Page 4 - University of Pretoria Research Review 2017

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Foreword
Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Each year the University of Pretoria publishes a research report that celebrates the rich and diverse work of some of our leading researchers and young emerging scientists. This 2017 Research Review provides evidence of the contribution that UP’s research is making to our individual and collective futures, and of the multiple ways in which our committed researchers are succeeding in addressing the dual objectives of academic excellence and societal relevance.
Aligned with the global agenda for sustainable development, as expressed in the UN Agenda 2030, and the goals of South Africa’s National Development Plan, the University’s long-term strategic plan, UP 2025, is based on a commitment to pursue research that matters, research that addresses complex societal challenges and, in particular, challenges that are faced by the developing regions of the world. The research that we report on in this Review illustrates the successes we have had in working towards these goals.
Our research strategy is informed by the global trend, in addressing the complex challenges of real world problems, of multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, and our research has become increasingly team-driven. This Review casts the spotlight on the multidisciplinary, solutions-driven research that has been undertaken by researchers working in teams. There
is also a special emphasis on including opportunities for young researchers, bringing new perspectives and different dimensions to our key research focus areas.
The achievements reported in this Review also highlight the growing importance of networks and multi-stakeholder partnerships in driving research impact. By building on areas of research strength, and actively developing networks and partnerships in areas of societal relevance
in order to leverage maximum impact, the University has pursued its commitment to using science and innovation for development, and for the well-being of people, society and the environment.
Examples of research at UP that have achieved the objectives of excellence and societal relevance include work on food security that has resulted not only in the development of new approaches to nutrition and efficient food production, but also to a study of the potential value of one of Africa’s lost indigenous crops, and, from a societal viewpoint, contributions to food-related policy change in Africa. A further example is research on the genetics, genomics and the bioengineering of trees and their pests and pathogens, where world-leading research contributes directly to development needs and the global competitiveness of the forestry industry in South Africa. There are many more examples: from crops to livestock, and from