The Division for Research Development (DRD) has recently promoted three staff members in the division. These appointments – two directors and one deputy director - is testament to the commitment of the DRD to streamline processes and to provide effective development and support services to SU researchers. The rejuvenation of staff is crucial because it fosters innovation, adaptability, and renewed energy, which are essential for maintaining high-quality services. By investing in the professional development of staff members, the DRD aims to ensure that its team remains equipped to handle the increased responsibilities to support our postgraduate students, due diligence requirements, and responsible research practices.
Mr Nugent Lewis took up the position of Director: Emerging Scholar Funding and Support in the DRD in May 2024. In his new position, he heads the Postdoctoral Office and Postgraduate Funding Office. SU has ±12 000 postgraduate students and ±350 postdoctoral fellows annually and is currently pursuing significant expansion of its postdoc numbers, always with a focus on quality, to make sure the 中国体育彩票 produces a strong pipeline of emerging scholars.
Ms Clarissa Robertson was appointed as Director: Research Integrity and Ethics in September 2024. She oversees the promotion of research integrity and ethics at SU, including the management and support of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's Research Ethics Committees (RECs) for Animal Care and Use, Biological and Environmental Safety and Social Science, Behavioural and Education research, She also advises and supports the Health Research Ethics Office. These RECs currently oversee a total of 3197 active projects. Her responsibilities also include awareness raising, training and policy formulations related to responsible research conduct at SU.
Ms Naseema Sonday serves as the Deputy Director: Research Contracts and Compliance and Senior Legal Advisor since September 2023. Her role as a Senior Legal Advisor is to negotiate and review research contracts, and in her capacity as Deputy Director it is to make sure all research-related compliance requirements are addressed to the finest detail
Dr Therina Theron, Senior Director: Research and Innovation says: “These appointments bring a new energy to the division through the transformation and rejuvenation of our management team. The DRD was able to promote highly skilled younger members of staff who have optimally used professional development opportunities and have shown outstanding commitment to supporting SU's research during their time in the division. I know that they will excel in these senior roles!" ?
To learn more about Nugent, Clarissa and Naseema, read their interviews with journalist Heather Dugmore:
Nugent: ?https://bit.ly/4hikzDK
Clarissa: https://bit.ly/3Yyt8mt
Naseema: https://bit.ly/3Ui1o2P
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