Universities across the world are seeking international research opportunities by forming global partnerships and fostering relationships with other institutions.  

On 24 January 2018, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) hosted delegates from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to discuss the importance of international project partnership, European Union funding opportunities available and how to apply for such funding and the role of DST as a strategic support to institutions such as CUT. 

The delegates, Mr Tiyani Chauke, Assistant Director: Strategic Partnerships at DST and Ms Kogilam Govender, Deputy Director: Global Change and Sustainability SA, mentioned that the objective of the DST is to strategically develop the innovation capacity of the National System of Innovation(NSI) that will contribute to the socio-economic development, develop priority science areas in which South Africa enjoys a competitive advantage, promote internationally competitive research, training activities and output, identify, grow and sustain a portfolio of high-potential science, technology and innovation capabilities for sustainable development and the greening of society and the economy. 

For CUT, international project collaborations are important, as they help tackle global societal challenges, strengthens excellence within science, technology and engineering, stem mutual benefits and attract talent and skills transfer between South Africa and other international communities with the intent to support and adopt global external policies. Horizon 2020, which was launched in 2014, is a strategic platform for the European Union Research and Innovation programme with nearly €79 billion worth of funding available over seven years from 2014 to 2020. It provides guidance and direction from funding perspective on what universities must do to mobilise their resources for possible funding.

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From left: Mr Leolyn Jackson, Director: International Office; Ms Refilwe Moleyane, Academic Exchange Coordinator: International Office; Mr Tiyani Chauke, Assistant Director: Strategic Partnerships at DST; Ms Kogilam Govender, Deputy Director: Global Change and Sustainability SA NCP SC5: Climate action, resource efficiency, environment, and raw materials at DST; and Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.