National Research Foundation (NRF) SARChI Twinning Programme visit to South Africa and Mozambique creates new opportunities for collaborative research, postgraduate training, and biodiversity conservation.
The University of Venda’s (UNIVEN) DSI-NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Biodiversity Value and Change is expanding its regional footprint through strategic partnerships to advance biodiversity research, postgraduate training, and conservation across southern Africa.
In the picture: Prof Lourens Swanepoel (DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair) on Biodiversity Value and Change
As part of the NRF SARChI Twinning Programme, Prof Lourens Swanepoel in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture recently embarked on a strategic engagement visit to the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) in Mozambique, and Maputo National Park. The visit sought to strengthen institutional collaborations, create new opportunities for postgraduate education, and develop a coordinated regional research programme in biodiversity conservation, forest ecology, and statistical ecology.
Prof Swanepoel presenting at the University of Mpumalanga’s Nature Conservation Department
The first leg of the visit took Prof Swanepoel to the University of Mpumalanga, where he met with Dr Liaan Minnie and presented a seminar to Nature Conservation students. The seminar showcased the SARChI research programme, highlighting ongoing research projects, postgraduate study opportunities, and collaborative research initiatives. Discussions reaffirmed the growing partnership between the two universities and identified opportunities for joint research projects and postgraduate training.
In the picture L-R: Prof Ernesto Uetimane Jr, Prof Lourens Swanepoel and Prof Armando Sitoe
The engagement continued at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, where Prof Swanepoel met with the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering, Prof Ernesto Uetimane Jr, Prof Armando Sitoe, the OR Tambo SARChI Chair, and members of the Faculty’s academic staff. During the seminar, participants explored opportunities for collaborative grant applications, joint postgraduate supervision, staff and student exchange programmes, and the sharing of research infrastructure. The discussions reinforced the partnership established through the NRF SARChI Twinning Programme and laid a strong foundation for sustained regional collaboration.
In the picture: Prof Lourens Swanepoel with students and staff from the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering
The visit concluded with strategic meetings at Maputo National Park Transfrontier Conservation Area where Prof Swanepoel engaged with Senior Conservation Officer Ms Maria Pinto, Head of Operations and Development, Mr Gavin Shaw, and Park Administrator, Mr Miguel Gonçalves. The discussions focused on establishing collaborative biodiversity research projects, developing long-term ecological monitoring programmes, and introducing annual statistical ecology and forest ecology boot camps for postgraduate students from South Africa and Mozambique.
In the picture L-R: Mr Gavin Shaw, Ms Maria Pinto, Prof Lourens Swanepoel and Mr Miguel Gonçalves
Maputo National Park emerged as an ideal location for collaborative field research and postgraduate training, offering a unique landscape for applied ecological research and experiential learning. The partnership supports the SARChI Chair’s vision of strengthening regional research capacity while addressing pressing biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management challenges across southern Africa.
The visit marks another important milestone in UNIVEN’s commitment to fostering international research partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and developing the next generation of biodiversity scientists equipped to address the environmental challenges facing the region.
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