Research

Unisa attains second position among SA universities for research excellence

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Renowned for its commitment to accessible and quality education, Unisa is gaining international acclaim for its impactful research contributions. In a recent announcement by Emerald Publishing under the SANLIC consortium, Unisa ranked second among South African institutions with outstanding research outputs. This recognition places Unisa just behind the University of Johannesburg, with the University of Pretoria at number three, the North-West University at number four, and the University of Witwatersrand at five.

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Under the visionary leadership of Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, the university has been strategically repositioned to become a beacon of innovative research. This research is not only academically robust but also aimed at informing policies, fostering economic growth, enhancing education and building international collaborations. The efforts in this direction have garnered global recognition, underscoring Unisa's role in the international academic and research community.

Emerald Publishing, established by management scholars in 1967 and now part of the Cambridge Information Group, has long been dedicated to championing fresh thinkers and facilitating positive real-world change through its publishing services. For over five decades, it has supported the dissemination of pioneering research, making the recent recognition of Unisa all the more significant. This accolade reaffirms Unisa's substantial contributions to the global knowledge production landscape.

Under LenkaBula's leadership, Unisa continues to emphasise producing research that transcends academic boundaries, contributing to societal, economic and technological advancements. The university's research endeavours span a wide range of disciplines, addressing urgent societal challenges and enhancing both national and international knowledge bases. From pioneering technological innovations to conducting critical social sciences studies, Unisa stands out as a leader in creating impactful change.

One exemplary initiative is the Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions (ICES). This institute is at the forefront of addressing Africa's energy challenges, particularly in promoting sustainable energy solutions that can drive the continent's growth and improve the quality of life. The research conducted at ICES is closely aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The institute not only conducts groundbreaking research but also engages in multidisciplinary projects that seek practical, sustainable energy solutions for South Africa. Furthermore, it trains postgraduate engineers and scientists and implements practical solutions in local communities.

Emerald Publishing's acknowledgement of Unisa's research impact highlights the university's critical role in addressing contemporary global issues and advancing societal progress. Unisa's innovative projects are not only enriching academic discourse but also providing practical benefits to communities both locally and globally. As the university continues to prioritise research excellence, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster a better future through education and innovation. 

* By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, Editor: Internal Communications, Department of Institutional Advancement

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Publish date: 2024-07-31 00:00:00.0

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