Academics urged to take on bigger role
SOUTH African academics have been called upon to play a more active role in the country’s major decision-making structures so as to use their research to make a meaningful impact in the development of the country.
This was the bold call by renowned actor Dr John Kani in his keynote address at Nelson Mandela University’s Research, Teaching and Engagement Excellence Awards last night.
The annual awards, which are a major highlight in the university calendar, saw staff from the various faculties acknowledged for their research, teaching, innovation and engagement activities.
Kani touched on numerous challenges affecting the country – from a lack of service delivery and poor leadership to the #FeesMustFall movement and its calls for free and decolonised higher education.
“You are being awarded tonight for brilliant research . . . but how can this research and knowledge reach broader publics?
“How can it be used to influence some of the country’s major decisions? We need to hear more of the academic voice.”
Winners included department of botany professor and director of the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research Janine Adams, who was named Researcher of the Year, and information technology professor Rossouw von Solms, who received the Lifetime Research Excellence Award.
Zoology professor Graham Kerley, who is also director of the Centre for African Conservation Ecology, and SARChI Chair in Shallow Water Ecosystems, Professor Renzo Perissinotto, each walked away with the Research Excellence Award.
Architecture lecturer Jean-Pierre Basson bagged the Excellent Teacher of the Year award, as did school of ICT lecturer Bertram Haskins.
Professor Cheryl Walter was awarded the Engagement Excellence Project Award, while Centre for Community Technologies director Professor Darelle van Greunen took home the Engagement Excellence and Innovation Excellence awards.