SIGNIFICANT TECH ENHANCEMENTS Wits is developing a Digital Dome, fitted with a real-time interactive digital system that will support data science exploration and discovery in radio astronomy, fluid dynamics, the digital arts, and lightning studies. We created an ICT division, eResearch, which provides dedicated suppor t to researchers and caters for big data requirements. Wits trains more doctors, surgeons, specialists and sub-specialists than any other university in southern Africa. The new R22 million Wits Advanced Surgical Skills Lab will help to enhance the training of surgeons, in a state-of-the-art environment. The Scilinx Research (Laboratory and Studio) in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics conducts studies to advance operational capabilities of organisations in different sectors of the economy. The DigiMine, a 21st century state-of-the-art mining lab, uses digital technologies to make mining safer and more sustainable. The Wits Business School established the first ever Chair in Digital Business in Africa, to help South African businesses to thrive in the digital era. 12
POSTGRADUATE GUIDE | 2022/2023
AN IT-SAVVY UNIVERSITY The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), fuelled by technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, has the potential to shape future societies and drive innovation in both academia and industry. At Wits, we understand the potential impact of the 4IR in Africa and that’s why we’re building a new AI research operation in partnership with the Cirrus Initiative. We’re working hard to transform Braamfontein into a young, vibrant precinct known for a tech-savvy, innovative community of movers and shakers, and, together with our partners in Government, business and industry, launched the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein.
Africans should be the contributors, shapers and owners of coming advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. - Professor Zeblon Vilakazi Setswana for ‘new beginnings’, Tshimologong is Johannesburg’s newest high-tech address – home to the incubation of start-ups, the commercialisation of research, and the development of high-level digital skills for students, working professionals and unemployed youth. AI and ML technologies are key drivers in the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. We have a number of highly skilled AI and machine learning (ML) researchers at Wits. In fact, we’re the only university in Africa to regularly publish at all major international AI, ML and robotics conferences. Wits is also making major strides in the field of quantum computing, recently becoming the first African partner on the IBM Q Network. This will enable African researchers to keep up with cutting-edge developments in this field.
AI/ML and Data Science are 2 of our 20 areas of Research Excellence.
