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Page i UFS Research Strategy 2015-2019 Excellence and impact through transformative research University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
Page ii
Table of Contents
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-RECTOR: RESEARCH........ 1
OUR CONTEXT .......................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION ........................................................... 2
INFORMING THE RESEARCH STRATEGY ................................ 2
THE RESEARCH STRATEGY ....................................... 3 The University places the highest premium on
STRATEGIC RESEARCH AIMS ............................................ 3 superior academic performance. This implies high
RESEARCH STRATEGY ACTIONS ......................................... 4
1. Improve international research excellence, impact standards for entrance and appointment into the
and visibility by attracting, supporting and developing
excellent scholars. ................................................. 4
University, and high standards for performance
2. Develop research focus areas that will be once inside.
recognised nationally and internationally for their
research excellence ................................................ 7
UFS Strategic Plan 2015-2020
3. Extend and sustain stronger local and global
partnerships and networks ..................................... 10
4. Provide a sustainable and supportive research
environment with appropriate management, physical
and financial resources .......................................... 11 UFS Strategic Plan 2012-2016
5. Convert innovative research into viable
commercialisation ................................................. 15
MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) ................. 17
__________________________________________________________________________________
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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Message from the Vice-Rector: Research
Strategic planning serves a number of engage with these issues, using their depth
purposes, but in developing the University of of talent across all disciplines.
the Free State (UFS) Research Strategy for
the next five years, it has presented the Our strategy recognises and accepts these
opportunity for an honest assessment of challenges and responsibilities. Through this
where we are, how we operate, and where strategy we aim to increase our visibility as
we want to be. Our research strategy of the an institution that not only creates and
past five years (2010-2014) has served us advances knowledge, but also one that
well; we have made sound progress in terms makes significant contributions to major
of shifting our research development from an social, economic, and environmental
administrative to a strategic function, and in challenges across disciplinary and sectoral
accelerating efforts to place research at the boundaries.
core of all academic activity. However, the
University’s ranking in the National Higher
Education Ranking System illustrates the The research conducted at the UFS
ongoing challenge we face. We recognise that
will be recognised as being dynamic in
our research can become stronger and have
greater impact with a more defined strategy nature, be relevant and of high quality,
and enhanced institutional arrangements.
have a greater international and national
We will continue to nurture scholarship,
Excellence in research is core to the UFS
footprint – but also make a difference to develop new knowledge and increase our
mission. Research challenges conventional
understanding of our society and our world.
wisdom and promotes a spirit of interrogation society. We will connect postgraduates This cannot be done without a clear strategy,
in an open intellectual environment. This
and undergraduates more directly the right scholars, appropriate resources and
pursuit of knowledge brings with it a
an understanding of our environment.
responsibility to society to ensure that the through vibrant intellectual activities and
conduct of our research is ethical, visionary,
transformative, beneficial, and that our we hope this energy will also have an
research is effectively communicated.
impact on the communities we serve.
We are of the firm opinion that research
improves lives and contributes to the Professor Corli Witthuhn Professor Corli Witthuhn
improved wellbeing of societies. Research
Vice-Rector: Research
contributes to solving the world’s most
difficult problems; the complexity of the March 2015
issues facing society requires that universities
__________________________________________________________________________________
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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Our context
Introduction illustrates the ongoing challenge the Development Strategy, and the Ten-Year
The higher education environment, locally University faces in identifying and exploiting Innovation Plan are also crucial in directing
and globally, is changing rapidly, with even its competitive advantage in a highly our own strategic planning.
the definition of the university being debated. competitive environment. In short, the
impetus for a rise in reputation and financial At its core, the UFS Research Strategy is
Education and research are becoming
sustainability demands that greater emphasis aligned with the UFS mission statement, in
increasingly international and competitive
be placed on research in the next five years. particular in terms of:
and there is no doubt that these trends will
Setting the highest standards for
accelerate in the next decade.
The UFS 2015-2019 Research Strategy aims undergraduate and postgraduate
The entrenchment of a research culture at to address these challenges through education.
the UFS has made steady progress in the providing an institutional framework to drive Recruiting the best and most diverse
past ten years, with increases in both volume the next phase of research development at students and professors into the
and quality. During this period funding from the University, making research a priority for University.
the NRF (the country’s primary funding the institution. This strategy focuses on our Advancing excellence in the scholarship
agency for academic research) increased by commitment to research excellence and of research, teaching and public service.
