from the deputy vice-chancellor: teaching, learning and research

PROF ANTHONY STAAK

The 2006 Research Report is the first to be structured along the lines of the new six-faculty configuration of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and provides us with evidence that research is being actively pursued in all faculties. It is encouraging to note the steady growth in postgraduate student enrolments across the institution and the establishment of additional research niche areas, mostly in the various interdisciplinary research units and centres on campus. Of course this increase in research activity has placed further strain on our resources, particularly our capacity to supervise research. Fortunately our strategy of appointing adjunct professors appears to be reaping benefits, and has assisted us in maintaining a steady growth in research outputs over the period covered by the report.

Most noteworthy, however, has been the increase in commissioned research work, as well as the broadening of research networks and partnerships. This is important as it provides us with a measure of the relevance of our research work and our capacity to innovate. As a university of technology we should try to ensure that our research does not only end up on the shelves of libraries but that every effort is made to utilise research findings and convert these into benefits for society. Invariably our research tends to be of a strategic and applied nature directed at problems of the real world. It thus provides us with a ready platform for innovation. Our challenge will be to identify opportunities for innovation in our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and to provide the necessary systems and infrastructure to support the innovation process.

Thanks to all our researchers who contributed to the outputs featured in this report. Their efforts are all the more commendable if one considers the distractions of the merger and other salient factors that have adversely affected the research environment over the past year. In the year ahead greater attention will be given to creating a culture and climate that is more supportive of research and it is hoped that this will help us maintain the growth in research outputs and provide a sound platform for innovation in the years ahead.