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Distinct South African Research Opportunities
Rationale
This focus area calls attention to distinct issues or features that characterize the country and the role that knowledge generation and transfer can play in development. Research should be conducted to identify and develop these unique or distinct opportunities.
South Africa in Africa
South Africa has to begin to precipitate scholarship in understanding Africa and its own role on the continent. South Africa and its neighbours have a rich social history, a wealth of experience in economic and political development and change as well as great demographic variation. Deepening our understanding of our own environment, people and society in relation to the rest of Africa could lead to positioning the country as a significant role player in the African Renaissance.
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Aims
- To generate world-class researchers in fields/areas uniquely defined by South Africa's context and position.
- To enable the country, through research, to play an effective role within the region.
- To enhance international understanding and collaboration by promoting unique South African research opportunities.
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Research Themes
Distinct areas that provide opportunities for research in this focus area include:
- Palaeontology and archaeology
- Southern skies
- Geological heritage
- Societies in transformation
- Cultural heritage and identity formation
- Health
Research in other areas is permissible providing that the issues are clearly unique to South Africa.
Research Theme 1: Palaeontology and archaeology
This includes the study of local prehistoric flora and fauna, palaeo-anthropology, archaeology and related evolutionary studies.
Research Theme 2: Southern skies
This includes the study of astronomy (optical and radio) and astrophysics relating to the particular position of South Africa in the southern hemisphere. The establishment of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) has significantly contributed to interest in this area and such research disciplines should be further encouraged.
Research Theme 3: Geological heritage
Southern African geological features and mineral resources are in many respects unique. South African researchers are therefore strategically positioned to make fundamental advances in our understanding of geological processes and the formation of ore deposits.
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Research Theme 4: Societies in transformation
South African society- , exposed to the impact of the legacy of apartheid and the challenges of transition, globalization and HIV/AIDS, offers unique possibilities for the study of socio-political transformation. Areas of immediate enquiry are, amongst others, the socio-economic impact of conflict and violence, poverty and inequality as well as diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria all of which profoundly influence social transformation. Equally, research into change management approaches in the context of diversity and conflict would benefit development in South Africa and the region.
Research Theme 5: Cultural heritage and identity formation
Cultural heritage includes rock art, cultural artifacts and expression, cultural history and identity, language and literary history, as well as the distinct, multi-faceted religious identities and legal attributes of South Africa. Research in cultural heritage, popular culture and media can contribute to the development of a national socio-cultural identity, and a respect for our cultural diversity.
Research Theme 6: Health
This would include unique or distinct South African health-related research opportunities, including psychological and social issues that are generally of a fundamental nature. Other health issues not specifically relevant to South Africa should consider support from the Unlocking the Future focus area.
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Research Theme 7: Creative Arts and Cultural Expression
South African artists and cultural workers are producing outstanding and internationally renowned work that reflects a distinct creative expression. Research on this issue would include all forms of visual, literary, and dramatic arts and associated digital and technical developments. The research is likely to underpin critical practice in the area of exhibition, performance, composition and curatorship
Contact
Lebusa Monyooe
Manager: Focus Areas
email: lebusa@nrf.ac.za
Tel:+27 12 4814230
Fax:+27 12 4814005
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