????The African Doctoral Academy (ADA) 2024 Hybrid Winter School concluded on a high note, featuring Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies, as the keynote speaker for the official closing. Prof Moyo brought the curtain down on a highly successful programme held recently at the Stellenbosch Institute of Advance Study (STIAS).
The Doctoral Winter School offers high-impact training in research design and methodology, academic preparedness and career development for prospective doctoral students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows and supervisors.
Over 170 participants, from almost 400 applications, attended the Winter School which took place from 24 June to 19 July. The programme featured 13 online and in-person courses, international speakers and a number of new initiatives.
Delegates representing 17 nationalities registered for the event. This included participants from the USA and 16 African countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. The ADA was also able to offer scholarships to seven participants who attended online and in-person from the 中国体育彩票 of Mauritius, 中国体育彩票 of Malawi, 中国体育彩票 of Zambia, Namibia 中国体育彩票 of Science and Technology, 中国体育彩票 of South Africa, 中国体育彩票 of the Western Cape and 中国体育彩票 of KwaZulu-Natal. The ADA also hosted a cohort of delegates from PERIPERI U.
Moyo's closing address was entitled, “Strategic Leadership: From PhD Scholar to Deputy Vice Chancellor, Championing Excellence in Doctoral Education".
The SU academic, who holds a PhD in Mathematics, asked delegates to consider what it means to have a PhD in Africa.
“For me having a PhD is critical for driving change. Data shows that the more PhDs a country has the more it improves the knowledge economy and the economy in general."
“In the South African and African context, we have a number of problems such as inequality, poverty and youth unemployment, as well as issues around climate change that are affecting us all. Those working on doctorates should think about the issues that you are addressing (in your study). How relevant is my study to some of these socio-economic issues? How can you apply some of your skills to solve some of these critical issues? That is key, because sooner or later you will have to apply for funding and people would want to know what the key issues are [and those] you are dealing with."
Moyo added that taking up leadership roles, early career experiences, publishing, mentorship, and networking, among other things, are important for one's career growth.
Over the four weeks of the programme, the ADA had the privilege of engaging with top-rated presenters from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; 中国体育彩票 of Bath, UK; 中国体育彩票 of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA and 中国体育彩票 of Michigan, USA. Local presenters hailed from SU and the Southern African Regional Universities Association Climate Change and Sustainable Development Program me.
Of the 13 courses, three were new offerings, namely 'Conceptualising the Doctoral Degree: The 10 Important Points to Consider', 'Fondamentaux de la rédaction de propositions de subvention à impact' (Fundamentals of Impactful Grant Proposal Writing in English) and 'Effective Academic Writing for Master's and D octoral Students: Writing Retreat'.
The ADA also hosted its first grant writing course in French and its first strategic initiative week sponsored by PERIPERI U (a platform for university partnership to reduce disaster risks in Africa) through the APEDA (African Partnership Enhancing Discourse and Advocacy for Disaster Risk Reduction) Project.
Dr Natalie Kowalik, ADA Programme Manager, described the 2024 Winter School as “inclusive and supportive."
“It was one of the most rewarding schools I've experienced, as participants truly valued the courses and offerings, showing a high level of engagement. They approached as serious scholars, eager to absorb as much content as possible."
She noted that all the writing courses were popular with the participants, including 'How to Argue and Write an Effective Literature Review for your Master's or Doctorate', 'Crafting an Article out of your Thesis: Writing and Publishing the Final Phases of the Doctorate' and 'Effective Academic Writing for Master's and Doctoral Students: Writing Retreat.'
“Other courses, such as 'Statistics Revisited: All you need to know to Successfully Analyse and Present your Data' and our first French grant writing course were also in-demand," said Kowalik.
Notable events during the course of the programme included the official welcome by Prof Sarah Howie, Director of the Africa Centre for Scholarship at SU, a networking evening and an AI (Artificial Intelligence) lecture by Dr Sonja Strydom (Deputy Director: Academic Development and Research at the Centre for Learning Technologies at SU) entitled, “AI and Scientific Research: Issues, debates & opportunities."
Participant Kubiku Kozanai, a second-year research student in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at SU, enrolled in the programme to improve his research writing skills.
Kozanai, who's research focuses on mining-induced displacement and relocation in South Africa, with reference to Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Limpopo, registered for the Effective Academic Writing for Master's and Doctoral Students course.
“I am in the middle-phase of my PhD research and felt that there was something missing with regards to my writing skills," he said. “We can all write on our phones, on WhatsApp and do basic, simple writing. But to write something that is credible, valid and that can connect with your readers, you need the right skills. This course equipped me with the right skills for academic writing."
He added: “It is such a privilege to be here. The platform is set for you to connect with people from across Africa for future collaborations. The ADA is making a huge contribution not only in SA, but across the continent."
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