November 2023
It is with great pleasure that we share with you the achievements and highlights of the outstanding individuals and organizations recognized at the 2023 DSI | SARIMA Awards.
DSI | SARIMA Award for Early Career Excellence in Research Management: Dr Palesa Natasha Mothapo, Stellenbosch University
In 2022, she accomplished several significant initiatives in the field of postdoctoral research. She hosted the inaugural National Postdoctoral Research Forum, bringing together 250 postdocs and various stakeholders. Additionally, she organized the National Postdoc Guideline workshop, resulting in the creation of a document that establishes standard practices for managing Postdoctoral Fellows in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Furthermore, she launched the Pan-African Postdoctoral Network, a community comprising 700 members on WhatsApp and LinkedIn, uniting postdocs from around the world. She implemented new systems for the management of postdocs and produced the SU Postdoc Year in Review, the first newsletter/report that showcases major achievements, capacity building, funding, income, travel, and overall accomplishments of postdocs at SU.
Dr. Palesa Natasha Mothapo
DSI | SARIMA Award for Early Career Excellence in Innovation Management: Monique Heystek, University of Western Cape
Monique has played a crucial role in her position as a Technology Transfer Specialist, contributing significantly to the sourcing of 11 disclosures and filing 3 patents. Her efforts have streamlined office functions through the implementation of improved systems, including databases and filing processes. Monique has also been a key figure in initiating new marketing strategies, particularly in the realm of social media, to showcase the activities of the UWC TTO and highlight innovations. Her active involvement in the Western Cape’s Innovation Community and participation in events such as SARIMA webinars and forums since 2019 further underscore her commitment to the field of technology transfer and contract management. Additionally, Monique has contributed by writing articles on technology transfer for the SARIMA Newsletter.
Monique Heystek
DSI | SARIMA Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Innovation Management Profession (Joint Award): Ana Casanueva-Gonzalez and Dr. Douglas Sanyahumbi
Ana played a crucial role in securing funds for the UWC spinout Hyrax and advocated for the creation of an internal UWC seed funding initiative, securing R2.5 million annually for a period of 5 years. They identified deficiencies in existing policies and initiated the development of new Conflict of Interest and Research Costing policies. Additionally, they crafted a UWCI Strategy document and an onboarding document for new directors. As a SARIMA Committee Member since 2019, she managed courses and workshops, such as the Company Directors course and the Technology Marketing course in collaboration with Sidar. She also played a key role in establishing the Lab2Market Course, a collaborative effort between UWC, CPUT, UCT, and SU. She actively participated in various forums, including the Western Cape Technology Transfer forums, Technology Transfer Directors Forums, and Contract Management Forums.
Since 2019, Doug, the Vice President for Academic Engagement (VP for AE) has played a crucial role in several significant initiatives. Notably, he contributed to the successful implementation of the SRIM 2 project, which aimed to establish a network of SARIMA Focal Points and Contact Points in each SADC country. Additionally, Doug played a key role in the development of the WIPO-FIT Japan-SARIMA Exchange Programme.
Furthermore, Doug has actively supported the SARIMA Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded project, particularly in coordinating the involvement of six public universities in Malawi. In their capacity as the director of a Technology Transfer Office (TTO) in South Africa, they drove various initiatives within the Western Cape Regional TT Forum, including the organization of the Lab2Market course.
Doug has also been involved in supporting different initiatives such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and managing the AE portfolio. His contribution extends to the development of the South African Bioeconomy Strategy. Additionally, in collaboration with Rice University and the UNDP, Doug organized the first technology innovation ecosystem mapping workshop in Malawi. Overall, his role has been characterized by active engagement, leadership, and collaboration in advancing academic and technological initiatives.
Ana Casanueva-Gonzalez
Dr. Douglas Sanyahumbi
DSI | SARIMA Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Research Management Profession: Dr. Lyn Horn, University of Cape Town
Lyn, serving as the co-chair for the 7th World Conference on Research Integrity, has played a key role in promoting collaborative efforts for research integrity. Notably, she contributed to the development of the Cape Town Statement, emphasizing fairness and equity in fostering research integrity globally. Lyn has actively supported various research stakeholders and holds positions in multiple committees, including the Senate Ethics in Research Committee, Senate Animal Ethics Committee, and more. Her involvement extends to advising the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on research integrity matters, reviewing ethics applications, and providing guidance to academic leaders. Lyn has been instrumental in integrating research integrity goals into the Research Office’s 5-year strategic plan.
Dr. Lyn Horn
DSI | SARIMA Award for Organisational Excellence Innovation Management: North-West University TT and Innovation Support
Between 2019 and 2021, North-West University experienced significant growth in its research department, expanding from one person to four. During this period, they achieved remarkable success in securing grants, increasing NRF grants from R1.3 million in 2020 to R3.6 million in 2021. Additionally, the university successfully obtained R10.5 million in grants for its inaugural research centre.
The research department initiated the university’s first research seed funding initiative and received R3.8 million from NIPMO to incubate Information Management (IM) expertise in the region, benefiting the university and the Northern Cape Innovation System. The implementation of a funding database and a research information management system further enhanced their capabilities.
Other notable accomplishments include the compilation of the university’s first research annual report and the second research output report for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The department played a key role in facilitating the provincial Innovation Forum, contributing to the HSRC Innovation Landscape Mapping Research Project and SARIMA’s RM PCF articles.
Moreover, the research department took proactive steps in policy development, revising and creating policies related to post-doctoral fellowships, managing research partnerships and collaborations, and research and post-graduate supervision. Overall, North-West University’s research department demonstrated substantial growth and success during this period.
North-West University TT and Innovation Support
DSI | SARIMA Award for Organisational Growth Research Management: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University experienced significant growth and development in its research support functions from 2012 to 2021. The university expanded its office from one person to 11, with a focus on sourcing and managing grants. The functions of the Public Service Unit (PSU) broadened to include analytics, ethics, postgraduate and researcher development, technology transfer services, innovation, and entrepreneurial development. The university successfully supported 75 research projects valued at N$ 900M, collaborating with 30 local and international donors. They also implemented effective communication systems and structures to support the entire grants management cycle. Additionally, the institution initiated the High-Tech Transfer Plaza Initiative to enhance competitiveness through transdisciplinary research. The staff played a key role in leading international research management projects and actively contributed to SARIMA conferences.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
As we celebrate these achievements, we acknowledge the immense efforts and dedication of all nominees.. Your commitment to advancing research and innovation management in Sub-Saharan Africa is truly commendable. We also would like to thank the South African Department of Science and Innovation for providing funding support for the trophies and prize money that will be utilised by the award winners to further their professional development.
We look forward to witnessing further advancements in the coming years and continuing to celebrate excellence in our vibrant and dynamic community.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
