The 12 graduands who will receive their doctoral qualifications during the upcoming Summer Graduation Ceremony were recently given a platform to highlight their research findings and possible impact on society.
This was the aim of the first Research Uptake: Doctoral Graduates seminar organised by the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Office and Centre for Postgraduate Studies on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, held at Bellville Campus. Under the theme: Potential Societal Impact of Research, doctoral graduands presented their research on a high level and discussed its impact on society. Manager Research Uptake: SIP, Dr Nelisiwe Maleka, who was one of the organisers, said the doctoral graduands were joined by their supervisors, representatives from the faculties and Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships.
The list of doctoral graduands who attended the event included:
- Michael Agenbag from Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAD).
- Warren Charles from Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS).
- Martha Grewe, FBMS.
- Maryna De Lange from Faculty of Education.
- Howard Fawkes, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE).
- Olukayode Ayodele, FEBE.
- Mohamed Almihat, FEBE.
- Gideon Joubert, FEBE.
- Faeda Mohsam from Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID).
However, there were graduands who couldn’t attend the event due to work commitments:
- Gareth Holtman, FEBE.
- Leo Folifac, FEBE.
- Monica Nehemia, FID.
In his opening address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, said: “Dear graduates there are those who now and, in the future, will express cynicism and doubts about your qualifications and the impact your research endeavours could have on society. It is the nature of existence as researchers and scholars, and this goes back to as far back as Galileo. Remember that this polymath from antiquity promoted the idea that the earth rotates daily and revolves around the sun, and this was met with opposition from within the church and from some fellow astronomers.”
Phaho continued: “Considering the significant societal and global challenges we face in areas such as food security, water and sanitation, energy, climate change, and public health, universities and other publicly funded organisations are expected to do more to address these challenges.”
Maleka said throughout the numerous presentations, attendees had an opportunity to learn more about doctoral research studies that are responsive to societal needs and challenges, their alignment to CPUT Research Focus Areas and Sustainable Development Goals.
Agenbag, a graduand, said the seminar created an initial space for them to share their research contribution to CPUT’s leadership regarding their commitment to CPUT’s research objectives and “how our input from our long research journey focuses on societal challenges and needs”. “It was also great to hear the research from other doctorandi and to be aware of the level of research that CPUT conducts. This seminar should undoubtedly become a regular for all doctoral graduates. The forum creates opportunities to share research done at CPUT and network with each other and different faculties and programmes.
“It was a positive experience and a salute to the organisers for this initiative.”
“Listening to these insightful presentations has renewed our passion, fervour, and enthusiasm for research as we have learnt of different expertise sparking insightful engaging discussions. A heartfelt thanks to our dedicated faculty members, mentors, and advisors who have played a pivotal role in nurturing students, academic and research prowess in the university,” CPGS Coordinator, Dr Thandazile Mhlongo observed.
Mhlongo said: “What a wonderful enlightening and thought-provoking Doctoral Graduate Seminar… It has been a wonderful experience witnessing not only the culmination of hard work through research and dedication done over the years by the doctoral candidates, but also the promise of a future where research becomes a catalyst for positive change in society through the work done in CPUT.”
“My humble advice to all of you as you embark on what I no doubt believe will be great careers, is that you must always be resilient, engender self-discipline, adopt an uncompromising work ethic and self-belief in that what you do now and for the rest of your days,” Phaho remarked.
Mhlongo also acknowledged the contribution made by the “chair Prof Izak [Van Zyl], the organising committee who are the behind-the-scenes heroes who worked so hard to ensure the smooth execution of this seminar”. “Finally, a sincere thank you to all the participants and attendees who have contributed to the success of this event. It is hoped that after this seminar colleagues will foster an environment conducive to intellectual growth and collaboration.”
Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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