NRF recognises TUT’s brightest research minds

24 February 2022

Nineteen of the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) brightest research minds recently received new, or upgraded their ratings at the National Research Foundation (NRF). This follows years of dedicated research and study within a particular field and proving their high standards of research. The University now boasts 52 rated researchers. 

This is the first time that TUT has submitted so many applications for rating.

With so much experience, these NRF researchers are acknowledged as thought leaders and influencers in their respective industries. Moreover, they are not only recognised in South Africa, but also internationally, for the nature, impact and contribution of their work to their respective fields of research, which contributes hugely to the University’s standing as a leading research institution. 

The newly rated TUT researchers: 

  • Dr TS Adeyelure, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology - Y Rating
  • Prof RW De Lange, Faculty of Arts and Design - C Rating
  • Prof T Ditsele, Faculty of Humanities - C Rating
  • Dr T Jamiru, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment - C Rating
  • Prof JC Jansen van Vuuren, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology - C Rating
  • Dr NA Kubayi, Faculty of Science - Y Rating
  • Prof A Mastament-Mason, Faculty of Arts and Design - C Rating
  • Prof Y Paul, Faculty of Science - C Rating
  • Prof O Popoola, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment - C Rating
  • Prof T Roux, Faculty of Management Sciences - C Rating
  • Dr P Sifolo, Faculty of Management Sciences - Y rating
  • Dr MF Zerihun, Faculty of Economics and Finances - C Rating

The re-rated TUT researchers:

  • Prof S Du, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment - C Rating
  • Prof MNB Momba, Faculty of Science - C Rating
  • Prof SP Moshokoa, Faculty of Science - C Rating
  • Prof JO Okonkwo, Faculty of Science - C rating
  • Prof LJ Shai, Faculty of Science - C Rating
  • Prof D  Sivakumar, Faculty of Science - C Rating (improved rating)
  • Prof Alvaro Viljoen, Faculty of Science - B Rating (Improved Rating)

The ratings that are awarded fall within the following categories:

A – Leading international researchers

B – Internationally acclaimed researchers

C – Established researchers

P – Prestigious Awards

Y – Promising young researchers

The NRF rating system is a key driver in the NRF’s aim to build a globally competitive science system in South Africa. It is a valuable tool for benchmarking the quality of an institution’s researchers against the best in the world.  NRF ratings are allocated based on a researcher’s recent research outputs and impact as perceived by international peer reviewers. The rating system encourages researchers to publish high quality outputs in high impact journals or outlets. Rated researchers as supervisors, will impart cutting-edge skills to the next generation of researchers.

For more information on the Tshwane University of Technology, please contact Phaphama Tshisikhawe, Corporate Affairs and Marketing.
Tel: +27 12 382 4711  Email: tshisikhawerpt@tut.ac.za