Final call for future chemical engineers: applications for paper industry research programme close 27 June
June 3, 2025
Final-year students and recent graduates in BSc and BEng Chemical Engineering have until 27 June to apply for the 2026–2027 PAMSA Master’s in Engineering Bursary and Research Programme.
This programme, backed by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), offers a R320,000 bursary over two years, covering full-time Master’s studies at PAMSA’s partner universities: North-West University, Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Pretoria.
The programme, established in 2009, has provided a springboard for more than 70 students. But what makes this opportunity truly unique is that the students are already making it in the circular bioeconomy, with this year’s cohort focusing their research on finding value in process waste.
Gabi Carzola is exploring methods to turn pulp and paper mill waste into fertiliser for plantation forestry. “I love that I am able to find a way to take process waste streams and ‘plough’ them back into the plantation forests,” she says.
Ryan Vermeulen wanted to further his studies in sustainable engineering and his aspirations aligned perfectly with the PAMSA programme. Vermeulen’s research examines how lignin, a by-product of paper production, can be used in road construction. “From learning about wood science to all of the processes involved in making and testing roads, my project is super interesting,” says Vermeulen.
Kelly Campbell says that she’s always known she wanted to go further in education. “However, I didn’t always have the means,” she adds. Her research lies within food waste fermentation for ethanol production. Again, this work contributes to a circular bioeconomy by adding value to an otherwise waste product.
Ndamulelo Nengovhela, whose research involves modifying and functionalising waste paper mill fibres into advanced biomaterials, helping to reduce environmental impacts and drive circular innovation. “The PAMSA bursary programme has provided me with invaluable industrial expertise as I work on my research.”
Keraiya Naidoo, who’s crafting bioplastics from mango seeds and paper mill waste streams, encourages anyone with an interest in finding sustainable technologies to join this space.
“These projects, among many others, demonstrate how our sector is driven by sustainability and innovation, using natural resources like wood fibre to produce useful products,” notes Jane Molony, PAMSA’s executive director.
Interested students can view the eligibility criteria and application form on thepaperstory.co.za.
