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

4 NMMU Research and Innovation Report 2011 - Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Message from the Deputy
Vice-Chancellor: Research and Engagement
Prof Thoko Mayekiso,
Deputy Vice-Chancellor:
Research and Engagement
There is a vibrant and visible research zeitgeist sweeping through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
(NMMU).
Research and applied outputs are on the rise across the whole spectrum as evidenced by the increase in
the number of students who completed Research Masters and Doctoral degrees; promising indications of
the balance between quantity and the quality of publications in accredited journals, and modest increase in
research funding.
2011 has seen an increase of publications in ISI and IBSS indices from 116 in 2010 to 189 in 2011.
It is very encouraging to note the steady increase in the number of NRF rated researchers but also pleasing is
the increase in the number of female rated researchers.
The researchers' profiles and stories included in this Research and Innovation Report bring to the fore some
common threads worth highlighting.
2011 has seen an increase of publications in ISI and IBSS indices from 116 in 2010 to 189 in 2011.
The researchers have identified research grants, generous research leave, "replacement" staff for researchers,
research infrastructure, supportive colleagues and a generally collegial atmosphere as the main enablers for
research and innovation at NMMU. Almost without exception, researchers are driven by the passion for what
they are researching and even more importantly, by the quest to make a difference.
Research undertaken shows a clear drive by the researchers to engage in relevant and responsive research such
as harnessing the sun and wind, which leverages these as alternative forms of energy, thereby contributing to
the challenges of energy saving and sustainability. The often marginalised and rural poor become part of the
communities that NMMU is involved with, as an engaged university.