Primarashni Gower spoke to Dr Anette van der Mescht of Mangosuthu Technikon about the creation of a research culture at the institution.
What is the state of research output in the higher education sector?
Higher education institutions have increased research output in the recent past. The latest figures show an increase of 8,6% (2004 to 2005). The department of education also found that: “Universities continue to produce the majority of the research output. For the reporting year, universities produced 97% and universities of technology 3% of the research output units.” (Education department report on the evaluation of the 2005 research output.)
What is the research output at Mangosuthu Technikon?
Research output from the technikon increased by 600% from 2001 to 2006. During 2005, our output stabilised and was slightly less than 2004. During 2006 we once again doubled our previous annual research output.
The output of department of education approved publications for the past years is: 2001, four; 2002, six; 2003, eight; 2004, 10; 2005, six; 2006, 20.
How are you creating a research culture, given its history as a provider of technical skills?
The chief minister of KwaZulu initiated the idea of establishing a tertiary education institution specialising in technical subjects in 1974, at a meeting with the chairperson of Anglo American and De Beers Consolidated Mines. Preliminary but permanent buildings were built, and teaching began in 1979. The technikon moved into its main buildings in 1981. Mangosuthu Technikon is thus a young institution.
In the past, technikons were not intended to be research centres; they were diploma-producing institutions with a strong focus on technical competencies. Transformation came with a change in attitude and it was expected that tertiary education institutions would now stand on three pillars: teaching and learning, research and community engagement.
The council of Mangosuthu Technikon approved the establishment of a research directorate in 1999 and the first director was appointed in July 2000. The staff establishment was reviewed and, in 2005, a deputy director was appointed to assist with capacity development.
Owing to the technical nature of the programmes offered, strong links were developed with companies and industries. Staff members are encouraged to expand existing relationships to include research activities.
Research infrastructure was strengthened by the development of a biotechnology laboratory and the solar thermal applications research laboratory. It is envisaged that the researchers involved in the development of the facilities will also be the pioneers in the establishment of research centres of excellence.
Staff members are encouraged to contribute to existing departmental and/or faculty research thrusts when planning post-graduate research. The importance of publications and patents is emphasised and staff members are assisted with the writing of scientific articles.
Commercialisation of research results is facilitated through the technology stations programme.
How is the technikon enouraging staff to conduct research? What incentives are in place?
A survey was done to establish the research needs of academic staff. The major interventions include:
- A reduction in lecture load to allow time to do research.
- Funding is available through the research and publications committee to assist with seed funding, minor equipment and presentations at national and international conferences and symposia.
- Staff are assisted with the writing of funding proposals to various funding agencies and industry.
- A series of research-related workshops are facilitated every semester. The workshops include research methÂodÂology, survey methods and practice, publication writing and academic report writing.
- Laptops are available to assist with off-campus research activities.
- An informal mentorship programme was established to assist staff members with research-related issues.
- Scholarships are available for postgraduate studies.
- Systems to allow for sabbatical and study leave are in place.
- Incentives for staff to conduct research include formal recognition of our best researchers and best novice researchers, and a bonus system for improvement of qualifications.
How many academic staff do you have and how many have PhDs?
Last year we had 134 full-time academic staff, including 10 PhDs. An additional 14 staff members were registered for doctoral programmes while 10 planned to register in 2007.
How many research institutes, centres and groups do you have in place, or are you still aiming to set up such institutions?
We have 24 research programmes [groups] in place; two show potential to be upgraded to unit status.
What enabling environment is the technikon trying to create to encourage staff to study for PhDs?
PhD candidates are encouraged to apply for funding through the Thuthuka programme of the National Research Foundation.
Is your research office working on developing centres of excellence?
Yes, the first will be in the field of renewable energy.
What are your research thrusts?
- Renewable energy
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Bio-fuels
- Impact of national policies
- Performance management
- Communication
- English as a second language
- Speech acts
- Nature conservation
- Drought
- Health
- HIV/Aids
- Traditional medicine
- Cholera
- Air quality
- Diet and lifestyle
How are students encouraged to embark on post-graduate studies?
As we do not offer post-graduate degrees, most of our students register for higher degrees at sister institutions. But application has been made to the education department to offer higher degrees at Mangosuthu Technikon.
Anette van der Mescht is the research director at Mangosuthu Technikon