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Stellenbosch University Research & Innovation Division for Research Development (DRD) NewsletterIn this issue: September 2015National awards for emerging SU Further information regarding the Researcher Personaresearchers new policy on subsidisation of News from other research- research publication outputs related support divisions:Agreement between SU, Western Internationalising the doctorateCape Department of Agriculture to Subcommittee A call for discussed at IEASAboost research applications: Project funding for newly appointed staffWomen in five new SARChI chairsat SU Do you want to apply for an NRF Rating this year? No man is an island The importance of diversity for promoting tolerance - Hermann Swart -

National awards for emerging SU researchersAuthor: Alec BassonTwo outstanding emerging researchers at Award (2014-2016); and the Rector's Award forStellenbosch University (SU) were honoured General Performance (2014-2015).by the National Research Foundation (NRF)at an award ceremony in Umhlanga, \"I feel privileged to have won the NRF ResearchKwaZulu-Natal on Thursday (27 August 2015). Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers,\" said Ethan Newman. He expressed his gratitude toDr Nuraan Davids, a lecturer in the Department of SU and the NRF for their continued support of hisEducation Policy Studies, and Mr Ethan Newman, a postgraduate career. \"I feel extremely lucky to havedoctoral student in the Department of Botany and been given these excellent opportunities andZoology, received the Research Excellence Award for without doubt, I would not be a PhD student today ifFemale Early Career/Emerging Researchers and the it were not for the support given.\"Research Excellence Award for Male NextGeneration Researchers for 2015 respectively. Eyeing a career in the biological sciences, Newman has already presented five conference papers andThese prizes, which are awarded to next generation published four research papers in high impactand early career/emerging researchers for international journals like Evolution and Annals ofexceptional research performance, form part of the Botany. He is such an excellent researcher that inNRF's strategy to increase the number of next year two of his studies his MSc project was upgradedgeneration researchers, to develop emerging to a PhD.researchers, and to grow the number of establishedresearchers. Newman has been the recipient of various scholarships, merit bursaries and grants, amongstDavids said she was deeply honoured by the NRF others, the Ernst and Ethel Eriksen Trust Scholarshipaward. \"It recognises and celebrates the potential of (2013-2015); the NRF Innovation Scholarship (2014-women in advancing knowledge construction in 2015); National Geographic Young Explorers GrantSouth Africa. And, to be a part of this, is indeed, very (2013 & 2014) and the NRF Scarce Skills Scholarshiphumbling.\" (2012-2013). He has also been accepted as an exchange student at the University of Montpellier inSpecialising in the philosophy of education, France as part of the Erasmus Mundus exchangedemocratic citizenship education, Islamic education, programme.and ethics in education, Davids has more than 30research publications to her name including two Another SU researcher, Dr Oonsie Biggs, was alsointernational books and 10 book chapters. She is an honoured at the Awards ceremony. She recentlyAssociate Editor of the South African Journal of obtained a P-rating from the NRF for her outstandingHigher Education; an Editorial Board Member of the research on social-ecological regime shifts and theirinternational journal Ethics and Education and serves impact on ecosystem services.as a reviewer of the American Educational ResearchAssociation, amongst others. View original article hereDavids also received numerous awards, amongstothers, the Knowledge, Interchange andCollaboration Award (2013); the Mellon AcademicStaff Development Award (2014); the NRF Thuthuka Mr Ethan Newman, Dr Nuraan Davids, Dr Therina Theron (Senior Director: Research & Innovation, Dr Oonsie Biggs

