Dr Mgwebi officially opening the Research and Innovation Indaba.
On the first day of the Indaba, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, set the scene highlighting that through research activities, knowledge is shared. She emphasised that such initiatives should be used to engage, showcase ideas and highlight other exciting collaborations at TUT.
A first for TUT, the Indaba brought together academics, students, policy makers, industry, funders and other significant stakeholders for three days of rich scholarship engagement.
Aspects of research presented at the Indaba covered a range of topics, such as predatory publishing, the art of science communication, the essence of international research collaboration, funding opportunities, translation of scientific research finding into viable business cases, and more.
Included in the programme were poster and oral presentations, innovation competition, awards for approved patents and a cocktail event, which allowed Indaba participants to network on a lighter note.
Overall, the Research and Innovation Indaba portrayed an eye-opening and empowering experience, affirming that a research culture is alive and strong at TUT.
Dr Mgwebi expressed the hope that the Indaba would evolve to become a continuous discussion between academics, students, researchers and policy developers as they grapple with the good and the bad facing the research fraternity, particularly at TUT.