NRF Hosts DVCs Forum to Strengthen Research Advancement Initiatives within HEIs

On 22 July 2024, the National Research Foundation (NRF) hosted the 2^nd NRF-University Research Support Forum with Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs) and Directors of Research, at Nelson Mandela University’s (NMU) Ocean Sciences Campus in Gqeberha. This formed part of the organisation’s drive to develop collective approaches to better respond to and support research and innovation in South African higher education institutions (HEIs).

“This engagement seeks to gather input from the universities to ensure that the solutions devised speak to their realities. The open discussions provide an understanding of what is happening on the ground and what is expected”, says Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, NRF CEO.

Led by the NRF CEO, the NRF delegation that presented was made up of senior executives Dr Angus Paterson, Deputy CEO: National Research Infrastructure Platforms (NRIP); Dr Gugu Moche, Acting Deputy CEO: Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA); Dr Thandi Mgwebi Group Executive: Business Advancement; and Dr Sepo Hachigonta: Acting Executive Director: Business Advancement.

“We want to forge a collective effort to strengthen research endeavours at all universities. Today’s conversation continues from last year’s DVCs Forum which was led by the NRF CEO and introduces new developments in the system. We invite you to walk the journey with us in terms of strengthening the system and the NRF in its ability to provide support for research”, said Dr Thandi Mgwebi during the introduction.

The delegation deliberated ideas and approaches to be undertaken by the NRF in support of the universities’ research and innovation initiatives. The session concluded with a discussion of practical steps to take moving forward. This includes efforts to strengthen linkages between the NRF’s research infrastructure platforms and university programmes; exploration of new opportunities for international collaboration; support for emerging researchers and PhD supervisors; and leveraging global positions, e.g. South Africa as the upcoming Chair of G20, for university programmes. With NRF-SAEON’s Elwandle Node situated at the Ocean Science Campus, NRF-SAEON Managing Director, Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, led the delegation on a cruise on NRF-SAEON vessels to Saint Croix Island along with the Node Manager Dr Tommy Bornman. This experience was strategically aimed at showcasing parts of NRF’s research infrastructure beyond science granting.