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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research activities at CPUT are set to intensify with the roll-out of five additional research chairs.

The chairs are internally funded and will bring the number of research chairs at CPUT to nine.

The university currently has four chairs that are funded by external partners.

This includes a Chair in Wholesale and Retail Leadership, which is funded by the Wholesale and Retail Seta as well as Chairs in Teacher Education, Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology and Small Satellite Technology and Applications for Africa, which are funded by the National Research Foundation.

The roll-out of the new research chairs comes as the university prepares to launch its seven focus research areas, which form part of the Research and Technology Innovation Blueprint (RTI), a strategy document that sets CPUT’s research agenda.

Dr Chris Nhlapo, DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, who is driving the RTI, says each focus area will be anchored by a chair, which will be responsible to drive research in the identified area.

 “These individuals will have to set an agenda for the focus areas as well as set up niche areas,” says Nhlapo.

The new chairs will focus on the areas of energy, climate change and environment, human and social dynamics, including issues related to service delivery, economic growth and international competitiveness as well as design for sustainability.

The existing chairs will support the focus area of bio-economy and biotechnology and space science and technology.

Nhlapo says the choice of these focus areas have been informed by CPUT’s strengths, areas likely to make the strongest contribution to strategic imperatives and national priorities as well as the need to support a multi-disciplinary approach to research and innovation.

Written by Candes Keating
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.