South Africa carves new growth paths for emerging researchers
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were quick to sign on to SU2P because of the mutual benefits—companies have a direct line to potential employees and their training program, while universities have a direct line to entrepreneurial expertise and industry needs. The program aims to mirror the successful relationship between the Silicon Valley photonics industry and the Stanford Photonics Research Center within the Scotland environment, said Ross, as well as to enable the sites to tap into each other’s resources and range of skills. In some sense SU2P is a prototype, said Baer, who envisions an international photonics network of entrepreneurs and researchers that highlights research synergies and areas with promising commercial applications. Talks about such an effort have already begun with groups
South Africa carves new growth paths for emerging researchers
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nitiated in 2001, the Thuthuka Programs are the “cog in the wheel” that drives the South African National Research Foundation’s (NRF) human capital development strategy. It is a key strategy designed to effectively address historical imbalances that still characterize the research landscape. The program architecture indicates deliberate interventions to affirm designated groups such as women, black, and disabled researchers. As the global environment continues to change, South Africa as a nation is faced with the challenge of remaining relevant and competitive for the future, according to NRF. Having its genesis in 2001, the program was initially conceived to develop research capacities at historically disadvantaged institutions. “Thuthuka will continue to reinvent itself as it responds to material conditions on the ground. It cannot be business as usual and yesterday’s solutions may not be the most appropriate course of action to contem-
porary challenges,” said Claire Botha, Thuthuka Program director. Vice President and Managing Director of Research and Innovation Support and Advancement Gansen Pillay said, “As a country we need to embark upon a journey of building a strong knowledge economy across all sectors by providing our researchers the opportunity to improve their research capacities.” To date, the program’s total research support investment approaches R200 million, consisting of 1058 grants awarded to 698 women and 594 black researchers. Of this, 620 grant holders have completed or are enrolled in PhD programs, directly contributing to Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor’s push for emerging researchers to study for higher degrees. Additionally, 3,545 students benefited from participating in various research projects funded by the program and gaining from the supervision and mentorship of experienced researchers. According
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MRS BULLETIN
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VOLUME 36 • JULY 2011
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www.mrs.org/bulletin
from Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and China. SU2P is now in its second of three years of funding from the Research Councils UK Science Bridges Award, the Scottish Funding Council, and the Scottish Enterprise. Partnering institutions include the Universities of Strathdyd
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