Monash South Africa geared to play its research role in higher education

20 February 2007

At the Monash South Africa Research Retreat, from the left: Dr Dina Burger and Prof Tyrone Pretorius from Monash South Africa, Prof Edwina Cornish from Monash University and Prof Walter Wong from Monash Malaysia.

Under the auspices of its newly established Research Directorate, Monash South Africa finalised its Research Strategy at a three-day research retreat held in Gauteng from 30 January to 1 February 2007.

The retreat took place under the leadership of Dr Dina Burger, Research Director at Monash South Africa, and Prof Tyrone Pretorius, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash South Africa. Participants included senior staff from Monash South Africa as well as Prof Edwina Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President of Research of Monash University, Australia and Prof Walter Wong, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash Malaysia.

“As a research-intensive, non-statutory and public-purpose institution, Monash South Africa is ready and committed to join its higher education research peers to play a meaningful role in enhancing the research agenda in South Africa and beyond through high-impact and quality research,” said Dr Dina Burger. “Monash South Africa intends engaging in cutting-edge research on issues of concern of contemporary Africa.”

After a completing a thorough analysis of the South African research landscape and a comprehensive benchmarking exercise, several research objectives were identified, appropriate strategies were developed and relevant role-players were identified.

“The retreat was a great success and the outcome was a clear understanding and commitment to achieve and contribute to the broader research objectives of the country and beyond. We look forward to collaborating with the higher education system in all our research endeavors,” said Dr Burger. “The research plans are all aligned with Monash Strategic Directions and academics are committed to making the plan a success.”