22 December 2025
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Story Jacky Tshokwe
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Photo Stephen Collett
Celebrating a year of success, the Directorate Research Development team continues to raise the profile of UFS research.
The UFS Directorate Research Development (DRD) continues to set the standard in advancing research excellence, innovation, and institutional visibility. Over the past year, the directorate has achieved significant milestones that underscore the UFS’ commitment to building a dynamic, globally competitive research environment.
One of the highlights of the year was the Platinum Award for Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) accreditation, placing the university among a select group of institutions recognised for excellence in research governance and financial compliance. This achievement reflects the UFS’ robust systems and unwavering commitment to international best practice in research management.
The directorate also showcased its expertise and leadership at the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) conference, where the team delivered the highest number of posters and chaired the most sessions. Their presence not only elevated the profile of the university but also demonstrated the breadth and depth of the team’s expertise in areas ranging from data integrity and research support to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr Glen Taylor, Senior Director of Research Development, was honoured with SARIMA’s prestigious Distinguished Contribution to the Research Management Profession Award – recognition of his leadership and enduring impact in shaping research management in Southern Africa. His award was the ‘cherry on top’ of an already outstanding showing by his team.
Individual DRD members also excelled, further amplifying the university’s reputation:
- Willem Kilian presented on data integrity, reinforcing the importance of reliable systems in advancing world-class research.
- Maricel van Rooyen chaired a session on research support and visibility, highlighting best practices that enhance the reach and impact of the UFS scholarship.
- Dr Taylor chaired a session on innovation and entrepreneurship, sharing insights on building research ecosystems that enable knowledge translation.
- Charelise van Staden presented a poster on the #Rsoboost initiative, showcasing innovative approaches to research support.
- Mandy Jampies presented a poster on the UFS’ Platinum GFGP accreditation, exemplifying how recognition at institutional level translates into knowledge sharing on international platforms.
- Mpho Mashamba presented a poster on the Central Research Fund (CRF) process, demonstrating the UFS’ leadership in advancing equitable and transparent research funding.
Adding to the recognition, Mandy Jampies was selected to serve on the SARIMA committee, ensuring that the UFS will continue to play a strategic role in shaping the regional research and innovation management agenda.
Reflecting on the year’s achievements, it is clear that the DRD team has not only excelled individually, but also collectively positioned the University of the Free State as a national and continental leader in research development. Their efforts embody the institution’s Vision 130, driving impactful research that responds to societal needs while building systems that meet global standards of excellence.
As the UFS community celebrates these milestones, the Directorate Research Development stands as a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and innovation in shaping a brighter future for research in South Africa and beyond.