University of Pretoria and ARM expand collaboration opportunities
University of Pretoria and ARM expand collaboration oopportunities. The University of Pretoria (UP) and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) are excited to announce the official opening of the UP-ARM Virtual Conference Centre, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing collaboration between academia and industry.
“This innovative centre will empower staff and students to connect and engage virtually with local and international institutions of higher learning, academic communities, research organisations and industry leaders”,stated Prof Wynand JvdM Steyn, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, at the University of Pretoria (UP). By fostering collaboration, the virtual centre will enrich students’ educational experiences and facilitate the rapid exchange of information and data, ensuring the timely delivery ofhigh-quality results. It will also serve as a collaborative space for various departments within the faculties of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) and Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS), enabling high-tech meetings, workshops and seminars that enhance engagement among staff, students and industry partners.
Key departments, including Geology (NAS), Mining Engineering (EBIT), Minerals Science and Metallurgical Engineering (EBIT) and Mechanical Engineering (EBIT), which host over 150 postgraduate students, will greatly benefit from this facility. By providing access to cutting-edge technology, the UP-ARM Virtual Centre aims to modernise academic research and industry applications, enabling more effective collaboration between students, faculty members and industry leaders.
“The UP-ARM Virtual Centre exemplifies the spirit of partnership and innovation that defines our collaboration with African Rainbow Minerals,” stated Prof Barend Erasmus, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. “This facility will not only enhance our teaching and research capabilities but will also empower our students to engage meaningfully with industry.”
André Joubert, Chief Executive of ARM Ferrous and an alumnus of the University of Pretoria, emphasised the importance of this initiative in strengthening the long-standing partnership between ARM and UP. He noted that ARM’s commitment goes beyond this collaboration, as the company also provides financial assistance to approximately 50 undergraduate and postgraduate students across various faculties through its corporate and mine bursary programmes. This effort underscores ARM’s dedication to advancing academic excellence and underscores the vital role of education within its communities.
In closing, Phillip Tobias, Chief Executive Officer of ARM, expressed his excitement about supporting institutions of higher learning in South Africa, aligning with ARM’s commitment to advancing virtual learning and innovation. “This centre will be instrumental in bridging the digital divide in our universities, nurturing the next generation ofleaders and thinkers equipped to thrive in the digital age.”
