Prof Herman Kramer of Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, a Mellon Visiting Mentor, was hosted by Professor Alison Lewis of the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Working with young students with "brilliant ideas" is an ideal way to spend a sabbatical, said Professor Herman Kramer of Delft University of Technology, Netherlands.

Kramer, a Mellon Visiting Mentor, was speaking at his farewell function after three months in the chemical engineering department, hosted by Professor Alison Lewis.

"I tried to use my experience to focus the students a bit on the subject, whether in the laboratory or dealing with theoretical problems."

With a PhD from the University of Leiden, Kramer has worked in scientific research at the Radiobiological Institute of TNO Rijswijk, on a project on dosimetry and the biological effects of ultraviolet radiation.

He conducted his postdoctoral studies at Delft, where he is now responsible for research into industrial evaporative and cooling crystallisation and industrial milling processes.

Kramer said he had particularly enjoyed worked with students at UCT individually, discussing specific crystallisation problems.

He said students were innovative and creative in finding solutions at all levels.

"They don't think too much about rules. They find solutions. We miss this in the 'old world'."