The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria recently acknowledged the Department of Nursing Science for its significant strides in producing a more PhD graduates during the April/May 2024 graduation ceremony. This is an important milestone that demonstrates the department's commitment to becoming research-intensive, an ambition set forth by the Head of Department, Professor Shirley Mooa.

Under the University of Pretoria Strategic Plan, the Department of Nursing Science has made concerted efforts to enhance research activities, particularly in postgraduate supervision. A key initiative has been the introduction of Professor Mulaudzi, the first NRF Rated SARChI Chair, to teach and coordinate research methodology classes for PhD students. This initiative acknowledges the diverse educational backgrounds of students and the varying intervals since they completed their master's degrees, addressing gaps in research methodology knowledge and aligning students with the department's values, mission, and vision.

From left: Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Science, Professor Nombulelo Sepeng; Prof Ramadimetja Shirley Mooa, head of the Department of Nursing Science; Prof Tivani Mashamba-Thompson, Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies and Prof Annatjie van der Wath, Professor in the Department of Nursing Science.

The ability to produce seven Ph.D. graduates this year is a reflection of a strong university support system; which one can see from the work done by librarians and information specialists, Dr. Nomathemba Ngcobo and an academic writing specialist, Dr. Cheryl Tosh among others and our external collaborators as well in achieving this feat.

Additionally, the department's innovative buddy system pairs senior researchers with emerging scholars, fostering high-quality research collaborations. Thus, the department has given the young Professor Nombulelo Sepeng and senior researcher Professor Annatjie van der Wath the responsibility of managing research and postgraduate studies, a strategy that is yielding significant benefits.

Supervisors within the department employ a hybrid model of student supervision, combining online meetings, face-to-face sessions, and writing retreats. This approach ensures flexibility and comprehensive support for students. Furthermore, students are encouraged to conduct research relevant to the department's community of practice and research niche areas, aiming to nurture more NRF-rated staff members.

The department's success would not have been possible without the expertise of seven full professors, four associate professors and lecturers, who are all experienced in postgraduate education and research. The department is also engaged in research strengthening initiatives such as recruiting undergraduate research assistants and research associates.

The department continually strives to achieve strategic goals of the University of Pretoria with a guiding motto: “We are continuously learning”. The Department of Nursing Science staff has demonstrated high standards of quality in terms of supervision over post-graduates pursuing doctoral and master's degrees, as well as excellent education and research efforts. The staff members are grateful for Prof Professor Mashamba-Thompson's leadership and recognising their efforts.