Driving Impact Through Rated Research
The National Research Foundation (NRF) rating system is a prestigious national and international benchmark. It evaluates the impact of scholars on their research environment, as independently reviewed by their global peers. By supporting this programme, CUT is actively building a globally competitive research culture in South Africa. Our rated academics fall into the following distinguished categories:
The ratings that are awarded fall within the following categories:
A- Leading international researchers
B- Internationally acclaimed researchers
C- Established researchers
P- Prestigious Awards
Y- Promising young researchers
What is the rating based on?
Individuals' rating is based primarily on the quality and impact of their research output over the past eight years, taking into account evaluations by local and international peers.
Internationally acclaimed researchers
Highly regarded by the global scientific community for their sustained and impactful contributions. These researchers produce groundbreaking work that elevates CUT's international reputation and addresses complex global and regional challenges.
Established researchers
The backbone of CUT’s research enterprise. These established scholars consistently produce high-quality, peer-reviewed work that strengthens our academic standing, builds supervisory capacity, and drives deep industry partnerships.
Promising young researchers
The next generation of research leaders. Awarded to exceptional young scholars who are already making significant, innovative contributions to their fields and driving the future trajectory of CUT's research agenda.
Dr Eben Proos
Doctor of Management Sciences in Business Administration (DBA)
Bloemfontein Campus
View ProfileCUT perspective on rated researchers and the importance of their role in the research community
The Central University of Technology, Free State takes pride in its NRF rated researchers. Through their research in multiple disciplines, they showcase the scope of research at the university. This research is reflective of creating new knowledge, problem-based and solution-seeking outputs.
Rated researchers apply multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary research methodologies and approaches to their research. Especially characteristic of the research at the CUT is its engagement with business, industry and society, and research outputs have the ultimate aim of changing society, with equal access to the results offered by the research.
The rated researchers of the CUT are role models and mentors to students and junior academic staff who are involved in research. It is through learning from colleagues who have been able to meet the criteria of rating in the same academic environment that the CUT can facilitate succession to the next generation of rated researchers.