WSU HOSTS NRF FOR COLLABORATIVE DIALOGUE ON RESEARCH AND POSTGRADUATE SUPPORT

The Directorate of Research & Innovation (DRI) in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) held an exclusive strategic engagement to discuss key issues that affect postgraduate students, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows on Tuesday.

Speaking at the engagement, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs & Research, Professor Elphina Cishe said, “We are very honoured to be visited by the NRF today and I hope this engagement not only strengthens our partnership and collaboration but also leads to smoother processes between the university and NRF for the benefit of researchers.”

In line with the research and postgraduate office, part of the engagement focused on the latest developments in postgraduate, postdoctoral, and emerging researcher funding to improve support systems for NRF-funded individuals and applicants.

One of the successes of the partnership between WSU and NRF is emulated in the drastic increase of NRF-rated researchers which was highlighted by Director: Special Advisor Academic Affairs, Dr Kedibone Chembe who represented the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

“Ther’s a lot of things that the university is doing in this area, and I think this is one of the engagements that cement our efforts. As part of its strategic goals the university we take the research project very seriously,” said Chembe.

The Acting Director of the Directorate of Research & Innovation, Professor Siyabonga Mxunyelwa said the engagement plays a part in the institution’s efforts to develop research.

He further expressed his interest in finding ways to synchronise processes with NRF in terms of research and innovation, and postgraduate studies at the university.

“We are on a journey, as an institution, of trying to intensify research and innovation and postgraduate studies and these are very strategic partners that will help us to increase the number of postgraduate students and NRF-rated researchers,” said Mxunyelwa.

He added, “These engagements really help us a lot in terms of building a research and postgraduate studies profile as a university.”

Two additional sessions were conducted with grant holders to discuss their experiences, address challenges, and provide education on NRF post-awards processes.

Meanwhile, another engagement, reserved for prospective postgraduate students and emerging researchers, focused on grant applications, call dates, and documentation for the 2025 cycle.

The Professional Officer responsible for Postgraduate programs at NRF, Busisiwe Sibiya said, “At NRF we’ve realised that it is important to be physically present in institutions and find out about the students’ experiences and challenges. One of the most significant things of our programs seeing the impact on people’s lives because we aim to transform the lives of researchers.”

By Ongezwa Sigodi