The rapid detection of honey fraud; the role of women in the military; the link between heart disease and mental health; career development for township youth; the use of dragonflies to monitor the health of water sources; and ways in which technology and games can save education.

These are just some of the interesting topics being highlighted in the latest edition of Research at Stellenbosch University launched officially on Monday (14 August 2017) by the Division for Research Development at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Other topics include: Shape Shifters – understanding the invasive success of the smallmouth bass; Bat-borne viruses a cause for concern; the link between roads crashes and the weak enforcement of traffic laws; and, Afrikaans music reflects the country's history

This annual publication offers the national and international research community as well as other interested parties a comprehensive, yet accessible overview of innovative and interesting research being done at SU. It illustrates the successful contributions of a selected number of the University's research projects towards making a positive impact on the lives of people.

Apart from serving as a platform to share research results with the public, Research at Stellenbosch University provides information about the University's rated researchers (as determined by the National Research Foundation), Distinguished Professors, Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence, as well as innovative technologies produced here.

It also provides a snapshot of contributions by highly talented and dedicated SU researchers who help create of a society where people can live peacefully, where good health and dignity are promoted, where poverty and related conditions are eradicated, where sustainable developments ensure the future of our natural resources and the environment, and where technological developments contribute to the advancement of the lives of people and of society. As such, the publication pays tribute to their commitment and tenacity, and their exceptional contributions to society.

Themed SU contributes to the global Sustainable Development Goals through our research activities, the 2016 edition has regrouped these goals into four chapters, namely People and Society, Health, Environment and Economy and Resources and focuses on stories where SU research relate to specific goals.

Commenting on the latest edition, Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, says “this publication reflects on our research activities that contribute to a transformed society and also highlights our commitment to human capital development and the excellent work of some of our research-focused academics."

Ms Maryke Hunter-Hüsselmann, Director: Research Information and Strategy at SU and editor of the publication, echoes De Villiers' sentiments: “Research at Stellenbosch University showcases the relevance and impact of SU's research in society and how it contributes to improving societal conditions."

Previous editions of Research at Stellenbosch University (starting 2010) all won awards at the annual national Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE) Awards Ceremony.

• A virtual copy of Research at Stellenbosch University is available at http://bit.ly/2ra3cva.
• Printed copies are available upon request.  Liaise with Maryke Hunter-Hüsselmann at tel 021 808 4623 or e-mail mh3@sun.ac.za for more information.
• The Division for Research Development also launched an updated brochure on SU's research chairs and centres of excellence in 2016. Click here for more information.
• Click here for more about SU's latest research achievements.
   

Photo: Prof Wim de Villiers pages through a copy of Research at Stellenbosch University.

Photographer: Stefan Els