MandelaUni’s values of Integrity, Environmental Stewardship, and Social Justice.
• Ubuntu: Embracing the African philosophy of interconnectedness and respect for diversity, we cultivate a nurturing, inclusive space for all staff and students.
• Future Readiness: Equipped with skills in computational modelling, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, our graduates are prepared to lead in an evolving global landscape.

Whether you are a prospective student seeking transformative, applied science-based learning; a researcher pursuing collaborative partnerships; or an industry leader eager to engage with world-class innovation - I invite you to explore the work of our faculty.

Join us as we discover, educate, and engage to build a better, more sustainable world.

Stay connected:

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• Instagram: @science_mandelauniversity Website: https://science.mandela.ac.za/

Professor Christa Grobler

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science

Nelson Mandela University