Agreement between SU, Western Cape Department of Agriculture to boost researchAuthor: Alec BassonAn agreement that pushes the boundaries in terms of Winde pointed out that SU is creating the enablingresearch and innovation. environment for research, skills and innovation that will take the Department and the Western CapeThis was how Mr Alan Winde, Minister of Economic government to next level.Opportunities in the Western Cape, referred to theMemorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between \"We must work together with Stellenbosch Universitythe Western Cape Department of Agriculture and to show entrepreneurs and business people whatStellenbosch University (SU) on Monday (24 August opportunities there are in the province in terms of2015). Winde attended the event on SU's main agriculture.\"campus where Miss Joyene Isaacs, Head of theWestern Cape Department of Agriculture and Prof \"If we can share those spaces together, we will createEugene Cloete, Vice-Rector: Research and Innovation a better platform of opportunity for people living inat SU, signed the MOA on behalf of the two parties. this province and people wanting to come to this province,\" added Winde.The agreement formalises the existing relationshipbetween the Department of Agriculture and SU and Echoing Winde's sentiments regarding the MOA, Profwill boost research and capacity building to the Eugene Cloete said \"many good things will come outbenefit of both. of this partnership especially in terms of building capacity and exchanging expertise.\"Highlighting the importance of the MOA, Winde said\"collaborative approaches on agriculture will be key in Cloete added that agriculture is extremely importanthelping us deal with the challenges humanity face in for SU and that the institution wants to cement itsthe foreseeable future.\" relationship with the Department of Agriculture.\"It is through innovation and skills that we remain Contact Michael John Freeborough atcompetitive in the world and take our economy [email protected] or Maryke Hunter-Hüsselman atforward.\" [email protected] for more information on the MOA. View original article hereBack Ms Bongawisa Matoti, Director: Agricultural Economic Services, Western Cape Department ofAgriculture; and Mr Alan Winde. Front Dr Ilse Trautmann, Research and Technology DevelopmentServices, Western Cape Department of Agriculture; Prof Eugene Cloete; Ms Joyene Isaacs; and ProfDanie Brink, Acting-Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at SU.*Photogrpaher: Stefan Els

Women in five new SARChI chairs at SUStellenbosch University (SU) boasts five new \"We are extremely pleased with the success of theresearch chairs as part of the South African five excellent SU candidates. For female researchersResearch Chair Initiative (SARChI). These chairs, at SU and across the SA higher education sector thiswhich are funded by Department of Science and is a day to celebrate the important role of femaleTechnology (DST) and the National Research academic staff members in this institution and in theFoundation (NRF), were awarded to five esteemed country\", said Dr Therina Theron, Senior Director:women researchers at SU. This brings the total Research and Innovation at SU.number of research chairs at SU to 33 (24 SARChI She added: \"More importantly, the sector now haschairs, and nine other chairs funded through other 42 new female SARChI role models who will dosources). transformative research, train large numbers ofThe new SARChI chairs are Dr Reinette (Oonsie) postgraduate students, and hopefully inspire largeBiggs (Chair in \"Social-Ecological Systems and numbers of female students to enter the area ofResilience\", placed within SU's new Centre for academic research.\"Complex Systems in Transition); Prof Cherryl Walker Theron said they will do their utmost to supportof the Department of Sociology and Social these new Chairs, and to develop more capacity thatAnthropology (Chair in Sociology of Land, will assist us in transforming and rejuvenating ourEnvironment and Sustainable Development); Prof academic cohort through programmes like this inAmanda Gouws of the Department of Political the future.Science (Chair in Gender Politics); Prof Anneke The DST-NRF SARChI research chair initiative isHesseling, director of the paediatric TB researchprogramme at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre and the designed to significantly expand the scientificDepartment of Paediatrics and Child Health (Chair in research base of South Africa in a way that supportsPaediatric Tuberculosis); and Prof Kathy Myburgh, implementation of the national Research and Development policies. The main goal of the initiativedistinguished professor in die Department of is to strengthen and improve research andPhysiology (Chair in Integrative Skeletal Muscle innovation capacity of public universities forPhysiology, Biology and Biotechnology). producing high quality postgraduate students,SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers research, and innovation outputs. Since its inceptioncongratulated the recipients: \"It makes us very in 2006, 153 Research Chairs have been awarded inproud. This is recognition of their academic work various disciplines and research fields and theand research, which is to the highest quality.\" Funding Instrument has been successful in retainingHe linked it to the transformation of the University, leading South African scientists in the universitywhich includes gender. \"The University is committed system and attracting leading foreign researchersto the career advancement of women, especially at and expatriate researchers to South Africa.senior levels, where they are unfortunately still Original article by Corporate Marketing (view here)underrepresented. We are working on correctingthis.\"

