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RTI Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR: RTI STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & PARTNERSHIPS (RTI-SIP)
Prof Judy Peter (from November 2020) Prof René Pellissier (until November 2020)
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the viral outbreak of Covid-19 as a global pandemic. The year went on to become a watershed marked by the ‘democratising’ impact of the global pandemic – Covid-19 on one hand, and the contradictions of global inequalities in response to the pandemic on the other. The implementation of virtual pedagogic technologies in higher education (HE) was fast-tracked during this time. Of equal importance to the strategic role of SIP, was the need to align its core function with CPUT’s Strategic Plan 2021-2030 (V2030 – One Smart CPUT), and Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Education in South Africa. Other supporting factors include the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is within this context and in the light of recent disruptors since 2015 (such as #FeesMustFall, #RhodesMustFall and the water crisis) that CPUT’s V2030 addresses various issues in a Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexities and Ambiguity (VUCA) environment. SIP is also mindful of the post-pandemic era and of the trajectory of the decolonisation of HE.
STRATEGIC RESEARCH INITIATIVES TOWARDS SMART RTIP
As the Research Technology Innovation & Partnerships (RTIP) portfolio ushers in the new institutional strategy, One Smart CPUT, it is an opportune time for the university to contribute to economic growth and to the GDP of the country. CPUT is producing high quality postgraduate output, excellent research that has societal impact, and an injection of innovation output into the local economy. Focus Areas 3 of the One Smart CPUT Strategy emphasises Smart RTIP that is relevant and excellent in its knowledge production. Through the development of a range of activities in line with the needs of the 4th Industrial Revolution and Circular Economy developments, we move towards Mode 2 and Mode 3 knowledge production, i.e. knowledge produced for application (Mode 2) and, more recently, fit for purpose research relevant to society (Mode 3). It is in this context that the One Smart CPUT Strategy provides CPUT with a strategic frame within which researchers seek to produce knowledge and innovation that offer solutions to the needs of society, thus creating opportunities to work in collaboration with industry, business and communities.
RESEARCH CHAIRS
One of the key interventions which emanated post the adoption of the RTI Blueprint in November 2012 is the Research Chair initiative. To date, the Office of the DVC: RTIP has expended substantive effort in respect of the implementation of the CPUT RTI Blueprint. Through a special grant, CPUT has been fortunate to institutionalise six research chairs with the intention that each research focus area will have at least one, if not more, research niche area supported by a chair. The research chair initiative is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening research and innovation capacity, enhancing the training of a new generation of researchers, and the further development of established researchers in all knowledge areas, while responding to national priorities and strategies. There are currently eleven Research Chairs at CPUT, eight of them active. Some chairs are funded by CPUT, others by the NRF and SETA. All are managed according to CPUT guidelines. The Research Chairs are tenable for five years and are reviewed before the lapse of the period for consideration to be extended for another five years, as stated by the Research Chair Operational Framework. Following a rigorous recruitment process and evaluation against the minimum criteria for Research Chairs, two new research chairs were appointed in 2020: Prof Jeanine Marnewick and Prof Mohamed Tariq Kahn.
CHAIR TITLE RESEARCH CHAIR
South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) Cardiometabolic Health Research Centre (CHRC) Prof T Matsha (Tier 2) Centre for International Teacher Education (CITE) Prof Y Sayed (Tier 1) Innovative Small Satellite Technology & Applications for Africa (ISSTAA) In progress Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Prof C Winberg (Tier 2) CPUT-funded Research Chairs Biotechnology Prof JL Marnewick Energy Prof MTE Kahn Innovation in Society (Service Design) In progress Literacy Development Prof J Condy Oceans Economy Prof KP Findlay Sustainable Tourism and Global Change In progress SETA Research Chairs Work-Integrated Learning (ETDP SETA) Prof NJ Nduna The RTI 10-year Blueprint (2012-2022), and its acknowledgment of Research Chairs as an important enabler of the CPUT mission, is supported by the CPUT research chair operational framework that guides the way in which the university supports the work done by the Research Chairs. The operational framework articulates the levels of support from the DVC and faculties that includes, but is not limited to, integration, infrastructure and equipment, resources, administrative support and visibility. The Research Chairs are engaged quarterly on matters of strategic intent during the Research Chairs Forum. This is a platform established by the DVC: RTIP (Chairperson) and the Directors of the RTIP Support Units, namely, the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, CPUT Libraries, the Research Directorate, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships and the Technology Transfer Office.
RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
The research focus areas are an important component of the CPUT research strategy and give voice to the transdisciplinary research approach used at CPUT. To this end, we endorse the objectives of the NRF in its rationale for the research focus areas: Integration and synergy between the social and physical/engineering sciences in support of One Smart CPUT’s two dimensions, i.e. human-centricity and technological smartness.
Research focus areas are likely to evolve as strategic imperatives shift and CPUT’s strengths change, and so periodic reviews of these focus areas will be undertaken to assess their relevance to CPUT’s growth trajectory, national imperatives and orientation to Mode 2 knowledge production. Given the evolving nature of technology through the 4th Industrial Revolution, which strengthens CPUT’s contribution to the domain of technology, CPUT (2018-2019) embarked on a review process of the research focus areas to align better to a new world of work based on human-centricity and ‘technology-enabledness’. The research focus areas were redesigned to ensure alignment to chapters in the National Development Plan 2030 in terms of competitiveness and relevance to South Africa and identified elements of the 17 SDGs in terms of competitiveness and relevance to the global earth.
The research focus areas are populated with new niche areas aligned to the above objective. The review and redesign process was finalised, and six research focus areas approved in 2020: Research Focus Area 1: Bio-economy & Biotechnology Research Focus Area 2: Space Science, Engineering & Technology Research Focus Area 3: Smart Energy Research Focus Area 4: The Environment, Climate Change & Sustainability Research Focus Area 5: Human, Health & Social Dynamics Research Focus Area 6: The Digital Society
CPUT acknowledges in the operational framework that Research Chairs co-exists within discursive cultural constructs across academic faculties and entities as indicated in the table below. This is also to further promote an environment that actively supports transdisciplinary approaches and research.
FOCUS AREAS & LEADERS
FOCUS AREA 1 Bio-economy and Biotechnology
Dr M le Roes-Hill Prof JL Marnewick Agrifood Technology Station (ATS) Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) Biotechnology Chair Bioresource Engineering Research Group (BioERG) Crystal Engineering Unit Functional Foods Research Unit (FFRU) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility Phytotherapy Research Group
RESEARCH CHAIRS RESEARCH ENTITIES
FOCUS AREA 2 Space Science, Engineering & Technology
Prof R van Zyl Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC) Centre for Instrumentation Research (CIR) French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) Innovative Small Satellite Technology & Applications Chair (in progress) Quantum Physics Research Group
FOCUS AREA 3 Smart Energy
Prof MTE Kahn Prof MTE Kahn Centre for Distributed Power & Electronic Systems (CDPES) Centre for Power Systems Research (CPSR) Centre for Real-Time Distributed Systems (CRTDS) Centre for Substation Automation & Energy Management Systems (CSAEMS) Energy Institute Smart Energy Chair FOCUS AREAS & LEADERS
FOCUS AREA 4 The Environment, Climate Change & Sustainability
Prof B Opeolu
FOCUS AREA 5 Human, Health & Social Dynamics
Prof J Condy
FOCUS AREA 6 The Digital Society
Prof I van Zyl RESEARCH CHAIRS RESEARCH ENTITIES
Prof KP Findlay Centre for Sustainable Oceans Centre for Water & Sanitation Research (CWSR) Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology & Remediation Flow Process & Rheology Centre (FPRC) Nanomaterials Research Group [Note: This research group is also involved with projects in FA 5] Oceans Economy Chair
Prof J Condy Prof T Matsha Prof R Mason Prof NJ Nduna Prof Y Sayed Prof C Winberg Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (Adaptronics AMTL) [Note: This technology station is also involved with projects in FAs 4 & 6] Cardiometabolic Health Chair Cardiometabolic Health Research Centre Centre for International Teacher Education (CITE) Centre for Tourism Research in Africa (CETRA) Clothing and Textiles Technology Station (TSCT) Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) Literacy Development Chair Literacy Development Unit Professional Education Research Institute (PERI) Sport Business & Technology Research Centre (SBTRC) (in progress) Teacher Education Chair Wholesale & Retail Leadership Chair (WRLC) (W&RSETA) Work-Integrated Chair (ETDP SETA) Work-Integrated Chair (SARChI)
Centre for Communication Studies (in progress) Centre for Business Innovation & Incubation (BIIC) Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC) Brand & Digital Research Hub (BDR)
At CPUT, research entities form a hub of centres of excellence in research and teaching. They promote research, technology transfer, non-formal teaching, community service and outreach programmes in ways that are not readily possible within faculties. The university’s research strategy aligns these research entities to the research focus areas and research chairs. All research entities are listed in the above table, with three new entities entering the system in 2020: the Centre for Communication Studies; the Sport Business & Technology Research Centre (SBTRC); and the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility.
