Building research impact and third-stream income through emerging researchers and niche areas

Emerging researchers and representatives from Tshwane University of Technology's (TUT) Niche Areas were encouraged to strengthen collaboration, expand their professional networks and pursue diverse funding opportunities during a strategic networking event aimed at enhancing research impact and generating third-stream income.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, highlights the role of emerging researchers and research niche areas in advancing TUT’s research and innovation agenda. The engagement formed part of the University's ongoing commitment to developing research capacity and positioning its researchers to contribute meaningfully to institutional and national development priorities.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the research and funding landscape, including representatives from the National Research Foundation (NRF), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the Water Research Commission (WRC), the British High Commission, the National Erasmus+ Office, Universities South Africa (USAf) and the University of South Africa (UNISA). Participants were afforded an opportunity to engage directly with funders, explore potential collaborations and gain insights into current and future funding opportunities.

Welcoming guests, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, highlighted the critical role of emerging researchers and research niche areas in advancing TUT’s research and innovation agenda. She emphasised the importance of supporting researchers to realise their potential while contributing to research excellence, innovation, societal impact and the generation of sustainable third-stream income.

“As the higher education sector increasingly faces resource constraints and a highly competitive funding environment, the diversification of income streams has become a strategic imperative,” she said, highlighting the importance of networking and collaboration in securing research funding and partnerships.

Prof Mdungazi Maluleke, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at UNISA, delivered the keynote address. The keynote address, which focused on research funding and competitiveness, was delivered by Prof Mdungazi Maluleke, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at UNISA. In his address, Prof Maluleke underscored the importance of collaboration, aligning research with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and focusing on impactful research that addresses societal challenges.

The programme also featured panel discussions with representatives from the NRF, SAMRC and the WRC, who shared valuable insights into their funding priorities, application requirements and expectations for competitive proposals. The discussions provided participants with practical guidance on strengthening funding applications and leveraging collaborative partnerships to increase the success of future research initiatives.

Beyond funding opportunities, the event served as an important platform for building connections among emerging researchers, representatives of niche areas, funding agencies, and strategic partners. The engagement reinforced the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, shared expertise and resource mobilisation in addressing complex societal challenges and enhancing the impact of research.

By bringing together researchers and funding stakeholders, TUT continues to create an enabling environment that empowers emerging researchers and niche areas to serve as catalysts for research excellence, innovation, societal impact, and third-stream income generation. The initiative reflects the University’s commitment to building a sustainable research ecosystem that supports knowledge creation, innovation and economic development.