285% while the number of rated researchers impact through transformative research, and Promoting innovation, distinctiveness and
increased by 65%. In terms of research how the University will promote and nurture leadership in both academic and human
publication outputs, there was an increase of it. pursuits.
63%, with the proportion published in Establishing transparent opportunities for
internationally indexed journals rose from Informing the research strategy lifelong learning for academic and
37% to 54%. Research at the UFS is informed and directed support staff.
by many internal and external factors,
However, despite improvements in the including existing and future scholarly Our Research Strategy is informed by the
metrics generally recognised as reasonable expertise and the nature of research funding. UFS Strategic Plan, that identifies three key
indicators of research performance, the UFS Those issues identified as being of strategic institutional priorities: the Academic Project,
‘ranking’ on the National Higher Education importance by funding agencies, the National the Human Project and the Support Services
Ranking system remains fairly stagnant. This Development Plan, the National Research and Foundation.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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The Academic Project aims at strengthening The Research Strategy The guiding principles underpinning these
and enhancing the University’s academic Research excellence and innovation are strategic aims are:
reputation and also specifically aims at integral to the vision of the University of the
developing research excellence. As such it is Responsible stewardship of human,
Free State. Our goal is to address
financial and other resources;
directly linked to the Academic Appointment fundamental and strategically important
A focus on relevance, excellence and
and Promotions Policy, which emphasises the questions, and to deliver economic, social impact;
alignment of professional advancement to and cultural impact at regional, national and A culture of continuous reflection and
NRF rating criteria and minimum research international levels. improvement in strategies, actions and
output requirements. systems;
Strategic research aims A culture of people-centred, flexible and
Over and above being aligned with the The UFS Research Strategy aims to accurate service delivery;
overall university strategy and national accomplish the following: Responsiveness to market needs and
imperatives, our Research Strategy must be demands for human, resources, expertise
based within a candid understanding of our 1. Improve international research and products; and
own particular context, and the strategic excellence, impact and visibility by Integration, collaboration and synergy
advantages and strategic challenges that this attracting, supporting and developing where appropriate for better
brings. excellent scholars; performance.
2. Develop research focus areas that will be
recognised nationally and internationally
for their research excellence;
3. Provide a sustainable and supportive
research environment with appropriate
management, physical and financial
resources;
4. Extend and sustain both local and global
partnerships and networks; and
5. Convert innovative research into viable
commercialisation.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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Against this background, the following support research excellence. We will do this
strategic targets have been set for the next by initiatives to promote research
five years: These strategic aims are populated with a excellence, and ensure continuity and
range of actions; some are initiatives and sustainability of high quality research.
Increase publication output by 50% programmes that are already in place,
Increase postgraduate graduation others are expansions and extensions of
headcount: Master’s by 51% Doctoral current initiatives, and others are new
by 175% interventions. All aim to ensure research
Increase number of postdoctoral fellows excellence and impact.
by 50% A: PROMOTING RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
Increase percentage of permanent Research strategy actions
academic staff with doctoral
Senior Professors and Critical
qualification by 5% 1. Improve international research Scholars
Increase value of third stream income excellence, impact and visibility Prestige Scholars’ Programme
by 83% by attracting, supporting and Researcher development
Increase number of NRF rated developing excellent scholars. programme
researchers by 18% The scholarly reputation of the UFS is
Mid-career development
dependent on the best researchers and
sufficient resources. The former includes not programme
only the professoriate but also postgraduate
students and post-doctoral fellows. The UFS
B: ENSURING CONTINUITY AND
therefore strives to create a favourable and SUSTAINABILITY
encouraging work environment in order to
attract and retain the best. This requires Retention of retiring researchers
offering an internationally competitive Research Fellows
research experience, and the University’s Postdoctoral Fellows
policies and programmes for recruitment, Postgraduate School
promotion and performance management
have to align with strategic priorities to
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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A: Promoting research excellence
The following key interventions are aimed at South African scholars. The programme Discussion groups and training
promoting research excellence: seeks to fast-track the scholarly careers of workshops to develop research
promising young staff members, who supervision capacity for less
i) Senior Professors and Critical represent the next generation professors, in experienced research supervisors, and
Scholars
the post-doctoral period of their careers. an understanding of relevant UFS
This initiative aims to accelerate the This is done through an advanced policies and procedures.