RESEARCH FORUM
The Research Forum is an established platform where discourse engagement and dialogue on strategic research initiatives take place. It is made up of the DVCs, research chairs, deans, directors, faculty research co-ordinators, research focus area leaders and the wider CPUT research community. In 2020 three successful and well-attended virtual research forums were hosted.
Research Forum #1 took place in May, and combined the two research forums planned for the first semester. The focus was understanding the Covid-19 pandemic. The two anchor presentations were: 1) ‘Moving from reactive to practice management of Covid-19 on our campus’ –
Prof Mellet Moll (Chair of Business Continuity Team) 2) ‘Cardiometabolic traits and Covid-19’ – Prof Tandi Matsha (Research Chair:
Cardiometabolic Health)
Research Forum #2 took place in August, and focused on topics of transdisciplinary research with specific reference to Mode 2 and Mode 3 knowledge production approach: 1) ‘Convergence of science: Conceptualising transdisciplinary research for social change’ – Prof Ephias Ruhode (Acting Director: SIP) 2) Two topics related to the theme of the first research forum were also presented: (a) ‘Sustainable bio-based solutions to everyday problems’ –
Dr Marilize Le Roux-Hill (Research Focus Area Leader: Bio-economy and
Biotechnology) and (b) ‘Rooibos, a complementary approach during Covid?’ – Prof Jeanine Marnewick (Research Chair: Biotechnology)
Research Forum #3 took place in November. In the previous forums, members were asked to reflect on the notion of Smart RTIP; the last forum was used to debate institutional strategy. The following presentations were key: 1) ‘Embracing our future: Becoming One Smart CPUT’ – Prof Driekie Hay-
Swemmer (Executive Director: Office of the VC) 2) ‘Ocean economies, blue economies and the need for a paradigm shift in ocean governance: The case for ocean accounting in Africa’ – Prof Ken Findlay (Research Chair: Oceans Economy)
RESEARCH INCOKO
Research Incoko was introduced in 2020 in order to host research conversations and engagements on diverse research-related topics. Its purpose is to develop CPUT’s research capacity from within, and allow research constructs and research-related issues to be addressed using a transdisciplinary methodology. The focus is on understanding epistemological and methodological approaches and executions. The target audience is CPUT staff and students in need of research support. Recordings shared on CPUT Microsoft Stream are for internal use and distribution. The envisaged outcome is research capacity building and mentoring within the CPUT environment. Two successful Research Incoko sessions were arranged in 2020.
Research Incoko #1 – ‘Principles of Research’ by Prof Rene Pellissier (Director: SIP) in July Research Incoko #2 – ‘Research as a Story’ by Prof Johannes Cronje (Dean: FID) in August
CPUT PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES
CPUT hosted a public lecture in February titled ‘Effective instruction for students with significant disabilities’ by Prof William Sharpton from the University of New Orleans, USA. This lecture focused on key strategies to improve educational outcomes for learners with severe disabilities. Emphasis was placed on serving students in inclusive settings.
SMART INTERNATIONALISATION
Internationalisation refers to the purposeful integration of international, global and intercultural dimensions into the formal and informal delivery of higher education.
The notion of ‘One Smart CPUT’ is based on two key dimensions. Oneness – the oneness aspect of V2030 focuses on the university’s human-centricity through the smart CPUT community that values and embraces unity and diversity; and Smartness – this aspect focuses on technological developments and innovations in the context of the current and future industrial revolutions.
THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC
The Covid-19 crisis has completely changed the way in which people think about and participate in their societies. Declining budgets, human capital and international student enrolment is one dimension of the post-pandemic terrain in HE. The second dimension comprises the resounding success of agile leadership, emergency online learning and collaborative online international learning initiatives, and their impact on throughput rates. This process of reimagining HE extends to an increase in access to collaborative opportunities in research and staff and students exchanges between strategic foci such as north–south collaborations, and north–south–south collaborations, as well as BRICS and Eurocentric geographical spaces. Shared online platforms, e.g. Google Documents, classrooms, supervision, research collaborations and management systems, have accelerated efficient and effective operational systems. At the same time, the age of information overload is evidenced by a plethora of virtual conferences, webinars and similar platforms in multiple time zones, requiring new levels of time management and work-life balance.
During lockdown, comprehensive internationalisation continued to serve as a framework for CPUT’s Smart Internationalisation Strategy. SIP worked with faculties and administration to harness institutional commitment to this agenda. There was a moratorium on exchange programmes and face-to-face transnational collaborations, however, national and international webinars covered topical issues ranging from digital learning and blended learning, to health and well-being during Covid-19. International partnership opportunities and professional opportunities were discussed online, allowing for much wider audience access and participation. This ‘new normal’ affected many different fields and contexts, and the HE sector explored solutions for blended and distance learning (hybrid learning), and the unpreparedness of many lecturers and educators during this time.
Working fully or partially in the digital environment has now become a ‘new normal’. Three months into worldwide lockdown, a pulse survey was sent to the CPUT community to gauge perspectives on practitioners continuing the internationalisation agenda in digital spaces. It explored the connection between being at a university of technology and creatively using technology to continue internationalisation; what related activities international practitioners were able and willing to do online (with mobility taken out of the equation); and what digital skill readiness existed or needed to be developed to continue to be globally relevant in the digital arena. The analysed data reflected that most internationalisation activities centred around travel, and very few respondents had engaged in collaborative online exchanges. Most of the respondents indicated that, with technical support, they would be able to continue practicing internationalisation online. Respondents applauded the added value of exposing more students and staff to internationalisation while at home.
GOVERNMENT POLICY ON INTERNATIONALISATION FOR HE
In 2020, this policy was finalised with the approval of the Council for Higher Education (CHE).
Despite the varying range of capacity to practice internationalisation in SA’s 26 public HE institutions, the DHET is encouraging all of them to engage in comprehensive internationalisation. The current funding crises, reflected in declining state subsidy, increased local student intake, and a declining international student intake, further compound the problem of insufficient funding for engaging in outgoing international mobility opportunities.
Some fundamental themes that run through the policy: • The importance of incorporating international, intercultural and global dimensions into the content of the curriculum as well as the learning outcomes, assessment tasks, teaching methods and support services of a program of study • A necessity of boosting the cross-border provision of HE in the SADC Region, while keeping a balance with the need to maintain the integrity of HE in the country • The fact that public universities are not allowed to set up branches outside of
South African borders (private universities may do so) • An allowance for different permutations for cross-border mobility in HE between SA universities and partner institutions abroad; these vary from cobadged degrees, to joint degrees and consecutive degrees; double degrees may not be offered by South African universities
STRATEGIC INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Internationalisation or globalisation is a common thread that runs throughout CPUT’s activities. To remain relevant in the ever-changing world of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the institution has incorporated a comprehensive theme of internationalisation, i.e. internationalisation at home and abroad as well as of the curriculum. In keeping with the government’s framework policy regarding internationalisation for HE, CPUT has a strong focus on the international arena, including visiting delegations, visiting partners, exchange students, international academic staff, visiting researchers, capacity development opportunities and joint degrees. International partnership agreements and memorandums of understanding went ahead as normal during 2020, albeit via an online platform.
In 2020, a strategic partnership was initiated with the Embassy of Finland and the University of Oulu, in order to establish cooperation between CPUT’s six focus areas and six of Oulu Universities’ faculties as well as one of their institutes. In addition to the interest in establishing cooperation within the research focus areas listed above, there is interest in student placements (including at PhD level), staff placements (including teaching practice), mobility and exchanges.
ERASMUS+ CAPACITY BUILDING APPLICATIONS
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS IN 2020
Dr Daniela Gachago (Centre for Innovative Educational Technology (CIET)) was successful in her application for the two-year Future Ability – Digital and Transversal Skills for Online Teachers funding.
