Reflections on research, innovation and partnerships

Former Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) journalism student Jeronimo Kateya (JK) interviews the university’s acting deputy vice chancellor for research, innovation and partnerships, Colin Stanley, about what distinguishes the institution’s approach to research.

What sets Nust apart?

Nust is focused on fostering knowledge creation, applied research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Research is applied everywhere – in communities, industries and government – to solve social and economic challenges. This distinguishes Nust from conventional universities.

What are the key targets under your portfolio?

We have the directorate of research, innovation and partnerships headed by Anna Matros-Goreses, which is mandated to enhance graduate outcomes, nurture stakeholder engagement and create an enabling impactful environment for staff and students. This is inclusive of technology and entrepreneurship development, as research, technology and innovation are interdependent.

A key target is to increase international staff and students’ engagement in active research. One of the niche research thematic areas is the food-energy-water nexus. This is key for us to contribute meaningfully towards poverty eradication and the need to solve critical local issues.

Tell us about some of the support services offered to researchers?

Our focus for this year is to fine-tune research support service processes and automate them to create a conducive research environment. The goal is also on revamping research incentives.

Does Nust offer any scholarships?

Yes, new funding categories have been introduced, such as postgraduate scholarships. Seed funding can help emerging researchers conduct preliminary studies that require data which they can use to get bigger grants. These full scholarships are also tailored to support research excellence and will enable students to focus on their research without the financial pressures of supporting themselves through part-time work or other means.

In terms of building strategic partnerships, what are some of the focal areas?

In the last year alone, there were over 30 industry partner negotiations in multiple sectors such as mining, logistics, local authorities, government, etc. For instance, with the Old Dominion University, we held an online seminar on generative artificial intelligence for educators and with the University of South Alabama collaboration, technology and research parks are being explored, as well as joint grant applications for research administration and management.

It is common practice to hear of university rankings, what are your insights on rankings?
This year, Nust entered a collaboration partnership with the Times Higher Education (THE) – a global platform where most reputable universities are ranked. The intention is for the university to be ranked among other similar institutions. This allows us to use the data that we have gathered about our research activities to critically analyse where we are doing well and where we are falling short.

How does Nust fare on some of the well-known rankings?

Nust is ranked at number 44 in Africa in the top 200 universities by uniRank, but it is widely known that THE is one of the most popular global platforms in this area. Nust is yet to be ranked by global platforms such as Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings or Shanghai Ranking and there is always interest among the research community in knowing where the institution is positioned.

Nust places a lot of emphasis on innovative product development, what is the thinking behind this?

The aim is simply to be able to yield products from research outputs. To accelerate innovation and product, the Nust council adopted the science and technology (technology + innovation = Technovation) parks (STPs). STPs are specialised centres that support and promote technological development through research, innovation and entrepreneurship that attract technology-based companies. An STP provides a conducive environment and ecosystem for research institutes, universities and industries to innovate, conduct knowledge-based work, as well as research and development.

Nust is making its mark in Lüderitz. What are the plans for this coastal town?

We have opened the doors of our Nust Lüderitz Research Satellite Campus and it is already operational. The strategic direction for the campus is to be research-focused and to be the anchor of the science, technology and innovation ecosystem in the southern part of Namibia. The area is strategically located to tap into the raw economic prospects that the region presents.