Academic Project by the judicious mentorship and development programme; Article-writing retreats for staff
introduction of scholars of note into the to this end international networks with members to assist in increasing their
ranks of the senior professoriate. leading universities and scholars are created research productivity, as well as
Immediate and significant impact on and sustained for the benefit of these young improving the quality of their
research, including the transformation of scholars. publications.
existing research cultures and practices, are
expected of these scholars. Emphasis is iii) Researcher development iv) Mid-career development
programme programme
placed on the significance and quality of
their research output, their ability to attract The Researcher Development Programme, Available data on the research productivity
major grants, the establishment of a based on the UK Vitae Research of our staff show that a large complement
significant cohort of postgraduate students Development Framework, has been of staff could contribute more significantly
and post-doctoral fellows, as well as the implemented to promote staff excellence in to the research profile of the University. The
cultivation of their established networks to research. The programme is tailor-made to mid-career development programme was
the benefit of the University. This initiative develop the research skills of staff members introduced in 2013 to address this. The
which will be expanded over the next five and is evaluated and improved annually. programme aims to stimulate, support and
years as developing research foci demand The key features of the programme are: develop research activity of an identified
invigoration or in response to change. cohort of ‘mid-career’ scholars. It provides
Workshops to develop knowledge and
ii) Prestige Scholars’ Programme skills in research methodology, research mentorship, encouragement and support,
ethics, technology transfer and research where necessary, for the attainment of the
The purpose of the Vice Chancellor’s doctoral degree and NRF rating.
management.
Prestige Scholars’ Programme (PSP) is to
prepare a new generation of world-class
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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B: Ensuring continuity and sustainability of staff excellence
Our researchers are making a difference
Investment in staff excellence is a timeous of senior academics. The senior research
and cost intensive exercise. To ensure the fellows programme aims to retain highly through excellence and engagement,
long-term success of such an investment, productive researchers at retirement age and providing creative, evidence-based
providing for continuity in staff excellence is hence retain invaluable institutional expertise
as important as investing in the development for the production of subsidy-earning solutions where they are most needed
of staff excellence. Age distribution in the publications, to ensure scholarly experience
UFS academic staff demographic is important for supervision of post-graduate students, Dr Glen Taylor
to consider in planning continuity, as the and mentorship. Criteria for selection include
productive age of our researchers tends to an exceptional research record and/or the iii) Increase in number of post-
lean towards the higher end of the age possession of skills that are critical and doctoral fellowships
spectrum. While it is important to generate a strategic to the University
new generation of academics to even out the It is well documented that post-doctoral
age distribution challenge, it is also of ii) Appointment of research fellows research fellows are a significant contributor
significant importance to retain existing to research development and research output
The appointment of research fellows has
expertise. at universities; they strengthen existing
been identified as a mechanism to promote
research groups around key scholars, as well
research development and increase research
The UFS will continue to implement the as introduce new ideas and new questions.
output in the next five years. It is also a
following programmes, projects, and
means of broadening the existing research This has also been the experience at the UFS.
initiatives to ensure continuity and
base and provides a more individualised However, their potential is limited by the
sustainability in research excellence:
mechanism for formalising research availability of existing funds. In the next five
networks. This initiative, often tried but years the University aims to leverage more
i) Retention of existing research staff
underutilised at the UFS, has been revisited. funds to attract high quality students in a
excellence
Guidelines for appointing, managing and fiercely competitive market.