More information about the 5 new SARChI ChairsSA Research Chair in Social-Ecological Systems and Resilience Photo: Dr Oonsie BiggsDr Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs has been awarded a chair in“Social-Ecological Systems and Resilience”, placed withinStellenbosch University’s new Centre for Complex Systemsin Transition (CST). Better understanding of social-ecologicalsystems and resilience is being demanded by policy andgovernance processes at national and international levels tohelp tackle pressing social and environmental sustainabilitychallenges around the world. However, theoreticalconceptualization of this area is still relativelyunderdeveloped, as are transdisciplinary methods forstudying social-ecological systems in ways that integrateapproaches from the social and natural sciences whilesimultaneously engaging with stakeholders outsideacademia. Furthermore, much of the empirical work to datehas been carried out in developed countries, where theissues and contexts often differ substantially from those in the developingworld. The Chair aims to contribute to addressing these theoretical,methodological and empirical gaps, specifically contributing a southernAfrican perspective, and in the process develop an internationallyrecognized hub of excellence in this field situated in South Africa. Researchunder the Chair will be built around four core themes: 1) Advancing social-ecological systems and resilience theory and methods through criticalsyntheses; 2) Empirically documenting and analysing regime shifts andtipping points in southern Africa, focusing on impacts on ecosystem servicesPhoto: SA Research Chair in Gender PoliticsProf Amanda Gouws Prof Amanda Gouws from the Department of Political Science has been awarded the chair in Gender Politics. This research chair will fill the gap that exists in gender related research. Up to now there has been no SARChi Chair that deals with the politics of gender inequality and gender transformation in South Africa. A Chair in Gender Politics will broaden research access for gender scholars. Feminist research done from a feminist praxis always contributes to societal impact. Most very serious societal problems in South Africa are deeply gendered problems (such as gender-based violence, poverty, land and health issues). Feminist research contributes to try and find solutions/interventions for these problems. In order to deliver a better understanding of women’s citizenship, research of the Chair in Gender Politics will focus on the experiences of women in the political system through (1) representation; (2) the accommodation of their needs and demands in governmental policies and (3) women’s activism that mobilize demands so that these demands can be included on the political/policy agenda. Students will have to grapple with theories/ research of representation and quota systems, as well as theories/research that will be linked to policy analysis. In the third instance students will engage theories/research of social movements in the developing world.

SA Research Chair in the Sociology of Land, Environment and SustainableDevelopmentProf Cherryl Walker from the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology has been awardedthe chair in Sociology of Land, Environment and Sustainable Development. The central concern ofthis research programme is to deepen our understanding of the complex web of social andenvironmental dynamics within which commitments to sustainable development must be grounded,through an investigation of these issues in and through the Karoo region of South Africa. The Karooregion is a compelling research site in itself, given its particular history and environment. It is offurther interest because of several globally networked developments that are promising major socialand economic benefits both locally and nationally, and recalibrating relationships to land,environment and place. Prominent here are the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescopeinstallation north of Carnarvon, the impacts of which extend far beyond the core astronomical site,and the possible exploration of the commercial viability of shale-gas mining across several large‘operator permit’ zones. These interventions warrant sustained, sociologically informed, inter-disciplinary research that looks at their significance on their own terms as well as comparatively.They highlight the importance of context and scale in delineating sustainable development. Theresearch programme will unfold around five primary objectives:1) To explore the socio-ecological dynamics within which commitments to sustainability, development and social justice in the Karoo region must operate2) To examine the SKA and shale-gas mining as prominent examples of globally networked development interventions, with very different implications for the understanding and practice of sustainable development3) To probe social meanings around land, place, nature, development and identity in selected sites4) To build social theory that is rooted in an appreciation of the urgency of both the socio- economic and the environmental challenges facing the Karoo and South Africa as a whole5) To contribute to national policy development and to support community development initiatives in selected sites.

