Stellenbosch University (SU)'s Division for Research Development (DRD) won two national awards on Wednesday (24th May 2017) for its contribution towards research management in Southern Africa.

The DRD won the Organisational Award for Excellence in Research Management at the annual Department of Science and Technology (DST)/Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) Excellence in Research and Innovation Management Awards. The winners were announced at a gala event at the Safari Court Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia.

The annual DST/SARIMA Excellence in Research and Innovation Management Awards celebrate excellence in research and innovation management in Southern Africa. These awards also acknowledge and encourage growth and achievement in the field of research and innovation management as a key enabler of research and innovation outputs and impact.

The Organisational Award for Excellence in Research Management recognises an organisation that is considered to be a path setter in research and innovation management and which has made a significant impact on building, encouraging and championing research and innovation within their organisation over many years. The nomination criteria also include that such an organisation should have developed and implemented initiatives and interventions during the period under review (2016), and that they should have shared their knowledge of best practice with the R&I Management community or had an impact in the R&I Management community beyond their own organisation.

Expressing her gratitude for the award, Dr Therina Theron, Senior Director: Research and Innovation at the DRD, said: "As a team we are very happy and humbled to have receive this acknowledgement from our professional peers. It inspires and further strengthens the DRD's commitment to offer an excellent professional support service to our research community".

At the same ceremony, Ms Aasima Gaffoor, also from the DRD, received the Award for Excellence in Early Career Research Management. This award recognises individuals who are newcomers (less than 5 years in the profession), who have demonstrated achievement within their own organisation, have contributed to improvements in processes/systems related to their role within their organisation, have contributed to the standing of the research or innovation support function at their organisation, and/or have shown engagement in the broader R&I community through involvement in relevant workshops, courses, conferences, etc.

"I am pleased and honoured to have received this award. It is a great motivator to continue to contribute to research management within our institution and beyond. The constant support and sound leadership provided by the Division for Research Development has afforded me the opportunity to grow and for that I am truly thankful," said Gaffoor.

• Main photo: Dr Therina Theron (middle) accepting the Organisational Award for Excellence in Research Management.
• Photo 1: Ms Aasima Gaffoor (middle) posing with the Award for Excellence in Early Career Research Management. Photographer: Elena Gaffurini
  

MORE ABOUT SARIMA

Established in 2002, the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association is a stakeholder organisation that provides a platform for the promotion and facilitation of best practice in research and innovation management in Southern Africa. It strengthens the research and innovation system to ensure the social and economic development of the Southern African region. For more information visit www.sarima.co.za.