“VUT’s FACS Research Awards celebrated excellence in innovation and impactful research, spotlighting academic achievements that shape the future.”
29 July 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Naledi Nkosi
3 minutes read time.
The Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences (FACS) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrated outstanding research contributions at its annual Staff Research Awards on 25 July 2025 at the Emerald Casino and Hotel. The prestigious event, held under the theme: “Fostering a Culture of Impactful Research and Innovation,” honoured faculty members for their dedication to advancing knowledge and driving innovation.
Opening the ceremony, Professor Solly Lebelo, Head of Applied Physical Sciences, highlighted the importance of recognising the relentless pursuit of excellence by FACS researchers. “We are not just celebrating outputs, but the hard work, time, and passion poured into shaping meaningful research,” he said. Professor Christa Grobler, Executive Dean of the Faculty, reaffirmed the commitment to scholarly excellence, noting that research is the backbone of FACS and key to producing relevant outputs and graduating master’s and PhD students some who are themselves staff members. She cited recent milestones, including an increase in NRF-rated researchers, six new research groups, two research centres, a 4IR Chair funded by Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), and growing collaborations with partners in India, Kenya, Nigeria, Germany, and Botswana.
Dr Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation, and Internationalisation, emphasised that research propels VUT onto national and global stages. He said it is through consistent outputs that the university can ignite a culture of innovation and academic excellence that goes beyond academia and has real-world impact.
Guest speaker Professor Tebogo Mashifana from the University of South Africa underlined the pivotal role of research in shaping world-class universities and national development. She called for purpose-driven research that addresses pressing issues such as water scarcity, health, sustainable development, climate change, and energy transitions. She urged the creation of a supportive ecosystem that mentors students, nurtures curiosity, encourages risk-taking, and provides funding, mental health support, supervision, and infrastructure for researchers.
Professor Mashifana further advocated for interdisciplinary collaboration and the ethical use of technology, such as AI and data analytics, to solve societal challenges. She highlighted the importance of transforming research into commercial and social enterprises while fostering inclusive spaces that empower women, first-generation
scholars, and students with disabilities. She concluded with a powerful call for African research to remain globally relevant yet locally grounded, leaving a lasting legacy that uplifts communities.
VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, congratulated the award recipients, commending their resilience, intellectual curiosity, and contribution to solving society’s most pressing challenges. He reaffirmed that research is central to VUT’s vision of becoming a digitally savvy and sustainable institution that drives industrial and socio-economic transformation, as outlined in Strategy 2033+. He further noted that collaboration with industry and other academic institutions is key to impactful research that bridges theory and practice.
Professor Kanana Katumba expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success, noting that recognising research excellence motivates staff, fosters accountability, and drives collective progress. The FACS Research Awards celebrated both individual and team achievements, inspiring the faculty community and reaffirming VUT’s position as a research-active university committed to purpose, progress, and transformation.
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