The latest edition of Stellenbosch University's (SU) multi-award winning publication Research at Stellenbosch University is now available. Produced annually by the Division for Research Development (DRD), Research at Stellenbosch University is regarded as one of SU's flagship publications.
This is a special edition of innovative and interesting COVID-19 research at SU during 2020 and beyond that places the pandemic front and centre in studies across all academic disciplines. Offering the national and international scientific community as well as other interested parties a comprehensive, yet accessible overview of such research, it features breakthroughs in medical explorations, highlights the important role SU immunology experts play in combatting the pandemic and looks at how biotechnology is being employed to overcome COVID-19-related challenges. It also includes research that tracks the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and emphasises how researchers and thinkers in the humanities responded to our current situation.
Some of the topics covered in this edition focuses on COVID-19 research related to full-genome sequencing, wastewater management, immunology, biomarkers, new diagnostic tools, synthetic pharmaceuticals, conservation, oxygen treatment, pathogen transfer, housing, children, sport and exercise medicine, vaccines, education, personal protective equipment, food security, women researchers, music, coronavirus visualisations, social distancing, lockdowns, mental health, tax relief, rehabilitation, nurses, gender equality, disability and businesses.
Over the past year and a half, the pandemic has caused so much devastation, personal tragedy and loss in lives and livelihoods globally. But regardless of lockdowns, isolation, and the adjustments we have had to make, researchers at SU rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
Research for impact is one of our core values, and it has never proved more tangible than during the pandemic because research had an immediate, real-world impact. This core value also forms part of our Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024, which informs our mission to keep a focus on the future and find ways to exponentially expand SU's impact. In our approach we consider the National Development Plan, the African Union's Vision 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals because we firmly believe that a university should be connected to the world.
According to Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, the publication gives practical expression to what SU has set out to do – to contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges in our world. “That is research for impact – using our research expertise to change society for the better and to make a positive difference to people`s lives".
SU researchers also wrote many COVID-19-related editorials and opinion pieces. The DRD compiled a report with more than 50 of these contributions produced between March 2020 and February 2021.
During the coming weeks, we will feature some of the highlights in the publication on the Research at Stellenbosch University Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stellenboschuniresearch or @stellenboschuniresearch.
For now, watch the video to get a sneak peek of what you can expect!
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES ONLY:
Maryke Hunter-Hüsselmann (editor)
Director: Research Information and Strategy
Division for Research Development
Stellenbosch University
Email: mh3@sun.ac.za
ISSUED BY
Martin Viljoen
Manager: Media
Corporate Communication and Marketing
Stellenbosch University
Tel: 021 808 4921
Email: viljoenm@sun.ac.za
