A transdisciplinary research and development hub in Africa that produces next-generation solutions for global water and sanitation challenges
The WASH R&D Centre (formerly the Pollution Research Group) was formed in the 1970s, and is a professional research centre in Chemical Engineering at the Howard College Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) which has grown to become a significant role player in the water and sanitation field in South Africa. Our collective efforts remain centred on real-world impact — supporting the development, testing, and scale-up of technologies and frameworks that deliver sustainable, resilient, and dignified sanitation solutions for communities in South Africa and across the continent.
Research conducted by the WASH R&D Centre is broadly divided into four research units, supported by cross-cutting services
The WASH R&D Centre maintains a modernized Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory with specialized equipment for conducting experiments in wastewater and sanitation.
There are many opportunities for post-graduate students to conduct their Master or Doctoral studies at the Centre, and for Post-doctoral researchers with an interest in water and sanitation to expand their careers. The Centre also hosts visiting students and researchers wishing to conduct work in Durban.
Research conducted by the WASH R&D Centre is broadly divided into four research units, supported by cross-cutting services
The WASH R&D Centre, with support from the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the Water Partnerships Office (WPO) launched the WESS Developers’ Forum in October 2025.
In order to honour the legacy of Chris Buckley’s research, a Water and Sanitation Internship fund was established in his memory. In 2025, two young interns working the water and sanitation sector were supported through this fund, and a further two interns are being funded in 2026.
Our Research is broadly divided into four core Research Units, supported by three cross-cutting Research Areas and Services
