CUT researchers from both Bloemfontein and Welkom Campuses who attended the first of its kind Inaugural Research Winter School hosted at Welkom Campus.

The Centre for Diversity in Higher Education (CDHE), in the Faculty of Humanities hosted its first Inaugural Research Winter School which will take place from 1 to 5 July 2024 at the Welkom Campus. 

The event marks a significant milestone in fostering a conducive research culture, enhancing the quality of publications, and improving graduate throughput. The Winter School, themed "Reconceptualising Quality Research in Pursuit of CUT Vision 2030: A Time to Change the Narrative," aims to empower both staff and postgraduate students in various research areas, cultivate a sustainable research community and inculcate a robust culture of research and innovation. 

In his address, Dr. Joe Molete, Welkom Campus Principal, shared his five-year vision for the Campus, in which he mentioned collective contribution from all stakeholders, and implementing strategic innovative approaches and practices to grow the campus. He further said that teaching is at the core of their mission and emphasised the importance of partnering with the industry, as well as establishing science parks and incubations. “We need to develop teaching programs, extracurricular activities, research centres, and advance technologies that will enhance our mission. I believe that our efforts can play a pivotal role in reimagining and unlocking Welkom Campus’ full potential. Everyone is born for a specific purpose, but to flourish, one must be in the right environment and receive adequate support," he concluded.

The Welkom Campus Inaugural Research Winter School organising committee.

Prof. Bekithemba Dube, Director: Centre for Diversity in Higher Education, added that his vision is to build strategic partnerships to achieve set goals, ensure institutional sustainability, diversify income streams, and promote good governance.

“We have initiated weekly research clinics that serve as a platform to bridge knowledge gaps and foster a culture of impactful research within the university community. Since the inception, our research clinics have assisted over 60 individuals in tackling diverse research challenges. They also represent an innovative approach by the faculty to bolster research capacity within the university and reclaim our identity as a hub for impactful scholarship.”

Prof. Dube added that CUT holds significant potential to contribute to knowledge creation through research, and success in this endeavor hinges on cultivating a robust scholarly community. “The research clinics, grounded in the scholarship of teaching research play a crucial role in dispelling research apprehensions and fostering a new generation of scholars poised to address enduring societal challenges. Your participation in this Winter School is key, and we anticipate that it will mark the beginning of significant efforts to transform the research landscape of our university,” he said.

The Winter Research School is envisioned to leave a renewed sense of purpose and a collective commitment in advancing research and innovation at the Welkom Campus and beyond.