TUT Emerging Researchers Face Challenges at the Fad Research Showcase. At the Faculty of Arts and Design’s Research Showcase on October 18, 2023, Dr. Gansen Pillay shed light on the formidable challenges faced by emerging researchers, particularly the hurdles posed by bureaucratic administrative processes.
TUT Emerging Researchers Face Challenges at the FAD Research Showcase.
Identifying Challenges: Dr. Pillay Insights
In his presentation, “Challenges facing emerging researchers in a changing knowledge economy,” Dr. Pillay, former Deputy CEO for Research and Innovation at the NRF, highlighted six challenges hindering research progress, emphasizing the detrimental impact of red tape and implementation hurdles on even the most robust research strategies.
Funding and Beyond: Overcoming Research Barriers
Dr. Pillay addressed funding as a significant barrier, urging researchers to seek opportunities beyond national borders. Additionally, he emphasized the need for better time management, urging senior professors to create space for young researchers to engage in meaningful research without being overwhelmed by their workload.
The Data Dilemma and Networking
The overwhelming amount of information and data posed yet another challenge, according to Dr. Pillay. He stressed the importance of interpreting and documenting data to generate meaningful knowledge.
Active networking and collaboration with top researchers were also highlighted as crucial, with a caution against mere conference attendance without substantial research contributions.
Balancing Act: Work, Home, and Fulfillment
Dr. Pillay emphasized the need for a balance between work and home life, underlining that fulfillment in one area contributes to fulfillment in the other. He encouraged researchers to claim their place in the scientific landscape and to infuse excellence, ethics, and empathy into their research endeavors.
Faculty Remarkable Research Growth
Prof. Nalini Moodley, the Executive Dean of the Faculty, shared impressive statistics showcasing the Faculty’s research growth—from 17.05 units in 2021 to 40.75 units in 2022. The increase in Master’s and PhD graduates reflected the diverse knowledge and skills within the Faculty, contributing to a rich academic environment.
Showcasing Diversity: Prof. Moodley Perspective
Prof. Moodley expressed satisfaction with the diversity of research undertaken, highlighting the broad spectrum of expertise that enriches teaching and learning experiences. The event served as an opportunity for researchers, from full professors to recent Master’s graduates, to share their passions, contributing to skill transfer and capacity building.
Dr. Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren Promotion
The Research Showcase concluded with the uplifting announcement of Dr. Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren’s promotion to Associate Professor, recognizing her contributions to the Department of Visual Communication (Motion Picture Production).
Diverse Insights: A Treasure Trove of Research Presentations
The Research Showcase featured eighteen dynamic ten-minute presentations, offering a diverse range of insights from academics across disciplines. Topics spanned consumer behavior in clothing consumption to the reimagining of tradition by Tsonga rap artist Sjo Madjozi, illustrating the constant evolution of contemporary African cultural identities.
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