The number of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers at CPUT has increased. Three academics, Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway, were awarded NRF ratings in January.
The latest ratings bring the number of NRF rated researchers at CPUT to 13.
The NRF rating system is a benchmarking system through which individuals who produce quality research are identified by South African and international peer reviewers. The ratings are based on the quality and impact of research output over a seven year period. Ratings are valid for five years.
Prof Chetty, who heads up the Research Division at the Education and Social Science Faculty and previously held an L rating, was awarded a C rating.
Prof Chetty has diverse research interests. His key research areas are teacher education, commonwealth literature and social sciences. Over the past decade he has published extensively in all these fields.
However, for the next three years, Prof Chetty, who holds an NRF focus area grant, will focus on quality issues in teacher education in South African Universities. This research project, in collaboration with University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal , will attempt to provide an informed understanding of the complexity of teacher education, determine an environment for quality learning, teaching and research in higher education, and establish strengths and challenges in the current framework.
Prof Sun, who heads up the Centre for Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems at the Bellville Campus, was also awarded a C rating.
This is the second time he has been rated. He previously held an L Rating in 2001.
Prof Sun said, “This rating is a great recognition of my academic work.”
A letter from the NRF, which provided feedback on the review process, stated that Prof Sun “commands the top spot” in South Africa in his research field of Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems.
Prof Sun is also an international recognised scholar and has been invited as Chief Editor for various journals.
Prof Sun said he is planning to extend research in this field and also has a number of new projects lined up for the year. Currently he is putting plans in place to conduct research on using biodegradable materials for environmentally friendly packing solutions for the fruit industry.
Prof Sun is also involved with several research projects with the Department of Science and Technology and private organisations.
Meanwhile, Dr Garraway, who is the co-ordinator of the extended programmes at the Fundani Centre, received an L rating.
This rating is awarded to older researchers who recently started research and show promise.
Dr Garraway, whose research focus is on the intersection between academic learning and working life, said he is pleased about the rating.
He plans to continue his research and is in the process of setting up a research project, which will further explore the transition from the university to the workplace.
“The idea is to enroll two master students who will be involved in interviewing and tracking our students in the workplace and at the institution,” he said.
The project is expected to run over two years. DVC: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is proud of the researchers’ ratings.
“I laud your efforts and encourage staff at CPUT to follow your lead as we have set ourselves great targets,” said Dr Nhlapo.
By Candes Keating
Photograph: (left to right) Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway
Written by CPUT News
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