Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering

Prof T Pandelani

College of Science, Engineering and Technology
School of Engineering
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor
Tel: (011) 4712137
E-mail: epandet@unisa.ac.za

Qualifications

  • PhD in Bio-Engineering, 2020
    Imperial College London, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, London, United Kingdom
    The injury biomechanics of pelvis in under body blast conditions
    Supervisor: Dr SM Masouros
  • Diploma of Imperial College, 2020
    Imperial College London, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, London, United Kingdom
  • MSc in Mechanical Engineering, 2014
    The University of Cape Town, Faculty of Engineering, and the built environment, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Town, South Africa
    An investigation of the forces within the tibiae at typical blast loading rates – with different boots
    Supervisor: Professor GN Nurick
  • BSc in Mechanical Engineering, 2007
    The University of Cape Town, Faculty of Engineering, and the built environment, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Future Leaders Development Course, 2023
    The University of the Witwatersrand
  • Programme in Project Management (PPM), 2020, University of Pretoria, Graduate School of Technology Management, Pretoria, South Africa
  • Matriculation in the Top 100 South Africa, 2003, Mbilwi High School, Full Matric Exemption, Venda, Limpopo Province

Fields of academic interests

  • Characterisation of soft biological tissues using various methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of soft tissue
  • Mechanical testing of soft tissue using biaxial testing machine
  • Trauma Biomechanics

Field of Specialisation

  • Soft Tissue Mechanics
  • Injury Mechanics
  • Computational Biomechanics
  • Biomedical Engineering

Journal articles

Journal publications

  1. N Newell, W Neal, T Pandelani T, D Reinecke, WG Proud, SD Masouros (2016) The dynamic behaviour of the floor of a surrogate vehicle under explosive blast loading, Journal of Materials Science Research, 5(2): 65-73
  2. T Pandelani, TJ Sono, JD Reinecke and GN Nurick,(2016) Impact loading response of the MiL-Lx leg fitted with combat boots, International Journal of Impact Engineering, 62 (26-31)
  3. Z Schuttle, T Pandelani, GS Langdon and JD Reinecke (2019), Simulation of ATD pelvic response of an under body blast, Advances in Engineering Materials, Structures and Systems: Innovations, Mechanics and Applications
  4. C Boyle, D Carpanen, T Pandelani, C Haggins, M Masen and S Masouros, (2020), Lateral pressure equalisation as a principle for designing support surfaces to prevent deep tissue pressure ulcers, PLoS One 15(1):e0227064
  5. Pandelani T and Modungwa D (2022). The response of Military lower extremity and Hybrid III leg using the Hybrid III and EUROSID-2 ATD in vertical loading impacts. Traffic Injury Prevention
  6. Harry Ngwangwa; Fulufhelo Nemavhola; Thanyani Pandelani; Makhosasana Msibi; Israel Mabuda; Neil Davies; Thomas Franz. Determination of Cross-Directional and Cross-Wall Variations of Passive Biaxial Mechanical Properties of Rat Myocardia. Processes 2022, 10(4), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10040629
  7. Zwelihle Ndlovu, Dawood Desai, Thanyani Pandelani, Harry Ngwangwa, and Fulufhelo Nemavhola. Biaxial Estimation of Biomechanical Constitutive Parameters of Passive Porcine Sclera Soft Tissue. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics, vol. 2022, Article ID 4775595, 11 pages, 2022
  8. Nemavhola F., Pandelani T., Ngwangwa H. (2022) Fitting of hyperplastic constitutive models in different sheep heart regions based on biaxial mechanical tests. Russian Journal of Biomechanics, 2022, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 14-24. DOI: 10.15593/RJBiomech/2022.2.02
  9. Ngwangwa H, Pandelani T, Msibi M, Mabuda I, Semakane L, Nemavhola F. (2022) Biomechanical analysis of sheep oesophagus subjected to biaxial testing including hyperelastic constitutive model fitting. Heliyon. 2022 May 5;8(5):e09312. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09312
  10. Ngwangwa, H.M.; Pandelani, T.; Nemavhola, F. The Application of Standard Nonlinear Solid Material Models in Modelling the Tensile Behaviour of the Supraspinatus Tendon. Engineering Solid Mechanics, ISSN 2291-8752 (Online) - ISSN 2291-8744 (Print)
  11. Nemavhola, F., Ngwangwa, H.M.; Pandelani, T.; (2021) Experimental analysis and biaxial biomechanical behaviour of ex-vivo sheep trachea (UNDER REVIEW)
  12. Munyaradzi Charles Rushambwa, Rimer Suvendi, Thanyani Pandelani, Rajkumar Palaniappan, Vikneswaran Vijean and Fizza Ghulam Nabi. “A Review of Optical Ultrasound Imaging Modalities for Intravascular Imaging”. Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, Volume 31, Issue 1, January 2023, 

