Prof Martin van Eldik obtained a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the North-West University in Potchefstroom. He is an associate professor in the School of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering where his research group focus on research relevant to the thermal-fluid industry with the emphasis on energy systems. The field of application is mainly the commercial, industrial and mining sectors. This include research into the next generation of heat pumps including the use of CO2 as refrigerant for high temperature applications.

Jat du Toit is professor of Mechanical Engineering at the North-West University. He obtained a B.Eng. (Hons.)(Civil) and a M.Eng.(Civil) from the University of Stellenbosch and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. He has published more than 100 papers in international and national journals and conference proceedings and was the co-editor of the proceedings of two conferences.