PROF COBUS KRIEK

Prof RJ (Cobus) Kriek obtained a BSc (1990), BSc Hons (1992), MSc (1994) and PhD (1998) in chemistry from the University of Stellenbosch, which was followed by an MBA degree from the University of Lincoln (UK) in 1999. In 2008 he completed an MSc in Applied Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. He started his professional career in 2000 at the Council for Mineral Technology (MINTEK) in South Africa working in the areas of environmental management and business development acquiring extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of management systems that include the ISO 14001 environmental management system and the ISO 9001 quality management system. In October 2004 he joined the Chemistry subject group as Senior Lecturer, at the NWU’s Potchefstroom campus, was promoted to Associated Professor in 2017 and to Professor in 2020.  

Since joining the NWU, he established and heads up the Electrochemistry for Energy & Environment research group that focuses on the development of catalysts that find application in clean and renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. His work has led to the registration of a number of patents and his research benefits from bilateral international collaboration. He serves on a number of boards and committees, which, amongst others include the editorial board of Electrocatalysis, a Springer journal, the NWU’s student disciplinary committee, and the academic committee of Potchefstroom Gimnasium High School.

Prof Kriek is a firm believer of equipping young people that not only has a good knowledge basis and skills set, but that can also apply themselves in the workplace with confidence.