VISION MISSION

UNISWA RESEARCH CENTREProf. M.P. DlaminiDirector of theUNISWA Research CentreVISIONTechnological advancement and sustainable developmentthrough excellence in research.MISSIONAs the focal point for research at the University, theUNISWA Research Centre facilitates the coordination,strengthening, promotion, generation, accumulation anddissemination of knowledge and information throughresearch, and thereby promotes economic growth anddevelopment and socio-cultural values.OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the URC are to:Promote meaningful research at UNISWA;Strengthen staffi ng and upgrade facilities at theResearch Centre;Improve the relevance of research, strengthen thetechnical base for research, and increase access tokey literature;Formulate, implement, monitor and review policiesand procedures for processing research proposalsfor funding;Liaise with national research institutions andindustries in order to align the UNISWA researchagenda with national needs, and to share facilitiesand mobilise funding;Encourage problem-specific and creative research; andEstablish and sustain effective interaction withpartners and the benefi ciaries of research.EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe UNISWA Research Centre (URC) continues toexecute its mandates in research promotion throughmentoring and participatory and transparent assessmentand funding of research proposals through the FacultyResearch Committees and Technical Advisory Committeeof the Research Board. It also offers seminars, workshopsand publication avenues to promote a positive culture ofresearch and to strengthen the technical competencies ofstaff. It continues to refl ect on and make revisions in theResearch Board Guidelines and Procedures for Research,to respond better to research challenges.Through its Strategic Plan, which is in motion, URC is:Redirecting the UNISWA research agenda to bemore focussed on national priorities and in line withthe availability of expertise;97REPORT OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR