universit y of kw azulu-na tal research repor t 2008/2009 - UKZN ...

Professor Malegapuru W MakgobaVice-Chancellor and PrincipalPre-eminence in ResearchDDuring the 2008-9 period, UKZN continued to maintain its pre-eminenceDin research, through increased research productivity and excellence inDperformance by our researchers. The 2008 publication research outputDwas 977.45 units, as credited by the Department of Higher EducationDand Training (DoHET). This was a 12 percent increase over the previousyear and it was the third highest in the country. The weighted output perstaff member, increased by 19 percent to 0.95 of the DoHET norm.UKZN also continued to maintain its position in the top 500 universitieson the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) list.In 2009, UKZN had 156 NRF rated researchers compared to 137in 2007, and five of them were A-rated. An additional researcher wasappointed to the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) Chairbringing to a total of eight the number of SARChI chair holders, one ofwhom being female. Quite a number of our researchers also receivedprestigious honours and awards in recognition of their excellence inresearch.From 2008 to 2009, the Research Office processed new grantsand contracts worth R477 million. Additionally, the UKZN Foundationraised over R100 million to support various research and developmentactivities. In 2009, UKZN and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute(HMMI) signed an agreement to fund infrastructure and researchprogrammes for the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosisand HIV/AIDS (K-RITH). The funding included R218 million for theconstruction of an ultra-modern state-of-the art research facility anda further US$40 million for research capacity development over a 10year period.In 2009, the University Library embarked on a huge project to digitiseall our theses and dissertations, as well as launched the ResearchSpace facility for accessing the digitised material, thus enhancing ourcapacity to disseminate knowledge on African scholarship. The UKZNPress published over 40 books, during the two year period, some ofwhich were authored by UKZN staff and featured in the best sellerlists.Last year Senate commissioned a review of the institutional researchproductivity. The report of the Task Team that was commissioned, gavea comprehensive analysis of the institutional research profile and itsfindings are instrumental in shaping the institutional future plans toenhance our productivity.With the above achievements, UKZN can pride itself in being onthe right course in pursuit of its vision of being a research-led PremierUniversity of African Scholarship. I would like to thank all the researcherswho are contributing to our institutional research success.2 UKZN Research Report // 2008/2009UKZN Research Report // 2008/2009 3