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.47836/pjst.31.1.17

  13. Pandelani, T., Carpanen, D., & Masouros, S. D. (2024). Evaluating Pelvis Response During Simulated Underbody Blast Loading. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 146(2), 024501. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4064214
  14. Mangalani Edward Miyambo, Daramy Vandi Von Kallon, Thanyani Pandelani, John David Reinecke, Review of the development of the split Hopkinson pressure bar,

    Procedia CIRP, Volume 119, 2023, Pages 800-808, ISSN 2212-8271,

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2023.04.010.

  15. Lebogang Mathebela, Rudzani Sigwadi, Tetelo Lekwana, Harry Ngwangwa, Thanyani Pandelani, Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Dataset from the uniaxial tensile testing of human curly hair fibers under different conditions, Data in Brief, Volume 52, 2024, 109943, ISSN 2352-3409, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109943.
  16. Ngwangwa, H., Pandelani, T & Nemavhola, F. (2023). The application of standard nonlinear solid material models in modelling the tensile behaviour of the supraspinatus tendon.Engineering Solid Mechanics, 11(1), 63-74.
  17. Funeka Faith Pandelani , Suzan Louisa Nnanile Nyalunga & Thanyani Pandelani (2023) Chronic pain: The prevalence of chronic pain in patients attending Soshanguve Community Health Centre, Canadian Journal of Pain, DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2023.2284152
  18. Pandelani T, Ngwangwa H and Nemavhola F (2023) Experimental analysis and biaxial biomechanical behaviour of ex-vivo sheep trachea. Front. Mater. 10:1230789. doi: 10.3389/fmats.2023.1230789

