A short summary of Andrew's research: 

My research focusses on risk and reliability in civil engineering. From a young age, I've always been inquisitive as to how things are designed and made, and particularly so for large structures - bridges, tall buildings and the like. I always wondered though: How strong is strong enough? Designing something that's stronger than it needs to be is a waste of materials, resources and time, but designing something that's not strong puts lives at risk. That balance point between safety (or reliability) and economy in structures is called target reliability, which represents the basis of modern structural design. My research focusses on determining target reliability for various structures.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

Structures which are designed to appropriate levels of reliability ensure that the people who use them are not exposed to unacceptable levels of risk while, at the same time, the construction of these "optimal" structures are more sustainable in their use of material and public funds, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9: To build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles postdoctoral researchers are faced with?

Postdocs seldom have research fellowships which last longer than a year. The process of applying for, waiting for review and receiving funding from most public funding agencies often takes near to a year. As a result, longer-term research projects (where funding is more substantial) are often out of reach for postdocs, making long-term research planning considerably difficult. Linked to this, postdocs often struggle with constant anxiety related to where their next "pay-check" will come from, and especially so for those who need to support families.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support postdoctoral researchers?

Postdocs are often from other institutions and struggle to initiate collaborations with researchers at the new institution. A structured program where postdocs can meet and get to know academics at the new institution creates both a support network, as well as a place where postdocs can "kickstart" their research at the new institution through collaborations and knowledge sharing.

What excites you about your work? 

The research I do contributes to keeping people safe, helps to promote sustainability in the construction industry and makes the most effective use of public funds for the betterment of society, which is particularly important in South Africa, and that excites me. In my teaching and student supervision, I am particularly excited that have the privilege of being able to sow into the lives of young adults who are the future of our country, and abroad.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

Being an extrovert, I really enjoy Latin American and ballroom dancing. I guess that's because it's people-centric, while at the same time, it requires me to engage a completely different part of my brain from my research. I also love listening to a wide variety of music, whether just through headphones or at concerts at the university music conserve. I enjoy spending time with the church community that has become a home away from home for me.

How has the postdoctoral researcher programme of SU contributed to your research career? 

Coming from working in industry to pursue a career in academia, the postdoc programme has given me a great platform from which to start that journey. A strong focus on research has helped me to develop my skills as a researcher, while the opportunity to supervise postgraduate students and teach an undergraduate module part-time have given me a good holistic academic grounding.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future postdoctoral researchers?

Make sure you find good support networks, both socially and academically. Being a postdoc can be difficult and lonely - a good support network can mean the difference between coping, and losing your mind!

Connect with Andrew and his work: 

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew_Way3
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0301-2755