Research activities at South Africa’s 23 universities were put under the spotlight at the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Forum.

Hosted by CPUT, the round table discussion was chaired by the university’s DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo.

From journal publications to growing the research sector, no stone was left unturned as academics debated a range of research issues facing the higher education sector.

The forum also presented an opportunity for academics to share their best research practices, while topics such as research ethics, salaries of research chair holders and research outputs were explored.

The forum also heard addresses delivered by members of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Gansen Pillay from the NRF welcomed the lively debate and opportunity to interact with the leaders of research at universities.

“We must have candid conversations because all universities want the same thing – what is best for the system,” says Pillay.

The Department of Higher Education's Chief Director of University Policy and Development, Mahlubi Mabizela, also welcomed the round table discussions.

“The input from the forum is appreciated. We factor it into our discussions and decision-making,” says Mabizela.

Dr Nhlapo says the forum produced fruitful results and encouraged guests to continuously liaise with the NRF as well as the DHET, in order to strengthen the national system of innovation.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Forum being hosted by CPUT is in full swing today.

The event kicked off with a dinner at the plush Cape Town Hotel school on Thursday evening where around 26 Research Leaders from across the country attended.

SHARE: Guest speaker Nasima Badsha works to encourage collaboration between the four Western Cape universities

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships at CPUT, Dr Chris Nhlapo welcomed the guests warmly and expressed his pleasure at hosting the bi-annual event.

He also encouraged guests to set aside their competitiveness in favour of an atmosphere of sharing.

“This event is not just for CPUT, it is for all of us,” he says.

“We can share best practices and knowledge. Competition can be destructive.”

Guest speaker Nasima Badsha from the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) echoed Dr Nhlapo’s message while describing the work her institution does.

CHEC promotes collaboration between the four Western Cape universities CPUT, Stellenbosch, UCT and UWC and markets the region as an education hub.

The body is also currently tracking all 2010 graduates from these institutions for a major study on the career growth of students.

Today the forum will hear addresses delivered by members of the National Research Foundation and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

A delegation from the Ethiopian Embassy will also present their research capacity development project.

By Lauren Kansley

Photos by Clive Galant

Written by CPUT News
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Leaders in research in South Africa are set to descend on CPUT for the bi-annual Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Forum.

Established in 2008, the forum offers a platform for key role players in the higher education sector to share best practices in research and innovation.

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships at CPUT, Dr Chris Nhlapo says the forum will also allow the DVCs to debate and engage on a variety of research issues from funding to PhD study programmes.

“Experience worldwide has shown that the effective research and innovation management of Higher Education institutions, networks, and collaboration is the core factor for their sustainability. Therefore, this platform of the DVC forum is a step in the right direction,” says Dr Nhlapo.

The forum will also get input from key role-players in the South African research scene, with addresses delivered by members of the National Research Foundation and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

A delegation from the Ethiopian Embassy will also present their research capacity development project.

“I certainly believe that the forum will bear fruitful results and lay the foundation for future research and innovation management in South Africa, thereby strengthening our national system of innovation,” says Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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