Conference publications

  1. T Pandelani, D Reinecke and F Beetge; In pursuit of vehicle landmine occupant protection: Evaluating the response characteristic of the military lower extremity leg (MiL-Lx) compared to the Hybrid III (HIII) lower leg; 2010, CSIR Outcomes Conference.
  2. T Pandelani, D Reinecke and F Beetge; The evaluation of the South African Surrogate Leg for landmine protection injury measurements; January 2010, SACAM.
  3. T Pandelani; The evaluation of MiL-Lx and Hybrid III Leg using Hybrid III and EUROSID2-re Anthropomorphic Test Devices; September 2012, SACAM.
  4. T Pandelani, JD Reinecke, TJ Sono, R Ahmed, FJ Beetge, P Nkosi, P Dicks, GN Nurick, The Design of a Modified Lower Limb Impactor to Assess Lower Limb Injury at Typical Blast Loading Rates, January 2014, SACAM.
  5. T Pandelani, D Reinecke, M Philippens, F Dosquet and F Beetge; The Practical Evaluation of the MiL-Lx Lower Leg When Subjected to Simulated Vehicle Under Belly Blast Load Conditions, 2010, Personal Armour Safety Symposium (PASS).
  6. T Pandelani. Evaluation of dynamic response characteristics of the MiL-Lx leg compared to the Thor-Lx leg. CSIR Young Researcher Symposium, CSIR, Pretoria, 30-31 October 2011, CSIR Young Researcher Symposium.
  7. M Miyambo and T Pandelani. Characterisation of a Mechanical Deflection Sensor. 4th CSIR Biennial Conference: Real problems relevant solutions, CSIR, Pretoria, 9-10 October 2012, CSIR Young Researcher Symposium.
  8. T Pandelani and M Miyambo. Application of the Mechanical Deflection Sensor in Blast Research, October, 2013, CSIR Young Researcher Symposium.
  9. JD Reinecke, P Ramaloko, R Ahmed, J Stipinovich, T Pandelani and I Snyman; Application of Internal High Speed Imaging for Vehicle Landmine Protection Validation Testing; 30th International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics; September 2012, International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics (ICHSIP)
  10. JD Reinecke, T Pandelani, R Ahmed and I Snyman; High Speed Imaging Evaluation and Characterisation of the Mil-Lx Surrogate Leg; 30th International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics; September 2012.
  11. T Pandelani; The evaluation of MiL-Lx and Hybrid III Leg using Hybrid III and EUROSID2-re Anthropomorphic Test Devices using Military boots; South African Ballistics Organisation Blast and Impact Conference, October 2012.
  12. R Ahmed, A Berndt, D Reinecke, F Beetge and T Pandelani; Methodology for the development of a landmine protected seat, South African Ballistics Organisation Blast and Impact Conference, October 2012.
  13. T Pandelani, D Reinecke and F Beetge; In pursuit of vehicle landmine occupant protection: Evaluating the response characteristic of the military lower extremity leg (MiL-Lx) compared to the Hybrid III (HIII) lower leg; 2010, CSIR Outcomes Conference.
  14. T Pandelani, D Reinecke and F Beetge; The evaluation of the South African Surrogate Leg for landmine protection injury measurements; January 2010, SACAM.
  15. T Pandelani; The evaluation of MiL-Lx and Hybrid III Leg using Hybrid III and EUROSID2-re Anthropomorphic Test Devices; September 2012, SACAM.
  16. T Pandelani, JD Reinecke, TJ Sono, R Ahmed, FJ Beetge, P Nkosi, P Dicks, GN Nurick, The Design of a Modified Lower Limb Impactor to Assess Lower Limb Injury at Typical Blast Loading Rates, January 2014, SACAM.
  17. T Pandelani, D Reinecke, M Philippens, F Dosquet and F Beetge; The Practical Evaluation of the MiL-Lx Lower Leg When Subjected to Simulated Vehicle Under Belly Blast Load Conditions, 2010, Personal Armour Safety Symposium (PASS).
  18. T Pandelani. Evaluation of dynamic response characteristics of the MiL-Lx leg compared to the Thor-Lx leg. CSIR Young Researcher Symposium, CSIR, Pretoria, 30-31 October 2011, CSIR Young Researcher Symposium.
  19. M Miyambo and T Pandelani. Characterisation of a Mechanical Deflection Sensor. 4th CSIR Biennial Conference: Real problems relevant solutions, CSIR, Pretoria, 9-10 October 2012, CSIR Young Researcher Symposium.
  20. T Pandelani and M Miyambo. Application of the Mechanical Deflection Sensor in Blast Research, October, 2013, CSIR Young Researcher Symposium.
  21. JD Reinecke, P Ramaloko, R Ahmed, J Stipinovich, T Pandelani and I Snyman; Application of Internal High Speed Imaging for Vehicle Landmine Protection Validation Testing; 30th International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics; September 2012, International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics (ICHSIP)
  22. JD Reinecke, T Pandelani, R Ahmed and I Snyman; High Speed Imaging Evaluation and Characterisation of the Mil-Lx Surrogate Leg; 30th International Congress on High-Speed Imaging and Photonics; September 2012.
  23. T Pandelani; The evaluation of MiL-Lx and Hybrid III Leg using Hybrid III and EUROSID2-re Anthropomorphic Test Devices using Military boots; South African Ballistics Organisation Blast and Impact Conference, October 2012.
  24. R Ahmed, A Berndt, D Reinecke, F Beetge and T Pandelani; Methodology for the development of a landmine protected seat, South African Ballistics Organisation Blast and Impact Conference, October 2012.
  25. T Pandelani, JD Reinecke, TJ Sono, R Ahmed, FJ Beetge, P Nkosi, P Dicks and GN Nurick. 2014. The design of a modified lower limb impactor to assess lower limb injury at typical blast loading rates. The 9th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, Stellenbosch University, NH Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West, South Africa, 14 - 16 January 2014
  26. T Pandelani, TJ Sono, JD Reinecke and GN Nurick, The response of the MiL-Lx leg fitted with combat boots under impact loading, January 2014, 4th International Conference on Impact of Lightweight Structures.
  27. T Pandelani, JD Reinecke, TJ Sono, FJ Beetge and P Nkosi, An assessment of the response of Military lower extremity and Hybrid III leg during typical blast impact using the Hybrid III and EUROSID-2 ATD, 2014, Personal Armour Safety Symposium (PASS).
