About the Research and Innovation Department

Background

The research and development Directorate was established in 2000. This was followed by the development of the Research and Development Policy in 2001 which was amended in 2005. The implementation of the research policy has been able to establish a small critical mass of researchers who are participating in research in various disciplines. The University has internal funding for research projects, conference attendance and to defray publication costs.Some of our researchers manage externally funded research projects and others do consultancy work for Local / Provincial government departments and other stakeholders.  The university has research collaborations with many research institutions nationally and internationally.

The University has currently eight research niche areas. It also provides funding for research projects in non-niche areas and supports its researchers and post graduate students to attend international conferences. The university introduced in 2008 a recognition and award system to incentivize active researchers

Research Linkages, Collaboration and Partnerships

Univen supports research linkages and partnerships. Univen  has  linkages and collaborations with other Universities nationally and internationally and also  partners with other entities such as government departments, NGO’s, private sector and industry. Strong research partnership exists currently with the Limpopo provincial Government through the Limpopo Research Forum and the Limpopo Integrated Innovation Forum which bring together managers of research and developers of technologies in the Provincial tertiary institutions, Provincial government departments, private sector, NGOs and industry. The fora look into various aspects that will avoid duplication and promote excellent multidisciplinary research and innovation in the province.

Financial sustainability

Univen receives research grants from various national and international bodies:  research has been funded by various government departments and foundations/science councils/units. International support has been  received from a number of organizations/commissions in various countries such as, Australia, USA, Netherlands, Norway and the European Commission.
University of Venda funds research projects, attendance of international conference as well as meeting publication costs of journal papers in DoHET accredited journals.