The Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC (SMRI) is a central scientific organisation involved in research work and technical services for the southern African sugarcane processing industry, the purpose being to enable the sustainability of the industry in both the short and long term. The institute was founded in 1949 and is located on the Howard College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in the heart of the sugar belt of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The institute provides a package of technical services including research and development, analytical and information services and training to its members, depending on their category of membership. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the SMRI is to be a world-class research institute, supporting the southern African sugarcane processing industry in its goal of global competitiveness. The institute commits to achieve this by providing: - International leadership in sugar science research; - Innovative, cost-effective solutions to cane and sugar processing and refining problems; - Development, optimisation and transfer of new technologies for competitive advantage; - Appropriate analytical, consulting, communication and information services; - State-of-the-art training for sugar technologists; - Challenging projects, recognition for achievement, and opportunities for continuous learning for its employees.