The “Intervention to Retain Retiring remunerating research fellows have been
Researchers” recognises that retirement age developed and will be implemented shortly. We aim to sustain a significant annual
is sometimes an artificial constraint that This intervention will be reviewed and refined increase in the number of postdoctoral
curbs the momentum of the research careers annually over the next five years.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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fellows. In order to encourage and refine the assisting staff to complete their doctoral pool of excellent future researchers, from
quality of the post-doctoral cohort we aim to qualifications through a research proposal which it can potentially recruit.
recruit a significant international component. development and mentoring programme. In
2014 we initiated an additional programme v) Undergraduate research skills
iv) Postgraduate School research that identifies the 30 top achieving honours
development programme In order to develop a rounded graduate and
and master’s degree students at the UFS, to develop research skills of undergraduate
A significant challenge for research offering them the opportunity to develop students in preparation for post-graduate
development at the UFS lies in that only 45- their academic identity and encourage them studies we will encourage research skills
50% of its current staff members hold to continue their studies at the University. training and development in selected NQF
doctoral degrees. In order to address this, Although the programme does not guarantee Level 7 and 8 modules in undergraduate
the Postgraduate School implemented a employment for selected participants at the programmes.
research development programme aimed at UFS, it does provide the institution with a
2. Develop research focus areas that will be recognised nationally and internationally for their research excellence
The UFS is strategically driven to generate that meets the requirements of relevance, Increase the number of Research
research that is relevant, both nationally and the UFS is working towards the following: Chairs
internationally, addressing goals of inter alia
i) Increasing the number of Research Identify and develop strategically
in the Millennium Development Goals, and
the challenges identified in the National
Chairs important research areas
Development Plan (NDP). In order to In order to attract and/or retain world-class Consolidate and build research on the
compete for funding nationally and researchers in priority areas, the University Qwaqwa Campus
internationally, it is critical to generate aims to increase the number of externally Encourage multi-disciplinary research
relevant research, which is read and cited funded research chairs. As leaders in their
broadly and in turn assists in building a
Produce high impact in-house
respective fields, holders of such Research
culture of research excellence that leads to Chairs deepen the University’s knowledge journals
the recognition of a research-intensive and research capacity, bring in innovative
university. In order to generate research ideas and solutions, and also provide our
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFT
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students with excellent education and impact research areas, working across and which could ultimately be developed into
research training experience. We aim to between disciplines. Centres of Excellence. Development of the
increase the number of externally funded research focus areas will be done in
Research Chairs (currently four) through These will be in carefully selected research consultation with the leadership and
proactive recruitment of high profile scholars, priority areas where the University has academics in the different Faculties.
and lobbying with, for example, SARChI, existing strengths, or where leadership
SANRAL, UNESCO and other potential donor wishes to develop particular strengths as part
organisations. of the strategic positioning of the institution. Universities are recognised by their
They are envisaged as key participants in
This will not only result in a substantial innovation and commercialisation initiatives research activity. Ultimately it is the
increase in additional funding, but also raise and will provide a fertile environment for
research activities and research profile
the profile of research at the UFS. The aim is nurturing and innovating around the
to use each chair as a central research node research-teaching nexus. that distinguishes us as a university from
to attract a critical mass of researchers in the
funded area. The resultant increase in Research focus areas are considered to be other types of institutions of learning.
essential building blocks for the Research
research output, in terms of both quantity The reputation of the university is
and quality is predicted to enable the Chairs Strategy. They will be outward-looking, with
to be self-funded by the time the funding trans-, multi- and interdisciplinary largely dependent on our research
programmes expire. partnerships and alliances investigating
unique opportunities in South Africa, Africa activities and the impact of our findings.
ii) Focusing on and identifying and internationally. These partnerships could
strategically important research be intra-university and inter-campus, as well Professor Corli Witthuhn
areas as with other universities, funding agencies,
In order to balance existing capability with government and non-government agencies
potential and opportunities, while optimally and the private sector.
using scarce resources and aligning
The identification and establishment of these
institutional competencies with the external
strategically important research areas implies
environment, the University will continue to
the realignment of resources, staffing and
develop its portfolio of flagship and high
infrastructure with the identified focus areas,
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 9
iii) Consolidating and building The Research Strategy has identified the ARU strong groupings of research activity, which
research capacity at the Qwaqwa as the primary focus for research will bring together scholars, resources and
Campus development on the Qwaqwa Campus over infrastructure.
