The Research Support Office at the North-West University (NWU) is one of only ten research support offices in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that received a grant and were selected to participate in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded project.

This constitutes a part of the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) initiative.

The pilot project aims to compile a capacity building model that focuses on strengthening the capacities of research support offices (RSOs). The model, once completed, may potentially be replicated in other countries – not only in the region but also on the continent at large, says Prof Nnenesi Kgabi, project leader of the NWU’s RSO.

“I cannot contain my excitement about the NWU’s RSO being selected for this project. It is a relief to be chosen after a year-long selection process that included participating in various surveys on understanding the needs and strengths of both the research capacity and the Research Support Office at the NWU. It certainly was an opportunity to lead by example in terms of collaborative grant writing,” says Prof Kgabi.

The NWU’s focus for the project will revolve around obtaining good financial grant practice (GFGP) certification to put the institution in a better position to attract research grants from funding agencies across the world. “We aim to improve the management of our research infrastructure by developing a framework for research infrastructure management. This framework will be piloted in two of the NWU’s faculties. We will also develop research infrastructure rules and strategies as part of the infrastructure framework.”

Prof Kgabi says they also want to improve their research support visibility, their capacity on research grant management, monitoring and evaluation of research, collaboration and networking.

She points out that Phase 1 of the project started in 2023 and involved participating in the selection process. Being selected marks the second phase, which kicked off in January this year and included SARIMA project initiation visits.

Participation in the project also presents various collaboration opportunities among the research support offices. This will include learning visits, training and mentorship, among other things. For more information about SARIMA, visit https://www.sarima.co.za/.

Prof Nnenesi Kgabi