The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the exciting professorial Inaugural Lecture of Professor John Mellem which took place at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel on Friday, 13 September 2024.

The guests in attendance included DUT academics, DUT students, friends and family of the dynamic Prof Mellem who added familial warmth to the gathering.

The Programme Director, Professor Darren Lortan: Head of Department: Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, welcomed all the guests, sharing some funny jokes which were distributed to him by students of Prof Mellem.

“It has been a special privilege for me to have been associated with Prof Mellem since the beginning of his journey and to have had front row seats to his growth and development-and his inaugural address,” he added jubilantly.

After his humorous banter, he introduced Dr Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, who gave the opening address. Dr Nevhutalu warmly welcomed the distinguished guests to the momentous occasion to celebrate the sterling milestone of full professorship which was achieved by Prof Mellem, a Food Science Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences.

“We often take for granted the role that food plays in our lives and how it is central in convening who we are as human beings. An often taken-for granted aspect is the role that food serves in society in terms of health and nutrition. It is to this very point that Prof Mellem will address us and nourish us with his words and insights during the inaugural lecture,” he said.

He further thanked Prof Mellem for his thought-provoking contributions made to his research and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.

This followed with the special introduction of the inaugurand which was shared by the charismatic Prof Suren Singh, Executive Dean: Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Prof Singh gave insight into Prof Mellem’s journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) which he explained was truly unique and a remarkable achievement, illustrating a voyage from obtaining a National Diploma to achieving the status of Full Professor in just under 25 years.

He shared that Prof Mellem’s academic career began at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where his early exposure to research during Work Integrated Learning (WIL) under the mentorship of Prof Bux at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology ignited his passion for research.

Prof Singh further shared that Prof Mellem’s impressive research track record highlights his commitment to excellence and mentorship in the field of biotechnology and food science.

He explained that on the international stage, Prof Mellem has established valuable collaborations with esteemed institutions across the globe. He has been working with the Grenoble Institute of Technology (Pangora, Grenoble-INP) in France since 2016, contributing to shared research goals and academic development.

Prof Singh continued by saying that his collaboration with the Max Rubner-Institut in Germany within the Department of Food Technology and Bioprocess Engineering during 2018 and 2019 had further enriched Prof Mellem’s research portfolio.

More recently, Prof Mellem has partnered with King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia, beginning in 2022, to expand his research horizons and foster international academic exchanges.

“Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Prof Mellem is known for his neuted personality and diverse interests. A passionate soccer fan, he is a dedicated supporter of Liverpool FC. His culinary talents are also noteworthy; he is affectionately known as the Pinetown’s King Chef, always outshining his wife in the kitchen, showcasing his passion for cooking,” added Prof Singh.

Prof Singh spoke on Prof Mellem who has been happily married to Kameshnee Mellem, the Faculty Research  Officer, for 20 years. Together, they are proud parents to two wonderful children: Liam, who is 16, and Madison, who is nine years old.

“Prof Mellem’s academic contributions have been recognised with significant accolades, including his promotion to Associate Professor in 2018 and later to Full Professor in 2023. Recently, he received a National Research Foundation (NRF) C2 rating in January 2022, a testament to his impactful work in the field,” he said proudly.

“Prof Mellem remains profoundly grateful to the late Prof Bharti Odhav, who played a pivotal role in mentoring him throughout his career. Prof Odhav’s guidance and support were instrumental in shaping his academic path, and Prof Mellem honours her legacy by continuing to mentor and inspire his own students,” shared Prof Singh.

“On behalf of the Faculty and Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology  I wish you continued success in your research, especially your great work towards wellness in society. May your knowledge and research contribute to a healthier and more prosperous future for our society,” said Prof Singh.

Delving into his inaugural lecture, Prof Mellem spoke on his presentation titled: The Future of Food , speaking on his topic of discussion, the context of his studies, current and future research focus areas and the deliberations of his research.

Prof Mellem looked at the role that food serves in society in terms of health and nutrition. He provided insight into the field of Food Science and its application to health-related issues such as cancer, (a topic close to his heart due to his late dad passing on from this scourge), in addition to exploring how it can be used to address food security concerns.

The NRF C2-rated researcher’s research focus was on the characterization of biomolecules for the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals to address diet and lifestyle diseases and malnutrition.

His key focus areas in his presentation shared his research into Cancer and the most common treatment methods which include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. He further explained the usage of alternate therapies such as vitamin therapy and nutrition.

He focused on some of the tools used in research such as microscopy, Apoptosis and key enzymes. Prof Mellem spoke further on the vital usage of probiotics.

“The use of probiotics and prebiotics have been trending in the food industry with an increase in functional foods such as probiotic based food products and beverages. Probiotics are non-pathogenic, live microorganisms considered to be beneficial to the host body as they aid in digestion and reduces the symptoms of many chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Also, the nature of the probiotic, viability in the gastrointestinal tract, and stability in food products poses a problem within food systems,” he shared.

Prof Mellem explained more on the current meat production system and relayed that his studies are focused on the study of alternate meat equivalents which has grown exponentially since 2013.

“The focus of studies have been on the reduction of costs associated with media used for cell growth as well as the development of scaffold materials to support the adherence of cells for better differentiation and tissue development,” he said.

He then looked at the production costs, feasibility, energy efficiency and the organoleptic properties. In concluding his talk, he said that his research which stems over 19 years is just the tip of the iceberg.

He hopes to introduce the usage of lab meat after much research, and said lab meat is currently used in Singapore as the legislation had been approved.

After his thought-provoking presentation, a robust question and answer session ensued which was followed by the closing remarks and vote of thanks given by Prof Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.

“As you embark on this new chapter in your academic career, we not only celebrate your past achievements but also eagerly anticipate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Your leadership, vision, and adherence to the principles of DUT will undoubtedly continue to elevate the standards of research and education at DUT and beyond. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of your work as we collectively strive towards the goals and aspirations as set out by DUT ENVISION2030,” he said.

Pictured: Professor John Mellem

Waheeda Peters