Stellenbosch University (SU) proudly announces the official launch of the Public Squares initiative, a ground-breaking program aimed at advancing transdisciplinary research and fostering innovation within its academic community. Managed by the Division for Research Development (DRD), this initiative represents a significant step forward in SU's commitment to research excellence and societal impact.
Dr Therina Theron, Senior Director for Research and Innovation elaborated: “We know that the most complex societal challenges will never be solved through a single academic discipline nor by only involving academic thinking. Our new Public Squares represent open spaces in SU's research “cityscape" – aimed at promoting new trans-disciplinary conversations and collaborations, with the aim to ensure that our research has a lasting positive impact."
Key Highlights:
- The SU Public Squares initiative, officially launched on March 4, 2024, at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), aims to empower researchers to collaborate, explore bold ideas, develop competitive grant proposals, and cultivate new transdisciplinary focal areas.
- As part of the broader institutional strategic theme Research for Impact, the initiative addresses complex environmental, health, and sustainability challenges, emphasizing solutions-oriented, collaborative, and actionable research.
- In SU's research cityscape analogy, Public Squares represent dynamic spaces where researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds can gather and interact, fostering the establishment of new inter- and trans-disciplinary entities.
- Strategic funding secured in 2023 enabled the launch of the Public Squares project in 2024. From 27 expressions of interest (EoIs) received, 11 innovative Public Squares were selected. These EOIs focus on addressing pressing societal challenges and strengthening SU's contribution to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa's Agenda 2063.
- Through Public Squares, researchers will engage in brainstorming sessions, develop novel focus areas, and receive training in engaged research methodologies, public engagement tools, budgeting, and grant writing skills, positioning them to make meaningful impacts on society.
Dr. Astrid Treffry-Goatley, the project coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative's potential: "Public Squares represent vibrant hubs of creativity and collaboration, where researchers can come together to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges. We are excited to see the transformative impact these spaces will have on our research community and society as a whole."
About Stellenbosch University:
Stellenbosch University is a leading research-intensive institution in South Africa, committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. With a focus on societal impact and sustainability, SU strives to address global challenges through innovative research and collaboration.
About the Division for Research Development (DRD):
The Division for Research Development (DRD) at Stellenbosch University (SU) is committed to advancing research by offering crucial support. It contribute to SU's strategic themes, fostering institutional growth, sustainability, academic success, and diversity. Visitors can explore the website for support and research-related resources.
Contact:
Dr. Astrid Treffry-Goatley
Project Coordinator, Public Squares Initiative
astrid222@sun.ac.za
+27 21 793736308
Read more about the Public Squares initiative here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/cvapr/mdsz/
