Jaaroorsig - University of the Free State

Navorsingsartikels het van 328 in 2003tot 345 in 2004 en verder tot 392 in 2005verhoog.Akademici van die DepartementGeskiedenis in die Fakulteit Geesteswe-Internationalisationpolicy avehicle forresearchexcellenceand inroadsinto Africa.Research management:culture taking rootThe Directorate for Research Development(DRD), which was established in2002 to help develop a campus-wide cultureof research, implemented a strategicframework for research development inAugust 2003. According to a 2005 formativereview to assess progress madesince its implementation, the DRD hashad a noticeable impact in establishing astructured research culture.Establishing a research culture takestime and is an ongoing process. Thereport found that, although strong elementsof a research culture have takenroot, the research culture of the universityis not institution-wide at present.While fairly well established in somedepartments, in others it still is embryonicor non-existent.A research culture is generally characterisedby a climate of intellectual and creativeenquiry, where research is part ofthe daily agenda of most academic staff.As is the case at most universities, mostUFS researchers find that the lack of timedue to their lecturing load is a serioushindrance to the quality and quantity ofresearch. At the UFS this is exacerbated bythe parallel-medium teaching policy.In 2005 the DRD took further steps toimprove the management quality ofresearch development by introducing anelectronic research infrastructure.The research information managementsystem, University Office, a windows-based,dynamic input system thatrecords data in an interpretive way forresearch information management purposesand includes complete monitoring,evaluating and strategic managementcapabilities, has been operationalised.The system dramatically reducestime required to acquire up-to-date, accurateand applicable information. Theuniversity also joined the internationalfunders’ database Research-Research.The system allows directed and targetedsearches for funding opportunitiesacross all disciplines, as well as sponsorprofiles providing in-depth guidance onthe funding agencies.Internationalisation andresearchGlobalisation and internationalisationhave a bearing on the role of theUniversity as an important national andinternational role player in the creationof new knowledge and the preparationof the next generation of experts whohave to lead nations and communities.In March the University Councilapproved an Internationalisation Policyfor the UFS as yet another vehicle todevelop research excellence.The growing number of postgraduatestudents from Africa and the increasein research outputs as a result of this, isalready a step in the right direction.In 2005 1 591 foreign students fromall continents enrolled at the UFS. Morethan 285 were completing their master’sdegrees, and about 60 were enrolled fordoctoral studies. As the majority arefrom Africa, research consequently hasbecome more focused on Africa’s issuesand challenges.’n Bedrywigepublikasie-jaar20