Research
Welcome message from the Executive Director
Prof Les Labuschagne
Executive Director: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Department: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation. As Africa’s largest open and distance learning institution, Unisa has a bold vision to be a leading contributor to the global research and innovation landscape while addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Over the past decade, Unisa has made remarkable strides in enhancing its research performance. Our commitment to excellence has resulted in sustained growth in research outputs, improved global university rankings, and a significant increase in the number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers across diverse disciplines. These achievements reflect our unwavering dedication to fostering a vibrant research culture that drives knowledge creation and societal impact.
At the core of our research strategy is a strong focus on ten catalytic niche areas, which serve as the foundation for addressing national priorities and global challenges. These strategic focus areas are designed to harness Unisa’s research strengths while creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and commercialisation.
Recognising the importance of capacity development, we have launched the Researcher Development Academy (RDA) – a transformative initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of our developing and emerging researchers. Through structured mentorship, targeted training, and funding support, the RDA is equipping the next generation of scholars and postdoctoral fellows with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in a competitive research environment.
We invite researchers, postdoctoral fellows, postgraduate students, funding agencies, and industry partners to engage with us in shaping the future of research and innovation in South Africa. Together, we can build meaningful collaborations that advance knowledge, drive socio-economic development, and create a lasting impact.
I encourage you to explore our research initiatives, connect with our leading scholars, and join us in pushing the boundaries of knowledge for the benefit of society.
Prof Les Labuschagne
Executive Director: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
Last modified: 2025/02/13