Page 4 - Research & Innovation Report 2020

VC’S FOREWORD

Impactful Research for

Sustainable Futures

By Professor Sibongile Muthwa, Vice-Chancellor

For Nelson Mandela University, the 2020/21 period has been characterised by the turbulence,
change and uncertainty that has afflicted the world as a whole, coupled with collectively
mourning the passing of many of our own due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, this has
strengthened our resolve to steer a considered course towards focusing on research, innovation
and transformative engagement that achieves immediate impact while also pioneering new
frontiers of knowledge through groundbreaking discoveries.

As part of our Vision 2030 strategy, we seek to position Nelson its doors to the first cohort of medical students in March 2021.
Mandela University globally as an engaged, responsive higher The Medical School’s integrated, interdisciplinary approach to
education institution in the service of society. This strategy includes the basic medical sciences will contribute to the establishment
a firm commitment to the generation of knowledge, products and of an interprofessional research hub on the Missionvale Campus,
services that contribute to a sustainable, socially just future. In
doing so, the University strives to co-create innovative solutions
to the complex challenges confronting society and the planet,
through collaborative local, national and international partnerships.

As a university, we are proud to be a leader in many areas of
research, including women and gender studies, ocean sciences,
food security, sustainability science, health and well-being,
nanotechnology, and marine robotics.

In 2021, under the leadership of our DVC: Research, Innovation
and Internationalisation, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Mandela University
participated in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings
for the first time. These are global performance tables that assess
the contribution of universities to the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Out of 1115 universities from 94
countries or regions, Mandela University ranked fourth overall in
South Africa, with the universities of Johannesburg, Pretoria and
Cape Town as the top three.

Mandela University’s strongest ranking was Life Below Water [SDG
14] – 40th globally – and we were the only university in South
Africa to rank in this SDG. For partnerships [SDG 17], we ranked
the highest in South Africa, together with the universities of Cape
Town and Pretoria. We were also recognised for our strengths in
addressing Life on Land [SDG 15] and Good Health and Well-
being [SDG 3].

The latter is reflected in Mandela University’s new Medical School,
which has a strong focus on primary healthcare, and which opened Prof Sibongile Muthwa

|
2|
2