Dr Rita Raseleka, Director at the Research and Innovation Directorate who was the programme director at the event, praised the staff members, researchers in particular, for enriching the scientific research and raising the ranking of the University. “This event has given us an opportunity to celebrate the best of our researchers. Such are the academics who are pushing the envelope to both research and development,” she said.
In her address, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement noted the research successes that the University has enjoyed, despite the pandemic’s continued global uncertainty. “The University has 43 rated researchers and we are celebrating the occasion where we rejoice in the unapologetic excellence in front of us. Research is growing in leaps and bounds at this institution. There has been pressure on institutions to make tangible contributions to the aspiration of a better life for all and indeed, TUT is playing a vital role in harnessing knowledge production for the benefit of society, not only in South Africa, but in the world at large,” said Dr Papu-Zamxaka.
She added: “The number of rated researchers, research output, as well as the quality and impact of research emanating from our University all contribute significantly to the rating of our researchers and the institution on the National Research Foundation (NRF) system, as well as the image and reputation of TUT. We must do our best to keep this up and also exceed.”