The Director of Research and Innovation, Senior Professor Georges Ekosse led a delegation consisting of the Adjunct Research Professor who is also the Group Executive Research and Development at the Water Research Commission Dr Stanley Liphadzi, the Research Administration Coordinator, Mrs Julia Sigama and the Grants Administration Officer, Mr Stanley Lesufi to meet with principal external stakeholders in the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) both in Pretoria. The purpose of the working visit, which took place on 22 – 24 October 2019, was to engage with senior staff of the two Government Agencies on strategic matters that impact on management and operation of the Directorate of Research and Innovation (DRI) at University of Venda (UNIVEN).
Deputy Director General for Technology Innovation DSI, Mr Mmboneni Muofhe, Director Research and Innovation UNIVEN, Senior Professor Georges Ekosse and colleagues after the meeting.
At DSI, the meeting was chaired by the Deputy Director General for Technology Innovation, Mr Mmboneni Muofhe. His team consisted of the Chief Director Space Science and Technology (Mr H Mudau), the Chief Director Hydrogen and Energy (Dr R Maserumule), and the Director Industry & Environment Bio-Innovation (Dr K Rashamuse). Deliberations dwelt on Energy; Industrial Biotechnology; Space Science; and Current & Possible collaborative Projects for DSI and UNIVEN. It was also agreed that the following projects be considered for development: Sub-tropical Belt Water Catchment; Innovation for Economic Development; Geo-Information System Services; Risk and Vulnerability Centre; and active participation in the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The University of Venda is currently involved in a DSI-Artificial Wetland Research Project.
At NIPMO, discussions addressed current and future staffing at UNIVEN’s Office of the Technology Transfer (OTT). The Head of NIPMO (Dr K Faul) and her team consisting of Director: Fund and Incentives Management (Ms P Phiri), Deputy Director: Intellectual Property Specialist (Ms N Ngoasheng), and Deputy Director: OTT Liaison (Ms L Kula). It should be noted that NIPMO through DSI provides continuous expert and financial support to the existence and operations of OTT at UNIVEN.
Head of NIPMO (Dr K Faul) with NIPMO and UNIVEN colleagues
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 14 November 2019
