Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
SU’s research report to impact communities
Author: Asiphe Nombewu/ Corporate Communication
Published: 16/08/2019

​​​​​​​​​The Division for Research Development at Stellenbosch University (SU) has officially launched a new edition of the award winning publication Research at Stellenbosch University.

The theme of this years' edition is one of SU's core strategic themes from its Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019–2024: Research for Impact. Research for impact at SU implies optimising the scientific, economic, social, scholarly and cultural impact of the institution's research. 

Some of the ground-breaking research topics covered in this flagship publication focus on natural resources, physics, polymers, urban systems, epidemiology, posttraumatic stress, democracy, dignity, economy, equality, gender, human rights and transformation.

Speaking at the launch event which was held earlier this week, Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, stated that the University is committed to basic and interdisciplinary research excellence, as it forms the basis for applied and translational research.

He said the University has identified five strategic research areas that will drive the research agenda for the next few years. These areas form the chapters for the publication: The Natural Environment, Social Justice and Development, Health and Human Security, Human Creativity and Social Innovation and Systems and Technologies for the Future.

Dr Therina Theron, who is the Senior Director: Research and Innovation at SU, said this new edition would serve as launchpad for the institution to move forward into the next century with SU research. “Building on the research foundations established over the first 100 years of our existence, we are looking to make a significant and positive impact on society through our research over the next decades of our existence as a world-class research-intensive university."

Theron said SU has built up an incredibly diverse research portfolio across its 10 faculties.  “Some of our current research strengths are represented by individual researchers known as global leaders in their field, while some other areas are represented by large inter-disciplinary initiatives," she explained.

The launch of the research report has also given birth to a new research lecture series titled 'Forward with Research Impact'. The Division for Research Development and Stellenbosch University Museum will present the lectures as part of the museum's 'Forward Fridays' programme.

The conversations, which will take place at the Stellenbosch University museum during lunch, will focus on the University's core strategic theme of Research for Impact.​​