The NRF Rated Researchers Programme is a(n) (inter)national programme that evaluates the impact of researchers on their research environment as independently reviewed by their peers. The NRF rating system is a key driver in the NRF’s aim to build a globally competitive science system in South Africa.

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 recognised researcher

The CUT has one B-rated researcher who enjoys considerable international recognition by peers for the high quality and impact of research.

Prof. Ihar Yadroitsau holds a B-rating over the period 2021-2026.

Established researchers

The table below shows the CUT established researchers' and their NRF ratings, as well as access to their profiles.

Promising young researchers

The table below shows the CUT promising young researchers and their NRF ratings, as well as access to their profiles.

CUT 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.