The development of a research culture at the the next five years, and application has been
made to the NRF for its inclusion within the v) Developing in-house journals for
Qwaqwa Campus requires particular ISI/IBSS accreditation
interventions and capacity building to NRF Flagship Programme.
overcome the challenges of historical legacy The UFS currently has a range of in-house
iv) Encouraging multi-disciplinary scholarly journals, of varying quality. The
of the campus. As part of the Research
research University plans to identify the most suitable
Strategy the campus has therefore been
identified for special attention as part of all Understanding the complex elements and journals, which are aligned with its areas of
the above initiatives. challenges within nature and society requires research excellence, and support them to
the perspective of multiple research become high impact journals, ultimately with
Cognisant of limited human resources and in disciplines. Multi-disciplinarity generates ISI or IBSS accreditation.
order to fast-track research development, the synergies and encourages new modes of
primary vehicle for this will be the thinking, asking questions and finding
establishment of the Afromontane Research solutions. vi) Increase in post-graduate
Unit (ARU). This particular area of study has
student numbers
been identified as it is relevant, suitable and Over the next five years, the UFS plans to
appropriate for the campus, building on its cultivate a research culture that encourages, We will grow the number of post-graduate
current and potential strengths and the enables and supports its scholars to engage students at the UFS by attracting students
strategic advantage offered by its location. In in multi-disciplinary research. This will from other institutions to join the UFS, as
addition the ARU provides unique require recognising the different pace with well as encouraging undergraduates to
opportunities for inter-and transdisciplinary which multi-disciplinary research often continue their studies and creating a
scholarship. progresses, and the need for more flexible seamless pipeline of students from Honours
organisational structures, funding priorities to Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
The Qwaqwa Campus will be the primary and reward systems.
driver of the ARU, but collaboration with
researchers from the Bloemfontein Campus Productive, realistic multi-disciplinary
will be encouraged and facilitated as part of collaboration will be initiated and fostered
the Strategic Plan. from the ground up by the development of
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 10
3. Extend and sustain stronger local and global partnerships and networks What do we know and celebrate about
research partnerships? One, it takes hard work
An increasingly important dimension of the of the research and scholarship to be
strategy will be our strategic collaborations extended and deepened. to establish and sustain productive
and partnerships - with fellow researchers
and with a wider community of research We will consider the establishment of flexible relationships. Two, it cannot happen without
funders and sponsors. This will build strong part-time affiliations with UFS for
internationally excellent scholars with whom
dedicated individuals on each side to want to
research networks and infrastructures with
the capacity to present strategic collaboration already exists or is deemed make the partnership work; reciprocity is key.
opportunities to improve the scale, quality essential, who are located at excellent
universities abroad, as well as the creation of Three, it often requires third-party funding
and impact of our scholarship, as well as
providing opportunities for additional and pathways through which those universities’ through government agencies, foundations of
diversified funding sources, and increasing students could transfer to UFS as their
the international footprint of the University. research potential emerges. the private sector. Four, it works best with
The types of collaboration to be pursued, productive outcomes planned in advance and
Existing international collaborations favour
include:
institutions in Europe, the United Kingdom, delivered on time; such productivity in turn
the United States, and Canada. The strategy Research collaboration where strengths
will continue to encourage and support attracts further funding. Five, it builds enduring
are complementary
partnerships with colleagues in these Research collaboration where combined relationships across cultures and geographies
countries. However, astute extension of expertise offers exceptional potential
networks to institutions in other strategically which, in the end, is why science and scholarship
Research collaboration with local,
important regions such as in Africa, but also regional, national and international are so important in the quest for decency,
with Brazil, Russia, India and China, will be centres of excellence
encouraged, particularly because of the Collaboration with commercial and non- humanity and civilization.
opportunities presented by BRICS. commercial organisations to foster
As part of the Research Strategy, the UFS will relevant research and product Professor Jonathan Jansen
also form strategic partnerships with development
commerce and industry to enable the impact Collaboration with business and industry.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 11
4. Provide a sustainable and supportive research environment with appropriate management, physical and financial
resources
Research related policies and
The University strives to create an reviewed and, where necessary, adapted or governance structures
environment that supports research changed in order to ensure optimal support
excellence, with appropriate financial, and accountability.
