Ten new NRF-rated researchers for CPUT

CPUT researchers and the Directorate Research Development are reaping the rewards of their hard work with ten researchers recently obtaining a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating for the first time.

The researchers are:

• Dr Enas Ismail - Faculty of Applied Sciences - Y2 rating
• Prof Mangaka Matoetoe Applied Sciences - C2 rating
• Prof Felix Nchu - Faculty of Applied Sciences - C2 rating
• Dr Jonas Sagbo - Faculty of Applied Sciences - Y2 rating
• Prof Candice Livingston - Faculty of Education - C3 rating
• Dr Sweta Patnaik - Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment - Y2 rating
• Dr Ayodele Periola- Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment - Y2 rating
• Dr Shanel Raghubeer - Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences - Y2 rating
• Prof LJ (Nic) Theo - Faculty of Informatics and Design - C3 rating
• Dr Joseph Adebayo - Faculty of Informatics and Design - C2 rating

In addition, four researchers improved their ratings.

They are:

• Prof Ayesha Jacobs - Faculty of Applied Sciences - C3 to C2
• Prof Victoria Jideani - Faculty of Applied Sciences - C3 to C2
• Prof Agnes Chigona - Faculty of Education - C2 to C1
• Prof Tunde Ojumu - Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment - C3 to C2

According to the NRF, the ratings are allocated based on a researcher’s recent research outputs and impact as perceived by international peer reviewers. The rating of individuals is based primarily on the quality and impact of their research outputs over the past eight years, taking into consideration the evaluation made by local and international peers. It identifies researchers who count among the leaders in their fields of expertise and gives recognition to those who constantly produce high quality research outputs. Ratings that are awarded in the following categories:

• A – Leading international researchers.
• B – Internationally acclaimed researchers.
• C – Established researchers.
• P – Prestigious Awards.
• Y – Promising young researchers.

Prof Dina Burger, Director of the Directorate Research Development, said the Directorate was very proud of the NRF rated researchers and especially the number of NRF rated researchers as this reflects the contribution that CPUT continues to make in growing the next generation of research and industry leaders.

“CPUT, under my leadership since the end of 2016 as Director: Research Development, has grown its NRF rated researchers to where it stands today. Today, CPUT has the highest number of NRF rated researchers amongst universities of technology in South Africa. The growth in our NRF rated researcher cohort did not occur in the absence of a carefully considered strategy on the part of the Directorate Research Development,” she said.

“Our strategy is to grow the next generation of research and industry leaders through a career-focused approach with a specific focus on each researcher’s individual research career planning. This is accomplished through tailor-designed training courses, individual mentoring interventions and external specialist advice.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za