Research, at its best, does not sit still. It finds its way into classrooms, communities, and decision-making spaces, shaping how people understand and respond to the world around them.

At the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus, that work was honoured recently through the Research Management and Funding Committee Awards, held under the theme ‘En Route to Societal Futures’. Researchers from across disciplines were recognised for work that continues to reach beyond the university, engaging real challenges and lived realities in ways that matter.

This direction speaks directly to the university’s North Star of Responsible Societal Futures, which envisions research contributing to the broader work of building society. “Research excellence is not accidental,” said Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies. “It is built through rigour, curiosity, mentorship, and sustained commitment. It is about work that is bold, ethical, and transformative, enabling ideas to flourish behind the scenes. Research gives meaning to the university’s mission on responsible societal futures.”

Prof Reddy added that research is fundamentally about strengthening lives, informing policy, and improving living conditions across a society. “Innovation flourishes where ideas meet context. Our Qwaqwa campus colleagues demonstrate how place-based scholarship can have global relevance,” he said.

Research grounded in people, practice, and progress

For Dr Lulama Mdodana-Zide, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education and one of the recipients in the Top Achiever Researcher category, the award forms part of a research journey that has shifted in focus over time. Her earlier work explored teachers’ professional development, but her current research centres on school leadership and management, examining how leadership shapes the everyday functioning of schools.

Reflecting on her award, she grounded it in her personal and academic path. “It is humbling to look at where I come from and how this work has grown,” she said. Her work now focuses on strengthening leadership within schools to better support teaching and learning. “We want to see teachers and school leaders who are equipped to create spaces where learners can succeed.”

The Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) was also recognised for its sustained contribution to environmental research with work that has steadily positioned African mountain systems within global conversations. Over time, the unit has built a strong collaborative foundation that continues to shape its research direction.

Prof Vincent Clark, Director of the ARU, described the recognition as a reflection of long-term collective effort. “These awards represent an incredible team effort built over many years,” he said. “We have worked consistently to place African mountains on the global map.” He added that investing in people remains central to sustaining collaboration and innovation within the unit.

Across the campus, the awards also reflect how research is being supported and grown within a shared academic environment. Prof Cias Tsotetsi, Qwaqwa Campus Vice-Principal: Academic and Research, noted the importance of recognising work at this level. “Local recognition creates space for academics to refine their work and prepare for wider institutional platforms,” he said. “It also encourages greater participation and confidence across disciplines.”

He added that these spaces bring together emerging and established scholars in ways that strengthen the research culture. “Early-career researchers benefit from the guidance of experienced colleagues, while established academics contribute to a more supportive and collaborative environment.”

At its core, the work being recognised speaks to a broader contribution beyond the university itself. As Qwaqwa Campus Principal Prof Prince Ngobeni noted, “Your work contributes to the intellectual life of the university, but it also contributes to the broader project of building a society that is more thoughtful, more informed, and more responsive to its own challenges.”

Prof Reddy added that these awards bring home the message that “recognition is both about reward and responsibility. Today’s excellence sets tomorrow’s standards. Our researchers inspire us all, signalling a future rich with promise and leadership.”

Qwaqwa Research Management and Funding Committee Awards 2026 – Winners