CPUT clinches Research Chairs
ACHIEVEMENT: CPUT has been selected to participate in the South African Research Chairs Initiative.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
CPUT has beaten competition from hundreds of applicants to participate in the revered South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi).
An initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, CPUT has been given the go-ahead to set up Research Chairs in the areas of Teacher Education and in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa.
The Chairs aim to develop world-class experts in specific research areas who can contribute to the overall development of South Africa.
Coordinated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) the Chairs are sought after in the higher education landscape as they provide universities with much-needed funds to achieve their research and developmental goals.
Combined the Chairs awarded to CPUT are worth R5 million.
Dean of Education, Maureen Robinson, says the Chair in Teacher Education will impact research activities in the Faculty.
“This will enhance the status of teacher education as a field of study in its own right, extend national and international links, and deepen our knowledge about the topic. In the longer term, one would hope that this would contribute to improving the quality of teaching in South Africa,” she says.
SCIENCE: One of the research chairs will focus on small satellite development.
Meanwhile, Director of F’SATI, Prof Robert van Zyl, says the Chair in Innovative Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa, will allow them to expand on their current research and innovation activities,
“It also provides us with the necessary long-term sustainability to plan strategically for the future. The sky is truly not the limit for our Programme,” he says.
Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo described the awarding of the Chairs as a milestone for CPUT.
He said it will ensure that the University becomes a research intensive institution and makes a meaningful impact in the regional system of innovation.
By Candes Keating
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
News categories
- Advancement 13
- Alumni 77
- Awards 46
- Campus Life 20
- Community Engagement 161
- Disability Unit 12
- Applied Sciences 108
- Business & Management Sciences 94
- Education 96
- Engineering & the Built Environment 140
- Health & Wellness Sciences 116
- Informatics & Design 82
- Fundani CHED 24
- Funding 17
- GBV 16
- Graduation 88
- HIV/Aids Unit 39
- Know Your CPUT 65
- Libraries 18
- News 3777
- RTIP 295
- Residences (Accommodation) 15
- Staff 657
- SIIP 37
- Students 1309
- Student Health 44
- Sport, Arts & Culture 126
- SRC 4
- Student Affairs 11
- University Leadership 19
- Varsity Shield 17
- Vice-Chancellor 22
- Work-Integrated Learning 21
- THENSA 11