  28. T Pandelani and R Ahmed, The Effect Of The Tibia Element On The Tibia Response due to Impact Loading, SABO, 2014
  29. R Ahmed and T Pandelani, Using Dynamic Response Index as a spinal injury predictor, SABO, 2014
  30. T Pandelani, Z Schutte and E Wium, Experimental and Numerical Validation of a Simplified Rigid Torso Surrogate used for Investigating the Fluid Structure Interaction of Air Blast Waves, 2018, 11th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM 2018)
  31. T Pandelani, N Newell, AP Pearce and D Stinner, The use of Hybrid III ATD to assess the effect of body armour in under body blast injuries, 2018, IRCOBI
  32. D Carpanen, C Webster, T Pandelani, G Grigoriadis, N Newell, j Clasper and S Mosouros, Lower extremity flail is implicated in fatal injury due to anti-personnel mines, 8th World Congress of Biomechanics, 8-12 July 2018, Dublin, Ireland.
  33. T Pandelani, Z Schutte, R Ahmed, D Reinecke, Blast overpressure effects of PE4 on a simplified rigid torso. IBS 2019, India.
  34. Z Schutte, T Pandelani, GS Langdon, C Mahlase, R Ahmed. Simulation of ATD pelvic response of an under body blast. SEMC 2019.
  35. Z Schutte, T Pandelani, I Snyman, GS Langdon. Simulation of a capsule subjected to an under body blast. SAIMechE 2018.
  36. T Pandelani, Z Schutte, Blast overpressure of different explosives using the Blast Test Device. SABO 2018.
  37. Pandelani, S.D. Masouros, J.L. Calvo-Gallego (2022). Application of quasi-linear viscoelasticity for the characterisation of human buttocks adipose tissue, Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  38. H Ngwangwa, L Semakane, F Nemavhola, Pandelani and D. Modungwa, Modelling of biaxial tensile behaviour of the tracheal tissue using three exponential-based hyperelastic constitutive models, (2022) Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  39. H Ngwangwa, M Msibi, I Mabuda, F Nemavhola, T Pandelani (2022) Evaluating the tensile behaviour of rat myocardium across its three walls from biaxial tensile test data, Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  40. M. Ngwangwa, F.J. Nemavhola and T Pandelani, (2022) Investigation of the performance of different constitutive models on omasum uniaxial tensile behaviour, Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  41. T Pandelani D. Modungwa, S. Hamilton, J Reinecke, (2022) Comparison of TNT to PE4 charge using a simplified rigid torso, Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  42. Tolu Babawarun, H Ngwangwa, A.G. Netshivhulana, T Pandelani, (2022). Evaluating static and modal responses of a small scale conventional and bio-inspired wind turbine blade, Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  43. Mathebela, T. Lekwana, H. Ngwangwa, T. Pandelani, F. Nemavhola (2022), The dynamic tensile loading on the mechanical properties of singly curly fiber, (2022). , Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  44. Pandelani, S.D. Masouros, J.L. Calvo-Gallego (2022), Application of quasi-linear viscoelasticity for the characterisation of human buttocks adipose tissue, Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems, DOI: 10.1201/9781003348450-58
  45. T Pandelani, D Carpanen, and S Mosouros. Evaluating Pelvis Response During Simulated Underbody Blast Loading. (2022). International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE2022)
  46. Thanyani Pandelani, David Reinecke and Dithoto Modungwa. “Characterisation of home-made explosives such as ANFO and NM against a military grade explosive, PE4, in open air environment”, South African Ballistics Symposium, Pretoria, 2023 (SABO 2023)
  47. Thanyani Pandelani, Ballistics: experimental and computational model verification for prediction of blast pressure waves using the blast test device, Proceedings: The 33rd International Symposium on Ballistics, 2023, ISBN: 978-1-60595-692-3
  48. Thanyani Pandelani, Comparison of the effect of home-made explosives such as ANFO AND NM against a military grade explosive, PE4, in open air environment, 26th International Symposium on Military Aspects of Blast and Shock (MABS26), Australia, 3-8 December 2023
  49. Thanyani Pandelani, Evaluation of the effects of hemispherical TNT charges compared to PE4, 26th International Symposium on Military Aspects of Blast and Shock (MABS26), Australia, 3-8 December 2023
  50. E. Miyambo, S. Kotole, M. Mokalane, A. Clarke, and D. Reinecke, T. Pandelani, Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar compression test simulation and experimental validation of commercially pure copper specimens, The 13th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM 2024), 22 - 23 January 2024, Cape Town, South Africa
  51. Mabuda, T. Pandelani, H. Ngwangwa, F. Nemavhola. Appropriate mode of storage of porcine heart myocardia without tempering with its passive mechanical properties, The 13th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM 2024), 22 - 23 January 2024, Cape Town, South Africa
  52. Lebogang Mathebela, Rudzani Sigwadi, Tetelo Lekwana, Harry Ngwangwa, Thanyani Pandelani, Fulufhelo Nemavhola, The effect of optimization model on the accuracy of constitutive model, 13th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM 2024), 22 - 23 January 2024, Cape Town, South Africa
  53. Lebogang Lebea; Fulufhelo Nemavhola; Harry Ngwangwa; Thanyani Pandelani; Dithoto Modungwa, Investigations of hyperelastic constitute models of healthy and cancerous breast cells at various strain rates, 6th African Conference on Computational Mechanics (AfriComp 6), Cape Town, South Africa, 26-28 February 2024
  54. Thanyani Pandelani; Jose Luis Calvo Gallego, Viscoelastic Characterization of Human Adipose Tissue Using Fung's Quasi-Linear Viscoelastic, 6th African Conference on Computational Mechanics (AfriComp 6), Cape Town, South Africa, 26-28 February 2024
  55. Thanyani Pandelani, Numerical Analysis of Blast Pressure using Blast Test Device, 6th African Conference on Computational Mechanics (AfriComp 6), Cape Town, South Africa, 26-28 February 2024

