Introduction by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Research and the development of research capacity are defining features
of the University of Pretoria's vision and mission. Therefore, it is pleasing to
report that in 2011 the University continued to make a significant contribution
to the national research output of South Africa. In addition to the large
number of publications reflected in this report, an especially pleasing
outcome is that over 200 doctoral degrees were awarded; the highest
number for any single South African university.
In a developing country like South Africa, it is perhaps especially important that research activities at universities give focused
attention to research training. The year 2011 showed continued growth in the enrolment and graduation of master's and doctoral
students. Close to a third of the University's almost 45 000 contact students were postgraduates with approximately half of these
were graduates of other universities, thus indicating that the University of Pretoria is a university of choice for postgraduate study.
Creating an enabling environment for high-quality scholarship is of the utmost importance in the University's strategy. By the
end of 2011, the University had completed a number of major infrastructure developments, including a new Engineering Complex.
(Engineering is one of the areas in which the University of Pretoria enjoys national and international prominence.) A new Knowledge
Commons and Library Centre, partially funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, was also officially opened in 2011. Almost
immediately after opening, it became a hub for the growing numbers of postgraduate students.
It is very pleasing to note that many of the University's academics and postgraduate students distinguished themselves in 2011
by winning several awards and accolades. Notable too, is that there was a marked increased in the number of researchers rated by
the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the proportion of high-impact publications increased.
The achievements showcased in this report are due to the commitment and hard work of the University's staff and students and I
wish to express my sincere appreciation for their efforts in ensuring that the University of Pretoria continues to be counted among
South Africa's leading universities. On behalf of the entire University community, I also wish to thank Prof Robin Crewe, who was
the Vice-Principal responsible for research and postgraduate studies for many years. Prof Crewe continues to provide outstanding
leadership at the University as the Vice-Principal responsible for all faculties. Prof Stephanie Burton took office as Vice-Principal for
Research and Postgraduate Education from April 2011. She has already demonstrated that she will make a marked contribution to
the future success of the University.
Thank you too to the many donors, sponsors and agencies who fund the University's research through postgraduate scholarships,
equipment and research grants. New large capital projects were funded in part by grants from the Department of Higher Education
and Training and the Carnegie Corporation, and we are most grateful for these grants. Without additional support to complement
the annual subsidy allocations from the Department of Higher Education and Training, the research outputs reflected in this report
would not have been possible.
By the end of 2011, the University Council had approved the University's new long-term strategy, UP2025, which will give increased
impetus to ensuring that the University of Pretoria builds on its past achievements to make an even greater impact in the future.
Prof Cheryl de la Rey
Vice-chancellor and Principal
|