ONGOING ERASMUS PROJECTS IN 2020
Dr Hanle Theron and Prof Karabo Shale (Faculty of Applied Sciences) continued with Vita Global: Internationalising Local Development – A global University Network for Vitiviniculture.
PEESA III: Practice-based Engineering Education in South Africa also continued this year. CPUT is part of an eight-member consortium of universities which are developing two professional master’s degrees in the engineering field, namely, a Master of Engineering in Sustainable Construction and a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management.
Figure 1: Partnership collaboration
Figure 3: Inbound student mobility first semester 2020
Figure 5: Outbound staff mobility first semester 2020 Figure 2: Incoming student mobility first semester 2020
Figure 4: Outbound student mobility first semester 2020
CAPACITY OPPORTUNITY AWARDS
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Dies-Unilead 2020: Young Managers Leadership Programme in Germany awarded a capacity opportunity to Dr Sweta Patnaik, lecturer in the Clothing & Textiles Technology Station, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (FEBE). The programme aims at preparing young university leaders with valuable leadership and management skills for HE institutions.
The Fulbright Research Scholar Programme 2020 awarded Dr Daniela Gachago (CIET) a fully-funded opportunity to conduct three months of research in her field at a United States university.
INTERNATIONALISATION EVENTS
GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD)
During March, CPUT hosted a delegation of 20 German university VCs, DVCs and Registrars to exchange best practices and discuss the potential for new partnerships.
TWO INTERNATIONALISATION FORUMS HOSTED
The Internationalisation Forum provides a platform for academics to move outside of their fields of specialty and learn about opportunities and experiences of their colleagues with regards to research, best practices and funding opportunities. The Internationalisation Forum also serves as a space for new academic staff to meet and interact with the CPUT community, as well as get existing staff to traverse the different campus boundaries. It also enables support staff to share their processes with academics and vice-versa. It provides networking opportunities for all involved as well as an opportunity to understand how internationalisation should be considered and incorporated into every practice at CPUT in order for the institution to remain globally relevant. These events were hosted online this year.
i) Event One: ‘International education’
A draft framework in support of the Smart Internationalisation Strategy was presented to the CPUT community at this event. This included the
Fulbright Capacity Development Workshop, which provided an opportunity for the discussion of capacity opportunities for master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral research opportunities for staff, and the Specialist Programme for inviting specialists from the United States academic community to visit CPUT for two to six weeks in order to engage in activities such as assisting with international curriculum development.
NEW DIRECTOR FOR SIP
Prof Judy Peter joined CPUT as the new Director: Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships in November, taking over from Prof René Pellissier who retired. Prof Peter is an art historian, curator and the former Director: Academic Services at the University of Johannesburg. Her vision is “to promote CPUT’s smart internationalisation strategy in teaching and learning, technology and innovation and in developing global and intercultural competencies for staff and students.”
The new Director: SIP has published in the areas of gender studies, postcolonial studies and cultural studies in national and international journals, and has presented academic papers in Brisbane, Massachusetts, Rijeka and New York. She has participated in various platforms, including the South African Visual Arts Historians, College Art Association, Arts Council of the African Studies Association and the South African Jewellery Council.
Prof Peter has facilitated outbound short learning programmes for students from the University of Johannesburg to Zagreb, New York and Paris. She has also curated student jewellery exhibitions in South Africa, London and New York.
With colleagues from Romania, she conceptualised a collaborative research project titled ‘Between democracies 1989-2014: Remembering, narrating and reimagining the past in Eastern and Central Europe and Southern Africa’ from 2012 to 2018. Prof Peter also participated in the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) Leadership Programme in 2019, and is currently a member of the AIEA Conference Committee 2020, and serves on the 2019-2020 Diversity Abroad Race and Ethnicity Task Force. She has chaired numerous panels and presented at The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education.
ii) Event Two: ‘Virtual learning: The evolving role of digital technologies and how to migrate this information to online internationalisation’
This event included sub-themes of virtual mobility relating to co-teaching, colearning, co-researching – opportunities and challenges. Presenters included
Dr Daniela Gachago (CIET) and Dr Kristian Steward (Department of Education:
College of Education, Health & Human Services, University of Michigan
Dearborn). Prof Anthony Staak (adjunct professor FEBE) presented on ‘Moving from physical to virtual: What is the impact on the change in teaching styles on the development of student’s creativity, problem solving and social skills?’