Information management
physical, management and knowledge Financial accountability and
resources. ii) Information management sustainability
i) Research related policies and
Higher education institutions and research Research infrastructure
councils rely on accurate and reliable Measuring research performance
governance structures
research information to support strategic
Sound governance and management systems planning, manage the research process and
and impact
are critical to success in the development of a improve reporting to external bodies such as Research leave
research-intensive university. Locally and funders and government. Over the next five Centre for Statistical Consultation
globally the higher education landscape is years this will be addressed through: Incentivising research activities
changing, offering particular opportunities
RIMS Communicating our research
and challenges to research management. In
RIMS is the primary research information
order to ensure that research is the fibre at
management tool at the UFS; three modules The RIMS Compliance Module enables
the core of the business of the University, its
have been or are being implemented. The scholars to create, submit and track
management and governance systems must
aim is to integrate all current systems, proposals for ethical clearance. All ethics
be brought in line with this changing
including administrative systems, such as applications will in future be managed
environment. Responsiveness and agility are
Human Resources and the Student System, electronically through RIMS and, once fully
enabled by a set of policies, systems and
both of which are now in place. The UFS operational, the application and meeting
structures aligned to promote and support
Financial System and non-administrative process will save time and human resources.
the strategic priorities.
systems such as D-Space, will be integrated
In light of this, the strategy for the next five at a later stage. In future, system-to-system The RIMS Research Outputs Module captures
years demands that all research related submission of funding proposals will also be research outputs; this information is used to
policies and governance structures be submitted through RIMS.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 12
quantify research performance, justify University as it leads to extended strain on The implementation of the student tracking
funding, promote university accomplishments supervisors and loss of subsidy. It also system will be a significant step forward in
and build publication repositories. An e-form impacts the research output of postgraduate the University’s ability to monitor supervisor
is being developed for postgraduate students students. Tracking of postgraduate students’ load, the success of an individual supervisor’s
to submit their final dissertations and theses progress as integral to the management of students, and the performance of
electronically. Eventually, the system will also student throughput rates and the departments.
integrate with systems such as D-Space, determination of supervision capacity, and
which services a specific need as a digital ultimately to expand the University’s Research inventory
archives system. postgraduate student cohort. A key element of the strategy is the further
development of a searchable up-to-date
The RIMS Technology Transfer Module is The MS Dynamics Candidate Research database to record the institution’s research
operational and scholars are able to create Management programme facilitates a range activities. This resource will allow for
and submit an invention, patent or research of applications that track a student’s progress improved management of research, facilitate
agreement to the Research Office through from first application to graduation. It collaboration, and represent a resource for
RIMS for approval. generates information on an individual external stakeholders (such as potential
student’s progress through various stages of academic collaborators and funding agencies)
The system poses some challenges in terms study, including proposal approval, title wishing to gain an insight into the extent of
of configuring modules to suit the needs of registration, ethics approval and notice of UFS scholarship in a particular research area.
the University. An effective electronic submission. It also generates automatic
business process for every module will be notices to students and supervisors in the Open Access Policy
implemented to ensure that business The UFS Library and Information Service
case of failure to meet deadlines.
processes are replicated on the system. (LIS) champions the future improved visibility
Continuous development, training and The UFS Postgraduate School will use and discoverability of all UFS scholarly
improvement processes will be provided for information generated by the system to output. Scholarship is not fully realised until
different role players. identify students at risk of not completing these results have been communicated; the
their dissertations/theses within the time Open Access Policy was approved to facilitate
Postgraduate candidate management limit. This will allow for the timely this. The policy serves to pave the way to
The low throughput rate of postgraduate officially embed the LIS in the research
implementation of specific, targeted
students poses a significant challenge to the process.
interventions.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 13
Open Access is a fundamental constituent to strategy to enable research activity at the and understanding of research performance,
scientific productivity, results in rapid highest level. This includes regular scrutiny of impact and uptake contributes to the
publication with the potential to accelerate the model to ensure that financial hurdles to continuous improvement of our research.
the translation of ideas into innovative new improved scholarship are minimised, or that
services and products. LIS recognises unintended behaviours that are prejudicial to This means that increasingly the allocation of
scholarly publications as an important asset research activity are eliminated. resources must be supported by better and
of the University and seeks to ensure that more meaningful data to promote informed
they are managed effectively and efficiently iv) Research infrastructure decision-making. Furthermore, funding
for the benefit of the academic community at agencies increasingly expect robust reporting
For the success of the Research Strategy in
large on the impact of the work they sponsor.
