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Building Research from Scratch: Managing Risks at the University of Fort Hare

This presentation by Prof. Gideon de Wet at INORMS 2014 explores the strategic journey of the University of Fort Hare in managing research risks and building its research capacity from the ground up. It covers the historical context, geographical significance, and the university’s unique qualities. Key topics include recent restructuring efforts, significant policy developments, challenges faced, and future strategies for sustainable growth in research output. The session highlights the importance of innovation, stakeholder engagement, and the role of leadership in achieving academic excellence.

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Building Research from Scratch: Managing Risks at the University of Fort Hare

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Presentation: INORMS 12 April 2014Washington DC Prof Gideon de Wet: Dean of Research

  2. Title of Presentation Building Research from Scratch: Managing Risks at the University of Fort Hare

  3. Agenda • Historical background and Context • Geographical location • What makes Fort Hare special? • Why “building research from scratch?” • Strategic positioning and restructuring • Policy development: A strategic imperative • Successes and risks • The way forward and Policy Challenges

  4. The University of Fort Hare

  5. Christian Union Building

  6. Geographical Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa

  7. History • British missionaries: Founded in 1916 • First African to obtain B degree South Arica • Non racialism and open society • Great African Leaders • 1958 turned into an Apartheid / African ethnic University • 1994: long road towards restructuring • 3 campuses

  8. Nelson Mandela

  9. Robert Mugabe

  10. Desmond Tutu

  11. Background and Context: Repositioning • Restructuring, 2008 and Strategic Plan: 2009 -2016 • Strategic research to promote: • Critical engagement and knowledge production • Research that is relevant and responsive and that can provide leadership to society • Research that is innovative and problem solving • Research that is inspiring and role modeling • Research that is formative • Research that is transformative

  12. Strategic Objectives and Actions • Curricula Renewal • Internationalization • Stakeholder partnerships • An enabling research environment • Administrative, financial and capacity development • The rewarding of excellence • Critical human capital development • Qualitative and Innovative integrated Teaching, Research and Community Engagement

  13. Policy Development: A strategic imperative • Management Info, institutional data • Grant and Seed funding • Conference attendance • Accredited research output • Incentives • Promotions • Integrity • IP and Tech-Transfer • Capacity development and facilitation

  14. Student Numbers: 1916 -2013

  15. Level of Study and number of Graduates

  16. Accredited Publications Per Year and Postgraduates Outputs: Summary

  17. Accredited Publication Research Output Per Faculty: 2006 to 2011

  18. Master’s Output: 2007 to 2012

  19. Doctoral Output: 2007 to 2012

  20. Highest Qualifications: Academic Staff Per Faculty 2012 / 13

  21. New Initiatives to ensure Sustainability:Research Niche Areas

  22. New Initiatives to ensure Sustainability:Research Niche Areas • Law, Science and Justice • Early Childhood Development • Unemployment, Poverty, Social Development and Entrepreneurship Management • Democracy, Heritage and Citizenship

  23. Research Professors Seven new positions across all Faculties: • High premium on output targets • Must be catalysts to grow and inspire • Must be seen to be trend setters • Role modelling and mentoring • NRF rating is critical • Impact very crucial: Internally and externally

  24. Risks • The research mission, context, connectivity • Research Impact, monitor and evaluate • Policy on the emerging researcher • The appointment of senior researchers • Broaden research output base • Faculty leadership and research targets • Develop mentorship programmes

  25. Risks • The re-positioning of research entities • A new approach towards research funding • Employment contracts • The Science System • Internationalisation and connectivity • The School of Postgraduate Studies • Improve on the quality of supervision

  26. Risks • The “harvesting of papers” • Staff accommodation • Appointment of research fellows • The need for statistical support services • The institutional research policy environment • Research infrastructure • Management Communication

  27. The Way Forward and Strategic Policy Challenges • Prioritising and leadership, but it is a process • Funding and sustainability • Resources: Human, infrastructure • Setting targets: playing hard ball • Quality • Societal Impact and relevancy • Connectivity and internationalisation

  28. Thank you!

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