Research can be a solitary activity and there’s nothing like contact with like-minded scholars to motivate and energise a researcher. The benefits of interacting with fellow researchers were clearly in evidence at the first North-West University (NWU) Biennial Research and Innovation Conference, held from 27 to 29 November last year.
The conference, which is the brainchild of Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, saw approximately 500 researchers and over 50 speakers from various research institutions, NWU faculties and government organisations fill the Sanlam Auditorium on the campus in Potchefstroom.
The theme for the event was “Positioning the NWU for research and innovation excellence, visibility and impact: maximising successes, strengths and opportunities”.
For researchers, with researchers, by researchers
His Majesty Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi of the Royal Bafokeng Nation and chancellor of the NWU delivered an inspiring inaugural opening address. He also spent two hours exploring the 40 exhibition booths that displayed the NWU’s excellent research and innovation projects.
Some of the other eminent speakers included Prof Ahmed Bawa, chief executive officer of Universities South Africa, Prof Jonathan Jansen, president of the Academy of Science of South Africa, and Prof Stephanie Burton, vice-principal for research and postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria.
Other speakers included Mr Imraam Patel, deputy director-general of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr Phethiwe Matutu, National Research Foundation group executive for strategy planning, Mr Chief Mabizela, Chief Director: Department of Higher Education and Training, and Prof Olu Babbalola, vice-president of the Organisation for Women in Science in the Developing World.
Attuned to threats and opportunities
NWU researchers came away with a wealth of information on the threats and opportunities that exist within the higher education sector. “This was a really great conference, with a variety of internal and external speakers. It gave us the chance to learn from our peers and see how other stakeholders are tackling research in their organisations and institutions,” said Dr Elizabeth Smit who works in the subject group Social Work on the Mahikeng Campus.
Prof Refilwe applauded all the researchers for their thoughts and stimulating presentations. She asked them to continue letting the determination they had shown at the conference drive them, and added that she was very privileged to be working with all of them.
“This conference was a huge team effort involving all faculty leadership, portfolio departments and their staff, as well as postgraduate student volunteers who worked tirelessly for the conference to succeed,” said Prof Refilwe. “I would like to thank the vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi, without whose visionary leadership, open mindedness, desire for positive change and confidence in me this event would not have taken place.”
Prof Awie Kotzé, executive dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, dr Phethiwe Matutu, NRF group executive, Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, NWU chancellor, prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, and mr Chief Mabizela, chief director at the DHET.
Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, NWU chancellor, during the conference.
Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, thanked the "It all starts here team" for their hard work and dedication.
