Languages: 
Senior lecturer and Researcher in WSU’s Mathematical Sciences and Computing Department, Doctor William Vambe has recently become one of the awardees in the International Society of Pitching Research for Responsible Science (InSPIReS) Pitch Mentoring Program.
InSPIReS is a research network with a global focus on research training and capacity building and is built on the tenet of responsible science.
Vambe joined the Pitch mentoring programme, an initiative between WSU and Australian Bond University in 2022, where early career academics and postgraduate students of WSU could enrol and take advantage of the mentoring process.
Out of the initial fifteen participants of the first phase of the programme, Vambe became the only WSU academic to make it through the six following stages, and subsequently became a joint first place winner with Mr Gromyko Ngwenya.
“It was scrumptious to the mind and eye opening as far as research is concerned. I even used the knowledge gained there on my teaching of computer science research methodologies module for my honour’s students. It makes research simple and interesting. Furthermore, the mentorship we got from the International accredited researchers in our fields was the best. I am grateful to Prof James Todd who was my mentor throughout,” said Vambe.
Vambe added that the programme helped to show that research is not about quantity, but quality. It helped participants to communicate their research in an academic way whilst drawing attention to readers so that they could understand clearly what the researcher wanted to communicate.
“As a lecturer, the students I teach and supervise will benefit from this international experience. Research informs teaching and teaching informs research. I believe I will produce Crème de la crème students who will love research and solve real life problem through it. Secondly, as a researcher, I have started benefiting from this exposure because just this year, I have already published one paper in an International Journal.
Through this experience, Vambe has also garnered an opportunity to present a paper at the 2023 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computing and Data Communication Systems (icABCD) which will be hosted by South Africa and Mauritius.
Professor Joseph Akande, who spearheaded the Pitch Mentoring Programme at WSU said: “Winning such an award can have several positive implications for the institution as it showcases the institution's commitment to academic excellence and highlights the calibre of the faculty members. The award acts as external validation of the University's quality and can enhance its reputation nationally or even internationally.”
Furthermore, WSU can leverage the network and expertise to establish new partnerships, joint research initiatives, and interdisciplinary projects. This can foster innovation and enhance the University's academic standing for a university that seeks to be a technologically impactful African University.
By Yanga Ziwele