Dr Diane Bell (Manager SIP FBMS) delivered a talk on ‘Developing global citizenship’. Prof Johannes Cronje (FID) presented on ‘Online supervision of postgraduate international students in Ghana using WhatsApp’.
THE YEBO! PROJECT
UWC DVC: Research & Innovation, Prof Jose Frantz and CPUT DVC: RTIP, Dr David Phaho
Yebo! means ‘Yes!’ in Zulu, and is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building project coordinated by the University of Montpellier in France. This project was launched in December 2017. The main purpose of the Yebo! project is to foster and develop the internationalisation of doctoral studies in SA. The project addresses internationalisation needs by promoting doctoral studies, to give better access to necessary information and train supervisors. The expertise brought by EU partners with the internationalisation of their doctoral studies, combined with the experience from the three non-university partners, provide valuable input to SA universities in order to accomplish these goals. Since its inception, the project has evaluated the partners’ internationalisation rates, created a PhD portal, and organised several training sessions for PhD candidates and staff service departments in support of PhD candidates. Engagement with postgraduate students has highlighted a need for funding for research projects, conference attendance and mobility, and so the Yebo! Project provided a funding tool named Research Connect for all PhDs in partner universities. The project has come to its end and will be hosting a final conference in April 2021. The conference will highlight what the project has achieved, under the theme ‘Supervision and Internationalisation of the PhD in and after the Covid-19 era’.
UNIVERSITY CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UCDP)
CPUT together with Wits University (lead partner), University of Limpopo, Stellenbosch University, UWC and Loughborough University (LU) (UK technical partner) responded to the call for application for Phase 2 of UCDP. This focuses on collaboration between SA and UK universities in support of doctoral training for university academic staff. This unique six-university consortium will foster the development of a cohort of ten interdisciplinary next-generation researchers to
obtain doctoral degrees, and benefit from the quality and breadth of experience necessary to support the conduct of original and innovative research related to Health, Wellness, Sport and Exercise across SA. The project funds will support meritorious staff at SA universities, with students recruited from Health Sciences and/or Engineering disciplines, to register for joint doctoral degrees with LU. They will be afforded international mobility opportunities and conduct research at LU for a minimum of one year.
This project aligns with UCDP goals in the following ways: i) It will accelerate the number of academic staff who hold doctorates. Selection of ‘highflyer’ candidates will ensure they become influential drivers of new knowledge production within the HE science and innovation system. ii) It will contribute to addressing transformation imperatives in HE in SA. A selection committee has been established to ensure the selected candidates are at least 80% black and 50% female. iii) The project has maximised the funding available to enable economies of scale.
All participating Institutions have committed additional funding to ensure the success of this initiative. iv) There is an equal partnership and a commitment to mutual benefit for all parties involved. This consortium is unique, in that it is the first time that the five SA universities will work together on one project and in strong partnership with LU. Each university partner will be equally responsible and accountable for the successful completion of the PhDs, and participate in supervisory capacities, whether providing senior or junior/novice supervisors. This aims
A BIG STEP TOWARDS OUR FUTURE
Senate has approved the redesigned Research Focus Areas
Director: SIP Prof René Pellissier is optimistic about the success of the redesigned Research Focus Areas (RFAs) which were approved by Senate in July. The redesign process was conducted to ensure their relevance to identified elements of the 17 SDGs and Chapters in the NDP 2030. Ms Hunadi Mokgalaka, SIP’s Manager of Research Uptake, stated that the six revised and redesigned RFAs had served at SRIC, ISPC, and have now finally been approved by Senate, “thus ensuring national and international competitiveness across all RFAs.”
• Research Focus Area 1: Bio-economy & Biotechnology • Research Focus Area 2: Space Science, Engineering & Technology • Research Focus Area 3: Smart Energy • Research Focus Area 4: The Environment, Climate Change & Sustainability • Research Focus Area 5: Human, Health & Social Dynamics • Research Focus Area 6: The Digital Society
Prof Pellissier stressed that the RFAs give a voice to our transdisciplinary knowledge production. “It dedicates our research to areas that matter and supports the CPUT micro and macro community, with research outcomes that are valuable and marketable.”
