After the outcomes of the ratings were made known, the total number of researchers with ratings has risen to 244, compared to 211 at the beginning of 2008.  This number could increase further as some applications have still to be finalised.  Only three applications were unsuccessful this year.

In addition, the number of A-rated researchers has increased from four in 2007 to five in 2008 with Prof Charles van Onselen of the Unit for Advanced Studies regaining his rating. Other UP A-rated researchers are Prof Mike Wingfield (Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)), Prof John Dugard (Centre for Human Rights), Prof Clarke Scholtz (Zoology and Entomology) and Prof Pat Eriksson (Geology).

Dr Bernard Slippers received an NRF President’s Award.  Bernard is a senior lecturer in the department of Genetics and a researcher at FABI. This brings the number of P-rated researchers at the University to four.  The others are Prof Thoko Majozi (Chemical Engineering), Prof Andrew McKechie (Zoology and Entomology) and Prof Zander Myburg (Genetics/FABI). The recipient of a President’s Award must be younger than 35 at the time of application, have completed a doctoral degree or equivalent qualification no more than five years previously and must be someone who is considered likely to become a future leader in the discipline based on published work or research outputs.

Prof Robin Crewe, Vice-principal: Research and Postgraduate Studies said that he was delighted both by the level of participation in the evaluation process and the success of UP staff in acquiring ratings. These achievements support UP’s strategic intent to be an internationally recognized research university.

The distribution of ratings is as follows:

 

A

5

B

56

C

142

P

4

Y

33

L

4

Total

244

 

The internal deadline for applications for the 2009 cycle of evaluations was the 23^rd of January. Individuals who wish to be rated in this cycle should contact Cynthia Mamabolo at 012 420 3610 or send an e-mail to [email protected] as soon as possible.