Book Chapters

  1. Chapter 7: Augmented Reality Interface for Additive Manufacturing of Biomedical Applications, Digital Design and Manufacturing of Medical Devices and Systems,  978-981-99-7099-5, 533616_1_En
  2. Chapter 10: 3D-Printed Smart Implants in Orthopedic Surgery, Digital Design and Manufacturing of Medical Devices and Systems,  978-981-99-7099-5, 533616_1_En

Books

  1. F Nemavhola and T Pandelani ( Ed), Handbook of Physical and Mechanical Testing of Soft Tissues, CRC Press/Taylor and Francis, Publication October 2024

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

  • Engineering Council of South Africa – Candidate Engineer ( Since 2008)
  • South African Ballistic Organisation ( Since 2023)
  • The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) ( Since 2007)

Projects

  1. Mechanobiology of the corneal endothelium
  2. Manufacture of 3D printed dental implants using advanced ceramics based materials
  3. Determining the effects of strain rate on uniaxial tensile behavior of single curly fiber
  4. Appropriate Mode of storage of Porcine heart myocardium
  5. Evaluation of Spine Injury Criteria
  6. Mechanical characterization of infarcted rat myocardium with injected hydrogels
  7. Abdominal aortic new materials for replacement
  8. Mechanical Characterisation and Mathematical Modelling of Lactiferous Ducts
  9. Mathematical modelling and mechanical characterisation of the additive manufactured titanium-based alloys for biomedical engineering applications – focussed on bone implants
  10. Topography optimisation of a circular external fixator
  11. Design optimization and development of the pneumatic foot prosthetic
  12. In-vitro anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytokines evaluation of selected plants with medicinal properties and the applicability in mechanobiology
  13. Gait analysis of an adjustable prosthesis in below knee amputee
  14. The development of a predictive model through Pharmacogenomics