Prof Pellissier said that the process has brought together senior members across the CPUT research portfolio to interrogate trends in the external environment, with a focus on the development of a future-orientation of the RTI portfolio. She added that through the RFAs, the convergence of knowledge production to specific thematic areas allows CPUT to dedicate its resources and skills base to specific areas, and thus create a competitive base and skills set in areas of national and international concern.
These thematic areas should consider the important aspects of SA’s strategic agenda as encapsulated by the NDP as well as the global goals of the SDGs. She added that 4th Industrial Revolution disruptions and the evolution of technology provide the cornerstone of our UoT’s existence and give a competitive edge. “It may look like a small step, but it’s a big step towards our new future.”
to promote collaboration and entrench the SA–SA and SA–UK partnerships beyond the life of the project. v) Overall, successful implementation and completion of the project will contribute to achieving the UNDP SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10.
SOUTH AFRICA-SWEDEN UNIVERSITY FORUM (SASUF)
SASUF is a strategic internationalisation project running from 2017 to 2020 with an aim of strengthening partnerships in research, education and innovation between 37 universities in SA and Sweden. This collaboration includes embassies, civil society organisations, funding agencies and ministries in both countries. SASUF has a budget of 22 000 000 SEK and is funded by the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT), the participating universities, and NRF and DHET in SA. From 2017, CPUT’s participation in SASUF has resulted in its researchers engaging with research from other partner universities, hosting and participating in seminars, benefiting in funding for research projects, and student and staff mobility. This platform has been crucial in enabling CPUT researchers to connect with other researchers, ministries and funding agencies working towards the SDGs. Covid-19 presented some challenges and changed project plans. The last seminar should have been hosted in Uppsala in May 2020 but the online option was used. SASUF Goes Digital hosted more than 65 workshops involving the six themes of SASUF: Climate Change, Education, Social Transformation, Health, Sustainable Urbanisation and Big Data. Additionally, ten student-led workshops brought together the SASUF Student Network to connect hundreds of students who are interested and dedicated to continued collaborations between the two countries.
CPUT PROJECTS LEADERS
CPUT has been fortunate to have the leadership of four seasoned academics who led SASUF funded collaborative projects with Swedish partners, namely: • Prof Ephias Ruhode – Digital Technologies, Big Data and
Cybersecurity • Prof Khan – Energy • Prof Penelope Engel-Hills – Professional Education • Dr Diane Bell – Health
SASUF VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
Prof Elina Mäki-Torkko (black jersey), Dr Diane Bell (green top) and their team visited the Carel du Toit Centre
The South Africa–Sweden University Forum (SASUF) is a project funded by the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education that brings Swedish and South African higher education institutions together around sustainability issues.
A senior academic in FBMS is one of two lead researchers who presented on childhood hearing impairments at this year’s SASUF virtual conference. Dr Diane Bell, Manager: Strategic Initiatives and Projects in the faculty, presented on early detection, diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing impairments during SASUF’s first digital forum, which took place from 23 to 27 November. The other lead researcher who presented at the conference was Prof Elina Mäki-Torkko, head of the Audiological Research Centre and Senior Consultant in Audiology at Orebro University, Sweden.
In addition to Dr Bell’s keen interest in internationalisation and developing global citizenship, she is also a strong proponent for the realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly those with hearing impairment. To this effect, she serves as a member of the Presidential Working Group on Disability, an advisory team on disability-related matters. Dr Bell and her research team submitted their proposal for the collaborative project grant in 2019 and were awarded a grant of 100 000 SEK to execute the project, including site visits to South Africa and Sweden.
“The aim of the project is to evaluate the outcomes of a South African Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program at the Carel du Toit Centre, focusing on system evaluation,” she said. “The Swedish research team were able to travel to Cape Town for a site visit at the Carel du Toit Centre, including the CHAT centre (where Children Hear and Talk) during February 2020, just before lockdown, for a project planning meeting.”
Dr Bell added that despite the postponement of the South African team’s visit to Sweden, the project had progressed well and was currently at the data collection stage. The team aimed to complete the project in June 2021 and was looking forward to sharing the results.