SA Research Chair in Integrative Skeletal Muscle Physiology, Biology andBiotechnologyProf Kathy Myburgh, distinguished professor in die Department of Photo:Physiology, has been awarded the chair in Integrative Skeletal MusclePhysiology, Biology and Biotechnology. Skeletal muscle functionunderpins human physical activity, health and well-being. Muscleweakness impairs the ability to move and has severe consequences forour dignity and quality of life. Prof Myburgh’s research aims to closethe gap between an in-depth understanding of the biological effects oftrauma, inflammation and disease on skeletal muscle cells and thewell-known ability of muscle to gain strength and regenerate frominjury. Two properties of skeletal muscle that are fascinating are itsability to adapt for peak athletic performance and the fact that it hasits own pool of adult stem cells. In Prof Myburgh’s laboratories,postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows study these aspects ofskeletal muscle at 3 complementary levels: whole body physiology(real humans), cellular and molecular biology (tissue and cells inculture dishes) and biotechnology (manipulation of regeneration). Thismulti-layered combination of expertise is unique in South Africa anduncommon worldwide. Prof Kathy MyburghPhoto: SA Research Chair in Paediatric TuberculosisProf Anneke Hesseling Prof Anneke Hesseling, director of the paediatric TB research programe at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, has been awarded the chair in Paediatric Tuberculosis. Her group’s research program has had considerable impact on the global research agenda and policy recommendations for paediatric TB, including novel approaches to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB and MDR-TB. The SARChI Chair in paediatric tuberculosis will focus on the evaluation of 1) improved and safe TB preventive and treatment strategies in HIV-infected and uninfected children. Evaluation of novel drug regimens for MDR-TB prevention and treatment will be a key priority. Other research focus areas include the 2) improved TB diagnosis in children including novel diagnostics and biomarkers, 3) evaluation of novel TB vaccine strategies, and 4) implementation science research research to improve the care and recording and reporting of TB in children.

Further information regarding the new policy on subsidisation of research publication outputs The Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET) has released further information regarding the new policy on subsidisation of research publication outputs. Researchers are requested to take note of the following important information in this communication (original communication from the DHET can be read here). 1. The new policy will be implemented for publications made in 2016 and thereafter (the next survey of 2015- publications will still fall under the framework of the current policy) 2. The indexes of accredited journals are expanded to include journals on Scopus, SciELO as well as journals on the Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers (the relevant links to these indexes will be provided as soon as we have received it from DHET. It will also be published on DRD’s webpage) 3. In future there will also be a list of approved Conference proceedings. Please note that contributes at conferences that do not appear on this list but still comply with DHET criteria for conferences, can still be submitted for subsidy purposes. More information about the list of approved conferences will be made available as soon as DHET has provided us with the information 4. The maximum number of units for books has increased from 5 to 10 (see the attached letter for more details) 5. Editors of locally accredited journals are requested to take note of the requirement that at least 75% of contributions in each volume of a journal are to be from multiple institutions. Journals that do not comply will lose their accreditation status The new policy can be viewed in full on DRD’s webpage here. You are welcome to contact Dalene Pieterse ([email protected]|021 808 3557) or Felicia Mc Donald ([email protected]|021 808 2581) for more information.Subcommittee A call for applications: Project funding for newly appointed staffTo deans and departmental chairsThere is now a call open for full time staff appointed to SU since January 2014 to apply for project fundingfrom Subcommittee A. The call closes on 9 October 2015 and late applications will not be considered. Moreinformation and the application form is available here

Researcher Persona provides one-stop informationWe would like to introduce you to the Researcher Persona, a new online research-related information platform for our researchers.My.SUN on the SU homepage formerly had “Persona’s” for staff, undergraduate andpostgraduate students. It was decided that a similar persona was needed forresearchers. The aim of the Researcher Persona is to provide a one stop platform forresearchers to find links to research-related information.The links found on the persona cover important research-related information from atleast four different support divisions, namely, Research Development (DRD), thePostgraduate and International Office (PGIO), Library and Information Services (LIS)and Information Technology (IT). The information has been divided into 5 maincategories, namely: Skills Development, Research Information, Systems and Tools,Support Services and Support Divisions.To access the Researcher Persona on My.Sun, please click here: http://midtier.sun.ac.za/html-navbar/home.htmlWe trust that you will find the platform useful.Please feel free to contact Maryke Hunter-Hüsselmann ([email protected]) or AasimaGaffoor ([email protected]) for any comments and/or feedback on the platform.