the next five years, it is essential that the
iii) Financial accountability and management of capabilities and planning of The Directorate for Research Development
sustainability investments are improved. will be tasked to undertake such
measurement activities. Flexible systems are
The UFS currently derives its research Research excellence demands appropriate
required to capture information on research
funding from a variety, but limited number of equipment and infrastructure; this includes
and research training, particularly where they
sources. In order to grow the research skilled professionals to manage and support
occur across faculty boundaries.
endeavour it is essential to further diversify the research infrastructure.
the funding base. This will entail developing Impact is the demonstrable contribution that
As a starting point, a strategy for the
strategic partnerships with business and scholarship makes to society and the
management of research equipment will be
industry, and exploring opportunities for economy. This can be: Advancement of
implemented. Innovative ways of accessing
international funding. knowledge; application of research outputs;
and/or obtaining large, cutting edge items of
legislation and policy; economic benefits; or
Requirements for financial accountability are research equipment will be investigated and
community benefits.
becoming increasingly stringent and complex developed.
as funding sources diversify and the pool of A framework for measuring and reporting on
v) Measuring research performance
competitors for funding increases. Even more impact and uptake will be developed, to be
and impact
than in the past, it has become imperative included in the planned policy on knowledge
that financial and budgeting systems are Measuring and describing the impact and exchange.
optimally utilised and transparent. The uptake of academic scholarship is becoming
budget model has to synchronise with the increasingly important. Careful measurement
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 14
vii) Research leave the number and quality of research outputs As in the past, UFS scholars will be expected
and NRF ratings will be reviewed annually. A to promote research at all levels, including
The University recognises the importance of process of benchmarking incentives provided through public debates, external peer
sabbatical and research leave as being to researchers to align our guidelines with reviews, editorial appointments, committee
essential to intellectual and academic cycles that of other universities will also be membership, etc.
of work, periods of sustained research implemented. The annual UFS Book Prize
engagement, prolonged exposure to new was instated to reward and encourage In order to ensure the relevance of its
ideas and environments, and publications. outstanding scholarly book contributions by research endeavours, we will continue our
Research leave is essential not only for the UFS staff. commitment to public engagement, in order
individual scholar, but for the institution as a to better understand public concerns and
whole. A new leave policy to address x) Communicating our research attitudes, to inform public opinion and to
research leave for academic and support staff address the barriers to adapting individual,
Communicating publicly the research
will be introduced as part of this research organisational and mass behaviour.
successes, strengths and achievements of the
strategy. University is important to building its national
and international image. Currently there is no
viii) Centre for Statistical Consultation strategy in place to encourage the optimal Research for the common good is not
The Centre for Statistical Consultation communication of relevant research in public
provides a free service to scholars and forums. Such a strategy should ensure that some mindless utilitarianism that reduces
information about scholarship at the UFS that
postgraduate students to improve the all research to toolboxes, instruments and
statistical quality of their research data for could be used for public dissemination is
publication. This service will be continued and collected once, and then synthesised and methods. Our research remains richly
strengthened during the next five years. packaged in as many different contexts as
possible.
theoretical and intellectually imaginative.
ix) Incentivising research activities
Utilisation of the World Wide Web, social Professor Jonathan Jansen
Incentivising research (through various media and other forms of online information
methods) has proven an important to showcase discoveries, individual scholars
motivational element to promote a culture of and affiliated scholars have to be optimised.
research excellence. The current system that
motivates scholars with incentives based on
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 15
5. Convert innovative research into viable commercialisation
A growing number of governments of industrial and developing result of its various activities in a manner that furthers is mission and
economies seek to use universities as instruments for knowledge-based benefits the wider community.
economic development and change. The South African government has
implemented a number of programmes in support of this strategy; as a
result contract income remains the largest part of the third-stream Commercialisation Protection, Exploitation of IP Third-stream
income at South African universities. This is one important reason why and innovation exploitation and through spin-out income: Value-
commercialisation companies added during
many universities give priority to objectives such as company creation, of IP commercialisation
creating an entrepreneurial culture and attracting venture capital.
The goal of the UFS research commercialisation strategy is to take the Commercialisation
University’s expertise, innovations and inventions to national, regional strategy
and global markets for the advancement of the University, its staff and
its students, and for the economic and social welfare of the country.
