Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Science’s Post

Value of Research: There is overwhelming evidence (refer Fig below) from multiple sources to justify research as “one of the best investments” than can be made with public and private funds. At HE institutions, leadership actively encourages, prioritizes, and supports faculty and student research. Research funding may be sought and provided by the HEI itself or through external organizations like government agencies, industry, and private foundations.

IGDC PhD student Aasim Sheikh gives an overview of the February decolonial research in a digital age webinar in this blog. Read the blog in full here https://lnkd.in/e8i7QYYg

Together with Arielle Bennett-Lovell we'll be presenting on: Team Infrastructure Roles: Charting the Path for Future Leaders! Today we discussed with Aida Mehonic and Malvika Sharan how these two leaders navigate our very rigid academic research system. We need diversification in leadership to be able to tackle more complex challenges - and principal investigators should not be asked to excel at all of these aspects (community management, grant writing, product management and so much more!). A solution: making space for Team Infrastructure Roles so that they can lead the way with their specific skill sets! Looking forward to the conference! #TIR

Intersection of Academia and Public Policy: Shaping Tomorrow's Solutions. 🌐 In today's dynamic world, the collaboration between universities and public policy is pivotal. As academics, we are not just confined to lecture halls; our research and expertise have the power to shape impactful policies that address societal challenges. 🤝 Bridging the Gap: Universities serve as crucibles of knowledge, incubating ideas that can transform into effective public policies. Collaborations between academia and policymakers ensure that the solutions proposed are rooted in evidence-based research. 🔍 The Power of Research: Rigorous academic research provides the necessary foundation for informed decision-making. By delving deep into issues, universities contribute valuable insights that guide the formulation of effective policies, fostering positive societal changes. 🌐 Global Impact: Universities play a crucial role in fostering international collaboration. By engaging with global issues, academics contribute to the development of policies that transcend borders, addressing challenges that affect us all. 🚀 Shaping Future Leaders: Education goes beyond textbooks; it molds future leaders. Universities have the responsibility to instill a sense of civic duty, encouraging students to actively engage in public policy discussions and contribute meaningfully to societal progress. Let's continue to champion the collaboration between academia and public policy, creating a better, more informed world. 🌍💡 #Academia #PublicPolicy #EducationForImpact GEM | Mining Consulting Bechtel Mining & Metals Consejo Minero De Chile A G CODELCO – Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile CochilcoChile Cochilco Negocios UDD Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez

Some of the key findings from the report which led to this article: 🌟 International PGR students make significant contributions to the UK’s research strength across the globe. There is widespread consensus within the sector that international PGR students are delivering positive outcomes for universities as teachers, researchers, collaborators, and advocates for the UK higher education system.  ❌ There is no evidence that international PGR students are displacing home PGR students. ➡ The lack of any deliberate government strategies to attract, retain, and maximise the benefits of international PGR students is a missed opportunity to enhance the UK’s research base, given the benefits these students bring. There is opportunity here for the government, as James Coe and Jess Lister allude to in their article... "The new government is looking around for ways to grow the economy, reset the UK’s position in the world, and better align universities with their missions for the economy. Starting with the attraction, retention, and impact of international PGR students could make an immediate difference to education and the country."

[Promotion of Scientific Culture 2024 | Applications open until 22nd March] 📢 The Universidade de Coimbra, through the III_UC | Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, is launching another edition of the Initiative for the Promotion of Scientific Culture. 🔷 The 4th edition 2024 financially supports up to 10 activities/initiatives that promote dialogue between science and culture and disseminate the knowledge produced at the UC to a public that is not strictly academic/scientific. It is aimed at the entire scientific community of the Universidade de Coimbra and will be open until 5pm on March 22nd 2024. ✅ In the 2024 edition, the maximum amount of support per project/initiative will be 1500€. ➡️ Apply at: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dJYnyBJF ➡️ More information: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/di6CQai2 #development #research #culture #science #communication #UCoimbra #iiiUC #interdisciplinarity 

How can we bring more team science to the PhD? As scientists, we’re mostly trained in individual research. In graduate school, I loved doing science in the ivory tower, but transitioning to the industry quickly taught me that driving science collaboratively is the key to achieving results. How can we bring more ‘team science’ into our graduate training and PhD programmes?

In the pre-Covid days the senior team of a university would meet in person at least weekly. The entire presidium of the University of Europe for Applied Sciences meeting up in person nowadays is a rare occasion! Wonderful to have an afternoon in Berlin to spend some valuable time together. Great team, great university, great future! #universityleadership #universitymanagement #university #studygermany #studyingermany #berlin #germany

✨ Exciting Insights from the Science-Policy Interface Workshop ✨ We're glad to share that Prof. Ashish Ganvir, from Digital Manufacturing and Surface Engineering (DMS) (https://lnkd.in/d4Q5WrJp) research group from our Department, attended the enriching one-day workshop on "Science-Policy Interface for Scientists: An (Inter)national Perspective" hosted by the Swiss Young Academy in collaboration with the Geneva Science-Policy Interface. 🎯 Workshop (https://lnkd.in/dN4vtAqa) Objective: This transformative event was specifically aimed at early career researchers, equipping them with practical knowledge to navigate both the international and national science-policy interfaces. The focus was on developing scientifically competent researchers who are also politically savvy—empowered to shape changes and institutions that benefit society as a whole. 🎓 Prof. Ganvir, representing Young Academy Finland (YAF) as a part of their partnership with SYA, shared his transformative experience: "I was previously unaware of the critical role we, as scientists, can play in policy making. This workshop has opened my eyes to the impactful contributions we can make at any stage of our academic careers. I'm grateful to YAF and SYA for this opportunity." 🌐 About Young Academy Finland (YAF) (https://lnkd.in/dj5QqyxB): Established in 2017 by the Finnish Academy of Sciences and Letters, YAF is a dynamic, multidisciplinary organization that promotes research and strengthens the status of science and scholarship in society. Members of YAF are carefully selected through interviews or nominated for four-year terms by the Finnish Academy of Sciences and Letters, ensuring that the brightest minds are part of shaping the future of science in Finland. 👏 Thank you, Prof. Ganvir for broadening our horizons and representing University of Turku and Young Academy Finland at this significant event. We look forward to integrating these insights into our work and continuing to contribute to the interface of science and policy! #SciencePolicy #Workshop #AcademicNetworking #ResearchImpact #DigitalManufacturing #YoungAcademyFinland #PolicyMaking

From LSE Development of the Mentoring in Undergraduate Research Survey Dolan et al. present the development of the Mentoring in Undergraduate Research Survey (MURS) as a measure of a range of mentoring experienced by undergraduate science researchers. https://lnkd.in/ezZsi4yq