CPUT has upped its gear on research and innovation by embracing the objectives of the Development Research Uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa (Drussa) programme that address its challenges as an emerging university of technology.
CPUT is one of 24 universities in Africa selected to participate in the Drussa programme.
The programme aims to help universities develop capacity and strategies that will see locally contextualised developmental research outcomes used to address specific challenges in Africa. It also serves as a guide to universities on how to improve accessibility to their research outcomes, which can be used by organizations and governments to inform policies.
Funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, the programme will run over five years. During this period, various programmes and training courses will be rolled out.
The first training session kicked off in mid-September and saw representatives from the universities attend a short-course on Research Uptake Management and Science Communication. Developed by the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) at the University of Stellenbosch, the course is a first of its kind in Africa.
In 2013 various programmes on formulating policies will be rolled-out.
CPUT’s DVC Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships will officially launch the program on Thursday, 4 October, at the Bellville Campus.
In attendance will be representatives of the Drussa programme and 28 champions from across CPUT that have been identified as key role-players in ensuring the university’s implementation of an effective Research Uptake strategy at CPUT.
By Candes Keating and Kwanele Butana
Written by CPUT News
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