2011-NMMU-Research-Report - Research Management - Nelson ...

110 NMMU Research and Innovation Report 2011 - Faculty of Science
Prof Andrew Leitch,
Executive Dean: Faculty
of Science
Dean’s Overview
Significant research highlights make 2011 stand out as a year of great accomplishment for the Faculty of
Science. While some of these highlights are listed here and in other parts of the Report, it must be mentioned
that there are many in the Faculty - too many to list, who have played a key role in creating an atmosphere
within the Faculty where research students can develop their research skills under expert supervision and
mentorship. As a result of the solid support from Faculty members, our postgraduate student numbers have
increased, our graduations have increased, our publication outputs are at a record high for the Faculty, the
number of staff with completed doctorates is the highest to date, we have a record number of research
associates who have chosen to be linked to the Faculty, and the external funding allocated to the Faculty for
research and engagement projects has increased. All this is in support of realising the Vision 2020 Strategic
Plan of the University.
The relocation of the Africa Earth Observatory Network (AEON) to our University under Prof
Maarten de Wit’s guidance represents a milestone of great significance for the NMMU.
The Faculty is very proud to have been able to attract Prof Maarten de Wit to the NMMU, as the first recipient
of the newly created Chair of Earth Stewardship Science. A Geologist of international renown with an A1 rating
from the NRF, Prof de Wit brings to the NMMU a wealth of experience in research and postgraduate student
training. Already, a number of Honours, MSc, PhD and postdoctoral students have been drawn to the NMMU
to work with Prof de Wit and have registered for their studies under his guidance. As the founder of the Africa
Earth Observatory Network (AEON), the relocation of AEON to our University under his guidance represents a
milestone of great significance for the NMMU, the benefits of which will be felt by our students for many years
to come. His vision is to also establish a “Commons” linked to Earth Stewardship Science, where students can
interact with each other and with Faculty, tackling relevant issues of great scientific and social concern. He
joins Botanist Prof Richard Cowling as the two A1 rated researchers at the NMMU.