Celebrating 120 years of Impact: Rhodes University’s commitment to research and community

It is not merely the volume of research that sets Rhodes University apart; it is its unique position as South Africa’s only research-intensive university outside a major urban area.

Rhodes University is renowned for producing award-winning research in the fields of nanotechnology, water research, and drug discovery, among other fields. The university is also home to one of the highest proportions of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated staff in the Higher Education sector.

However, Rhodes University’s unique position as South Africa’s only research-intensive university located outside a major urban area sets it apart, not merely the volume of research.

“This distinctive setting enables the university to play a crucial role in addressing local socio-economic challenges through innovative research and community engagement,” says Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Rhodes University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.

The relationship between the university and the Makhanda community is deeply rooted in research that addresses local challenges through academic inquiry. Conducted in close partnership with local communities, this research results in direct, observable, and quantifiable benefits to people’s lives. The collaborative spirit is exemplified by initiatives like the Vice Chancellor’s education initiative, which leverages the university’s resources for the greater societal good.

“The university operates as a borderless campus, fostering a sense of inclusivity and cooperation between the institution and its surroundings. This unique approach is not just about physical accessibility but also about the university’s openness to addressing community issues through its research expertise,” explains Dr Mzilikazi.

Impact over Rankings

Over the years, the university has reaffirmed its bold decision to abstain from participating in global university rankings, choosing instead to address the genuine needs of the South African education sector without subscribing to a one-size-fits-all approach to excellence.

“While we recognise the usual higher education metrics of publications and patents, we do not reduce research to these. In a world where academic research has increasingly become a commodity that is gamed to the benefit of institutional and individual status, we remain committed to research that makes a difference, research that has an impact,” says Prof Sioux McKenna, Director of the Rhodes University Centre for Postgraduate Studies.

Sustainability through Collaboration

Rhodes University is now entering a phase where leveraging individual research excellence for greater institutional benefit is paramount. This is achieved through interdepartmental collaboration.

“This means fostering collaborative, cross-disciplinary research efforts that can sustain and amplify the university’s impact. The future of Rhodes University’s research lies in its ability to bring together diverse faculties, research chairs, and research entities such as research units, centres, and institutes to address complex, multifaceted issues such as education, economic development, and public health,” says Dr Mzilikazi.

The 2024 Post-Graduate Funding Fair, which the university hosted in May, proved a resounding success. It secured over R5 million in commitments for PhD scholarships from 2024 to 2028. This initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing academic research and support at the institution.

Shaping the Future

Dr Mzilikazi says the university will continue its community-centred approach to research while maintaining its legacy and adapting to new realities.

“This involves creating conditions that allow for the continuous development of research excellence and ensuring that the impact of its work is widely recognised and celebrated. The university’s commitment to impactful knowledge is about advancing just societies and using research to address real-world problems,” she says.

This year, the university celebrates its 120th anniversary by opening a new R90 million state-of-the-art building that will house a global Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation (INI). The new building will be the first of its kind on the African continent to provide cutting-edge technology and fit-for-purpose research facilities.

“The RU120 celebrations will mark a new chapter in the university’s legacy of excellence and impact, ensuring a future of continued success and influence.”