Ms Refilwe Moleyane, Deputy Director - International Academic Partnerships: CUT CGE, Dr Zolile Wiseman Dlamini, nGAP Lecturer- Physical Science and Methodology: CUT, Dr Tebogo Sfiso Mahule: UNISA, Ms Vanessa Pellegrini: Brazil, University Sao Paulo, Prof. Vijaya Srinivasu Vallabhapurapura: UNISA, Prof. Igor Polokarpov, University Sao Paulo: Brazil, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, Dean-Faculty of Humanities: CUT, Dr Patrick Moremoholo: Lecture: CUT, Dr Sachin V. Desarada: UNISA, Prof. Bekithemba Dube, Director - Center for Diversity in Higher Education: CUT, Mr Gerhard Beukes, Head of Department: MSTE and Mr Metsing Hlomelang: Coordinator: International Partnerships and Data Management - CGE: CUT.

Researchers from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil visited CUT to discuss ongoing collaborations and explore new opportunities for research partnerships.

The visiting team from Sao Paulo University included Dr Peligrini and Prof. Polikarpov, who were joined by five researchers from UNISA- Dr Sashin from the School of Computing, Dr Mahule, a Senior Technologist in the Physics Department, and Prof. Vallabhapurapu from the Physics Department. The researchers, along with Dr Zolile Dlamini from CUT, are currently engaged in a successful NRF-BRICS initiative that has been ongoing for more than a year.

During the visit, the researchers engaged with the Dean of Humanities, Head of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (MSTE), and representatives from various CUT entities, including the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). The entourage further explored the faculty programs and other activities including the Research Clinic dedicated to support new academics in writing and publishing their first papers.

The collaboration between the trio demonstrates the power of international partnerships in advancing research and fostering academic excellence. 

The visit concluded with a campus tour showcasing the various centers of excellence. The engagement resulted in several outcomes, including plans for another research visit in the near future, joint supervision of students, sponsorship and student exchange programme.

Prof. Vallabhapurapu and Prof. Polikarpov offered to serve as editors on some of CUT's journals and organise more international scholars to increase the journals' international visibility.

Uploaded: 31 July 2024