Research with purpose.
Leadership with impact.
RESEARCH LEADER · ACADEMIC · SPEAKER
Connecting knowledge
with societal impact.
Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni is the Interim Director of the Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate at Durban University of Technology.
She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on water and wastewater treatment, environmental sustainability, and circular economy approaches to environmental remediation.
At DUT, Dr Mthombeni leads the Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate. Her work sits within a university community advancing research, innovation and postgraduate development.
View DUT profile ↗Her previous roles include Acting Deputy Dean of DUT’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Head of Chemical Engineering at DUT, and Chair of Department at the University of South Africa.
She supports emerging researchers and women in science, engineering, and research leadership, alongside her work in postgraduate development and research governance.
Read her UNESCO-UNEVOC speaker biography ↗In July 2025, DUT announced her nomination as a Stream Lead for the AWSISA Africa & Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue, recognising her expertise and leadership in the sector.
Read the announcement ↗At the 2025 Elsevier Future Research Symposium, her keynote explored an inclusive research agenda that responds to water insecurity, poverty, food resilience and youth development.
Explore the symposium ↗A PURPOSEFUL RESEARCH AGENDA
Knowledge that responds to the needs of people and communities.
In her 2025 symposium address, Dr Mthombeni called for research that meets local needs while contributing to a globally competitive university. That perspective places inclusion and meaningful societal impact at the centre of knowledge creation.
Read more on DUT ↗INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC SERVICE
NOVEMBER 2025
DUT announced Dr Mthombeni’s appointment to the journal’s Early Career Board on 11 November 2025. The American Chemical Society journal provides a platform for research on sustainability and resource management.
Read the appointment announcement ↗ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Water quality, sustainable treatment technologies, and responsible resource use.
2 publications
2025 · WASTE MANAGEMENT
Co-authored with Nhlanhla Nkosi and Trust Nhubu, this paper examines waste tyre generation and management in South Africa.
View publication and correction record ↗2012 · JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Co-authored research investigating silver nanoparticle-coated resin beads for microbial removal from drinking water in a column filtration system.
View publication ↗START A CONVERSATION
Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate
Durban University of Technology