Ensuring top research at Uni
Through research, innovation and partnerships, the University of Limpopo (UL) will get a broader base of academic staff and students involved in research-related activities and focus on research that meets the needs of communities that UL serves.
LIMPOPO -This statement was made recently by Prof Jesika Singh at her appointment as the university’s new deputy vice-chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships.
Singh says although research activities at the university over the past years have been on an upward trend, she is looking forward to moving research to greater heights with her five-year vision. There should be an increase of funds from external sources to boost research output.
“Our goal is to train researchers in writing high-quality grant proposals so that they can attract external funding for their research activities,” says Singh.
“We will also continue pursuing both private and government-funding opportunities for the benefit of the university and societal development,” she says.
The university’s vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, congratulated Singh on her appointment, saying he believes that Singh will play a huge role at the university.
“She indeed has a rich academic and scholarship track record. In her previous position as director for Research Development and Administration, she advocated for excellence in research and innovation. Her contribution boosted the profile of the university, especially of professional bodies.
She performed exceptionally well in guiding young researchers to a higher level, as many of them benefited from workshops in writing retreat and supervision skills,” says Mokgalong.
Singh earned a doctorate in Education and a Master’s in Education (Cum Laude) from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2000 and 2004 respectively.
She also holds a Bachelor of Education Honours and an undergraduate teaching degree and Bachelor of Pedagogics (B.Paed) attained in 1992 and 1994 respectively from University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Before her appointment as deputy vice-chancellor, she served UL as the director for Research Development and Administration from 2013.
She has published in peer-reviewed journals, twenty articles in Department of Higher Education and Training accredited journals, and also served as guest editor for the South African Journal of Higher Education (SAJHE).
Singh has successfully supervised eight Honours students, seven Master’s students and three doctoral students and she is currently supervising two masters and six doctoral students.
