Message from the Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Research

Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor: Research    Associate Professor Dina Burger

Monash University is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions. It is Australia’s largest university with eight campuses – six in Australia, one in Malaysia and one in South Africa.

Monash South Africa, situated in Ruimsig Johannesburg, is the youngest of the Monash campuses and reflects the international footprint of Monash University on the African continent.

Monash South Africa envisions establishing itself as a quality research-intensive, public purpose institution that undertakes cutting-edge research on issues of concern and relevance in contemporary Africa.

To give effect to this ambitious vision, the first Research Directorate was established at the campus in May 2006 with the appointment of Associate Professor Dina Burger as Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), The imperative of this directorate is to develop and maintain a high-quality research management infrastructure and a vibrant research culture on the campus.

Another high-priority challenge is the roll-out of higher degrees by research across the disciplines of arts, business and commerce and information technology within the three academic schools. It is hoped that this will bring about a critical mass of post-graduate scholars who will become future leaders, particularly on this continent.

A globally-recognised research supervision training and capacity development programme ensures a quality learning experience for students working towards higher degrees by research.

In alignment with the research agendas of South Africa and the continent as a whole, several research nodes are being developed in the areas of water research, global movements, injury prevention and accident management - with a focus on development informatics, health promotion and transport studies.

These research themes are also closely linked to the research focus areas of the broader university and its already established and credible knowledge networks across the globe.

Utilising a multidisciplinary approach, the research nodes will focus their endeavours in the areas of short courses, higher degrees by research and community engagement.

In the quest to generate new knowledge and to impact on the global knowledge economy, at a time when global challenges are putting increasing pressure on the capabilities and resources of higher education institutions to respond in a pro-active way, we believe that cooperation and collaboration with public higher education institutions, research funding institutions and other organs of civil society in South Africa, will provide an opportunity for us to collectively build research capacity and productivity nationally, on the continent and globally.

Monash South Africa is ready to play a leading role in providing new and innovative solutions to the diverse and demanding challenges faced by South Africa, the continent and beyond, through cutting-edge research and the utilisation of our broader system of recognised research expertise.

I encourage you to read our website and to engage with us, so that together we can develop and ensure collective high-quality and cutting-edge research.

Associate Professor Dina Burger
Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Research