Other

Career Highlights

  • Development of the new SANDF Camouflage Uniform ( 2020-2023)
  • Specification and design of the pressures in CSIR L.I.F.E.’ (Lung Inspiratory Flow Enabler) ventilator
  • Member of the South African National Authority in Landmine and IED vehicle protection ( 2010- Current).
  • Member of the International NATO Scientific Committee, Human Factors and Medicine Task Group 198 – ( 2010-2013).
  • Member of the International NATO Scientific Committee, Human Factors and Medicine Task Group 270 – ( 2016-2018).
  • Member of the International NATO Scientific Committee, Human Factors and Medicine Task Group 271 – ( 2017-2020).
  • Member of the Team that published NATO AEP 55 Volume 2 ed 2 - Procedures for evaluating the protection level of armoured vehicles - mine threat ( 2010)
  • Member of the Team that published NATO AEP 55 Volume 3 ed 1 - Procedures for evaluating the protection level of armoured vehicles - IED threat ( 2014)
  • Establishing a core trauma biomechanics research and test capability within CSIR –LS. This includes development of a range of unique blast simulators, mechanical load simulators as well as acquisition of critical test and measurement equipment such as side Impact Dummy, Blast Test Device (BTD), Drop Test Rig to asses’ human injury.

Selected Awards, Honours and Achievement

  • Judge of National Science Expo (2012)
  • University of Cape Town, Dean’s merit list (2005-2006)
  • CSIR Defence, Peace, Safety and Security Science excellence award in the category

Mentor (2010)

  • CSIR Defence, Peace, Safety and Security Science excellence award in the category

Emerging researcher award (2015)

  • Imperial College London Prestigious scholarship for PhD studies abroad (2015).

Short Biography

Prof Thanyani Pandelani is currently Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Design, Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Additive Manufacturing in the School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Africa. he occupies the position of Associate Chair for Quality Assurance within the Department of Mechanical, Bioresources, and Biomedical Engineering. In this role, his primary focus is to uphold and enhance the quality standards across various dimensions of the department. This includes ensuring excellence in teaching methodologies, rigorous assessment and moderation processes, and full compliance with all requirements set forth by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). His efforts are geared towards maintaining a high level of educational quality, fostering an environment of continuous improvement, and ensuring that the department's offerings meet both national and international benchmarks of engineering education.

Prof Pandelani is the leader at Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Innovation (CBEHI) at the University of South Africa; this is a complex multi country, multi centre research programme. The centre is a hub for scholarly activity in the field of biomedical engineering, supporting a diverse array of Masters and PhD students as they explore a wide range of topics within this discipline. Under Prof. Pandelani's leadership, the CBEHI has become a beacon of innovation and excellence in research. He is actively involved in mentoring a broad spectrum of individuals, from undergraduate students to interns and junior colleagues, in addition to providing direct supervision to both Master's and Doctoral candidates. His role extends beyond supervision, as he also imparts crucial technical expertise and offers advice across various fields. Prof. Pandelani's comprehensive approach ensures that the centre not only advances in its research endeavors but also cultivates a rich learning environment for students and professionals at all levels of their academic and professional journeys.

Professor Pandelani distinguishes himself through his specialized technical expertise in the domain of human vulnerability research, with a particular focus on trauma resulting from blast incidents. His unique position as the sole biomedical engineer in the country possessing such a specialized skill set underscores the critical importance of his work. The specificity of his expertise not only contributes significantly to the field of biomedical engineering but also highlights a pressing need within the academic and research community. There is a clear imperative to develop more professionals and scholars in this niche area of study. Given the complex and evolving nature of trauma from blasts, which encompasses both military and civilian scenarios, Prof. Pandelani's knowledge is invaluable. It addresses a crucial gap in understanding and mitigating the effects of such incidents on human health and safety. His role transcends the boundaries of conventional research; it involves pioneering efforts to develop effective strategies, protective measures, and therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, his work lays the foundation for expanding academic curricula and research initiatives to cultivate future experts in this field, thereby strengthening the national and international capacity to deal with the challenges posed by blast trauma.

His research is critical and novel, with the focus on saving human lives. The research creates a shift in the paradigm by which blast on the human body is mitigated and managed. The beneficiaries of this work are communities, the SANDF, Tertiary Education institutes (TEIS), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other national and international agencies that are working on human vulnerability due to explosions. The ultimate beneficiary, of course, is the casualty with these injuries, and society and economy through prevention of injuries.