Do you want to apply for an NRF Rating this year?NRF rating - WHAT IS IT ABOUT?The evaluation and rating of individuals is based primarily on the quality of the research outputs in the recentpast. “Recent”, in the context of the NRF evaluation and rating system, means outputs of the past eight years.The next round for NRF rating will open in September 2015 and refers to outputs between 1 January 2008 and31 December 2015. The evaluation is undertaken by national and international reviewers who are requestedto critically scrutinise the research completed during the assessment period. Applications are made either by“established” researchers with a solid track record (categories C, B and A), or by “younger” researchers whoshow potential to become established within a five-year period (Y), or becoming future leaders in their field(P).For more information on NRF rating, please visit the NRF website www.nrf.ac.zaHOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?The NRF has an online system for applications. The system will open in September 2015 and all applicationsmust be submitted by 15 February 2016.Stellenbosch University has a very thorough internal evaluation process and we want to start early this year sothat applicants can benefit fully from it. The Division for Research Development is responsible for thesubmission of applications to the NRF and no applications will be accepted by the NRF without institutionalendorsement. The following timeline is applicable to all applicants:20 November 2015 - first internal closing date for all applications (new and re-evaluations for the SU panelprocess)(please take note that no new applications will be accepted after this date)23-24 November 2015 - applications are sent to internal panel members for evaluation and feedback25 November 2015 to 09 December 2015 - panel members work through applications and prepare feedback10-11 December 2015 - panel members send written feedback to the Division for Research Development12 December 2015 - Division for Research Development sends feedback to applicants and open applicationson NRF system for revision22 January 2016 - second internal closing date for all applications (preparation for the SU subcommitteeprocess)(please take note that feedback from panel members must be worked into your application at this stage - theapplication must be in a final form and more or less ready for submission to the NRF) Applicants for re-evaluation who did not go through the internal panel process, MUST submit their final applications on thisdate.25 January 2016 - Division for Research Development extracts applications from the NRF system and preparesit for the subcommittees. Subcommittee meetings take place in the week of 1-5 February 2016 - (thesubcommittees make the final recommendation with regard to each application)5-14 February 2016 - applicants will have the opportunity to make final revisions on the NRF system.15 February 2016 - final closing date for all applications on the NRF system (NRF evaluation process begins)

SO WHERE DO I STARTWHEN I WANT TO APPLY?Step 1: Please let AasimaGaffoor ([email protected])know as soon as possible if youintend to apply this round.Step 2: If you have notalready done so, register on the NRF online system (http://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za) and startto complete your CV on the system.But why now already - still plenty of time left?1. As soon as you let us know that you want to apply, we will send you a complete set ofinformation, including tips for applicants as well as an application template, etc.2. You will be assigned to an internal panel member that will assist you right through theprocess and provide you with advice to best prepare your application.3. The Division for Research Development will work with you throughout and deal with anyquestions/problems you might have with the process and the NRF online system.4. The application takes time to complete (believe us!!) - we will help you to prepare the bestpossible application with enough time and the necessary support from our office.Your NRF rating contact persons at SU:Maryke Hunter-Husselmann ([email protected]; 021 808 4623)Aasima Gaffoor ([email protected]; 021 808 9004)

