UL’s research excellence, growth recognised with prestigious NRF Award

Dr Thembinkosi Mabila, Director of Research Administration and Development at UL, receiving the Focused Research Advancement accolade, a testament to the university’s excellent research work over the years

By Johannes Selepe | mosela.selepe@ul.ac.za

The University of Limpopo’s (UL) research efforts have seen a remarkable upward trajectory in recent years, culminating in national recognition at the National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards held at Sun City

The University was honoured with the 2024 Focused Research Advancement Award, a prestigious accolade presented to universities of technology and historically disadvantaged institutions that have demonstrated significant growth in research productivity over five years.

In welcoming the recognition, Dr Thembinkosi Mabila, Director for Research Administration and Development at UL, attributed the success to a collective effort coming from all his colleagues at the University. He said, “The dedication and hard work of nearly a decade has finally borne fruit, challenging those who might view our staff’s efforts as merely peripheral. This award is not just acknowledgment but a testament to our unwavering commitment to research excellence and the effectiveness of our strategic approaches.”

Dr Mabila added that this achievement symbolises the concerted efforts supported by the University’s senior management, particularly the consistent backing from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mahlo Mokgalong. “What a way to mark 65 years as a research-intensive University; this award came at the perfect time,” said the jubilant Dr Mabila.

The proud research director highlighted several key initiatives that contributed to the University’s research success:

  • Support for Women Researchers: Through ULWASA activities, the University provides support and engagement for female postgraduate students and staff involved in scholarly pursuits.
  • Doctoral Study Project: The University offers dedicated support for staff engaged in doctoral research, fostering an environment conducive to advanced academic work.
  • Staff Writing Retreats: This initiative allows academic staff time away from their usual duties to concentrate on writing, including dedicated weekends for management and leadership staff to focus on article production.
  • Editor-Led Article Writing Workshops: These workshops facilitate the transformation of theses and dissertations into publishable journal articles, enhancing the University’s research output.

For the first time, the University’s research outputs exceeded 500 units, a milestone reflecting significant growth. Additionally, the number of NRF-rated researchers has risen to over 50, a remarkable achievement considering the 12 ratings the University had in 2017. The University also now hosts seven research chairs, playing a pivotal role in addressing challenges facing South Africa and the continent.

According to Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, these achievements were once just a dream: “The hard work of our academics has put us where we are today. Now, many universities seeking to benchmark for excellence look to us as a model.”

Prof Mokgalong added: “To our staff and postgraduate students, particularly our female scholars, I encourage you to take full advantage of the support initiatives offered by the UL research office. These resources are designed to empower you and enhance your research endeavours, ensuring that we continue to build on this legacy of excellence. Your contributions are vital to sustaining our progress and setting new standards for academic achievement. Let’s continue to dream big, work hard, and lead the way forward.”