Other imperatives include helping to recruit and retain top scholars and
postgraduate students; fostering ties with the private sector and
investors, gaining a better understanding of market requirements, spin-
out companies and placement of students; and generating third-stream Licensing of Creation of spin-
income. Innovation and commercialisation are imperative if the UFS is intellectual out companies
property
to stay abreast of national and international trends.
Innovative research can only be commercialised if the protection of
intellectual property (IP) is based on these premises. The UFS, as a
major public institution, has a responsibility to manage IP created as a Figure 1: UFS Research Commercialisation Structure
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 16
The commercialisation strategy will Often the lack of appropriate administrative
predominantly follow one of two routes: and policy support are obstacles in fostering
a culture of research and innovation.
(i) Licensing intellectual property, or As universities have evolved over the
However, the main challenge remains
(ii) Creation of a spin-out company. developing an appropriate system and last decade, they have realised that in
However, the commercialisation process is structure that best stimulates an
environment for enhancing research, order to be a world class or elite
not limited to them, and specific
requirements may lead to different innovation and entrepreneurship. university, it is not business as usual.
strategies. In order to develop and support a culture of This is true of the University of the
The full potential of the innovation process is research and innovation, addressing
constraints and developing appropriate Free State as well.
often not embraced by academics at South
African universities as they are uncertain systems and structures associated with a
whether to pursue increased publication technology transfer office at the UFS is a Dr Glen Taylor
outputs for career progression, or to think of priority of the 2015-2019 Research Strategy.
the innovation and commercialisation process
as concomitant to their research activity.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 17
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Tracking progress and monitoring each A clear implementation plan will be developed
programme, project and intervention with a detailed monitoring framework to One of the most powerful “turns” in
identified in the Research Strategy is measure progress against strategy. In
essential and at the heart of evidence-based particular, the intention is to align
social and scientific research in recent
programme design, and accountability. M&E performance measures with the strategic times has been a concern with research
is essential to measure progress and impact aims outlined in this strategy.
and demonstrate effective implementation of that makes a difference. Whether it is
strategy, or, indeed, whether the strategy is Faculties, departments, centres and institutes
will be required to develop their own research evidence-based policy-making or
effective. Going forward, this is essential for
improving the Research Strategy. strategies and implementation plans aligned practitioner-led research or public
with the University Research Strategy.
A detailed M&E plan will be developed in interest research or impact evaluations,
consultation with key stakeholders, and is As well as more detailed performance
measures, a set of broad institutional there is a determined push for research to
necessary for, inter alia:
indicators to gauge overall progress and speak to the most compelling problems
Evidence of outputs and outcomes; achievement have been identified. These will
Enabling progress monitoring against operate as a ‘dashboard’ to monitor progress. facing the planet today.
KPAs, milestones and targets; and
Informing funding requirements. Professor Jonathan Jansen
The plan, while setting KPAs and targets, will
be flexible and organic, and will continually
serve to redefine, revise and improve
priorities and targets.
University of the Free State Research Strategy (2015 – 2019) DRAFTPage 18
MEASURES OF SUCCESS KEY TARGETS
Increase the number of research leaders and By 2019:
sustainable critical mass in research in targeted
We will have improved our national ranking
areas
We will be recognised as a research-intensive university
Increase our research income by 50%
Our resources will be aligned with our research strategy
Establish focus areas in each faculty
Our multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral research and
Double the number of Postdoctoral Fellows
innovation in our focus areas will be recognised for their
Increase the number of doctoral degree graduates
relevance and impact
by 40%
Our partnerships with external organisations will be
Increase the number of master’s degree
generating joint initiatives and enhancing research and
graduates by 50%
enlarging our research capabilities
Increase the percentage of academic staff with a
Superior governance, budget and support systems, and
doctoral degree to 50%
research infrastructure will be helping to drive research of
Double research output in terms of publications
excellence and impact, and minimising impediments to
Increase the number of rated researchers by
research excellence
20%.
Researchers graduating from the UFS will be well-rounded,
Establish 2 spin-out companies
prepared for diverse careers, and in demand globally
Increase the volume and value of collaborative
Internationally recognised for successfully commercialising
research
our research outputs
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