HAVE YOU ALREADY UPDATED YOUR RESEARCH PROFILE ON THE SU KNOWLEDGE DIRECTORY?We would like to encourage all our researchers to regularly update their research profiles on the SUKnowledge Directory. This tool was collaboratively developed by the Division for Research Development,Postgraduate and International Office and Information Technology. The aim is to make information aboutthe expertise of our researchers more accessible by means of a web console which will feature on the SUwebsite.The value of this directory lies therein that: prospective postgraduate students will be able to identifypossible supervisors; it will assist media liaison; potential national and international research collaboratorsand industry partners will be able to search the directory for SU experts; it has the potential to promoteinterdisciplinary networking amongst SU researchers; and in general, it has the potential to enhance thevisibility of SU research strengths and individual research expertise.At the moment, only basic information on individual researchers is available, but the potentialexists for each individual researcher to profile his/her key areas of expertise via this platform.Have a look at what is currently available for you. Information has been sourced on areas ofexpertise from SU departmental websites, funding applications, NRF rating applications, etc. butplease take ownership of your profile and make sure that it accurately reflects your expertise. Staffinformation is drawn from the SU Human Resources system.We trust that you will find this new initiative a valuable one! It is a work in progress, so if you have anyquestions or if you would like to comment on functionalities or make suggestions for improvements,please contact Nicole Walker ([email protected]). Nicole can also be contacted if your profile iscurrently not available on the directory.Please use the following link to access the SU Knowledge Directory: http://www0.sun.ac.za/knowledge_directory/

Internationalising the doctorate discussed at IEASA “Joint doctoral European University Association, developed a degrees could be a comprehensive statement of best practices key driver in about the internationalisation of doctoral internationalising education along with a self-assessment tool. the doctorate,” Robert Kotzé, Senior Director of Referring to the FRINDOC final dissemination the Postgraduate conference in the UK later this month Kotzéand International Office (PGIO), told delegates at outlined the project principles statement which summarised the roles and responsibilities ofthe 19th annual International EducationAssociation of South Africa (IEASA) Conference. universities in the internationalisation ofDelivering a paper ‘Joint doctoral degrees: at the doctoral education. Summarised, it states thatnexus of knowledge generation across borders’ universities must provide access to good research environments with adequateKotzé shared outcomes from the FRINDOC supervision and resources; be engaged in( Framework for the Internationalisation of international activities at the institutional levelDoctoral Education) project of which through supervisors, research groups, andStellenbosch University is part of. Delegates,international office staff and academics from doctoral candidates; also that they must havehigher education institutions in South Africa and sufficient institutional structures to manage,abroad, attended the gathering in Port Elizabeth administer and develop internationalisation of doctoral education. It also urged universities tofrom 19-21 August 2015. facilitate mobility for both doctoral candidates and staff.“Stellenbosch University (SU) has a particularinterest in joint degrees and see it at the nexusof knowledge generation across borders,” Kotzé SU’s name not only reverberated from stage inquoted from the paper co-authored by Dorothy Kotzé address, but also in the 2015 Study South Africa publication launched at the event. Dr NicoStevens, Deputy Director and Manager:Postgraduate and International Enrolments at Jooste, President of IEASA, made special reference to an article written by Stevens andthe PGIO. Referencing a statement of bestpractices developed by the FRINDOC Steering Huba Boshoff, Coordinator: Key InternationalCommittee, he said universities must engaged in Partnerships at the PGIO, in his closing address on 21 August. Titled ‘Creating a climate forinternational activities to offer its doctoralstudents exposure to international experiences. internationalising the doctorate in South Africa’ the article explored internationalisation in the South African context.The FRINDOC project, managed by a consortiumof six partners consisting of the University ofHong Kong (China), SU, Imperial College London Click here to read the paper on joint doctoral(UK), the University of Bergen (Norway) and the degrees and here for the Study South AfricaUniversity of Camerino (Italy), started work in article.2012. The consortium, coordinated by the

Funding Calls African Origins Platform Closing Date: 8 October 2015 Contact: Maléne FouchéSA-Finland Bilateral Collaboration Closing Date: 28 September 2015 Contact: Riana CoetseeUpcoming Workshops 1 October 2015: Research Ethics 14 October 2015: Conference Presentation 21 October 2015: Grant Writing View Calendar

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