UMP Wins Second NRF Award
The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has received the National Research Foundation (NRF) CEO’s Special Recognition Award, bestowed on the University during the NRF Awards Function held on 31 August 2023. This is the second award from the NRF to UMP, following the National Excelleration Award bestowed in 2022.
This award recognizes a South African research institution that has previously won the Excelleration Award, and that has continued its progress and commitment to excellence in research performance as measured against several performance criteria.
UMP’s research performance has increased exponentially during the past number of years, and the University has one of the highest research productivity rates per academic staff member in South Africa, as well as one of the highest rates of PhD-holders of academic staff.
Celebrating UMP’s 10th year of existence, the performance and progress is remarkable. The quality of NRF submissions is also evidenced by the annual increase in funding and the high rate of successful proposals. With more than 8 400 students, 600 of which are at a postgraduate-level, UMP’s growth and investment in research and innovation is commendable.
“The University is delighted by the continuous national recognition of its research profile. Our rapid growth rate and quality assurance measures positions the University to compete, and to continue playing a significant role in the Mpumalanga Province, in South Africa and internationally”, says Prof Thoko Mayekiso, UMP Vice-Chancellor.
Dr Aldo Stroebel, the inaugural DVC Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, stated that, “UMP’s strategic intent and strong performance are honoured and recognized by these awards, and that it will continue to invest and grow its research capacity and capability”.