NRF Women's Month 2026: Dr Sesethu Charmaine Tshangana

Every research journey starts with a question. This Women’s Month, the NRF celebrates women driven by curiosity — researchers whose questions, ideas and determination are expanding our understanding of the world around us. From exploring the unknown to deepening our existing knowledge, curiosity remains at the heart of discovery. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Dr Sesethu Charmaine Tshangana is a Senior Lecturer in the field of Membrane Sciences at the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa (UNISA). Her research is centred on developing membranes suitable for sustainable water treatment. She received funding from the NRF for her Master’s studies; Thuthuka Post-PhD funding, and currently holds an NRF Y-rating.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

My relationship with the National Research Foundation (NRF) has been an important part of my journey as a Research Scientist: from my postgraduate studies to now becoming an NRF-rated researcher.

During my postgraduate studies (Master’s) at Rhodes University, I was privileged to have been supported through my supervisor’s NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair funding which laid the foundation for my academic career and provided an outstanding environment for research training, mentorship and broadened my perspective.

Through NRF, I was able to travel abroad for the first time on a student-exchange programme and attended several conferences locally. As my career progressed, I was awarded the NRF Thuhuka Post-PhD Track funding as the principal investigator. This enabled me to pursue meaningful research, carry out my independent research, contribute to scientific knowledge, and help train the next generation of researchers.

Additionally, through the NRF, I have strengthened my national research collaborations through jointly supervised projects and shared expertise. Being awarded an NRF Y-rating (promising young researcher) is a significant milestone – recognising the quality and impact of my research and reflecting years of mentorship.

Looking back, the NRF’s support has been about much more than funding to me. It has helped create opportunities for me to learn, grow, and contribute to South Africa’s research community. I value the NRF’s investment in young and emerging researchers. The research funding has enabled me to explore new ideas, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the country’s scientific and economic development.

What is your research focus or area of expertise?

My research is centred on developing membranes suitable for sustainable water treatment, with emphasis on understanding, controlling and mitigating fouling.

Membranes are an important process in water and wastewater treatment applications due to their ability to produce high-quality water for drinking, industrial use, wastewater reclamation, and water reuse. However, the biggest hurdle to the efficiency of this technology is fouling. Fouling impacts membrane performance, resulting in increased energy consumption, reduced treatment efficiency, higher operational costs, and shortened membrane lifespan.

The research I conduct addresses this challenge by developing innovative membrane materials, advancing surface modification approaches, and developing new fouling mitigation strategies that have the potential to improve water treatment performance. The research is aligned with SDG6

What sparked your curiosity about your field of research, and what continues to keep you curious?

Growing up, I was the kid who would always ask “Why?” I was generally curious and fascinated by how things worked. To be honest, chemistry gave me tools and ways to explore and uncover the science behind every day phenomena/life. Also, because chemistry is a broad and dynamic field, it offers endless opportunities to explore new ideas, solve complex problems, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

What keeps me curious is knowing that there’s always more to discover in my field of research and that with every new insight, there is potential to improve lives – whether by advancing water treatment, protecting the environment, or developing new innovative technologies. That’s what makes chemistry both exciting and deeply rewarding.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about your field of research?

I wish more people understood that chemistry is fun and exciting, and that it is not just a laboratory-based subject. And it certainly goes far beyond memorising formulas and reactions in class for an exam.

I wish people understood that the subject is central to solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as developing new medicines or sustainable energy solutions, improving food security, or, in the case of my research, water sustainability.

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