Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Research at Eduvos.
Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Research at Eduvos
Post by Eduvos, October 16, 2024.
As we are driving research at Eduvos, we are excited to introduce our Head of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Dr Nyx McLean, who, along with their team on the National Research Committee, is driving informed, transformational research at Eduvos.
Eduvos has officially launched its Research Agenda for 2023 – 2027, driven by the vision of 'Empowering Sustainable Development in Africa'. This underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering positive societal change through impactful research.
“Research makes it possible to drive lasting transformation and development through rigorous and meaningful outputs that inform how individuals, communities, society, and the world think about issues of critical concern,” says Dr Nyx.
Dr McLean joined Eduvos in 2023 as an independent contractor and was appointed as the Chair of Research in 2024 as Eduvos launched its Research Agenda and now holds the position of Head of Research and Postgraduate Studies. Beyond their transdisciplinary academic background, specifically in IT and Humanities, Dr McLean also has an extensive global network of researchers for social change that has prepared them for their research role at Eduvos.
“I hope to drive Eduvos’s research strategy in such a way that it is recognised for its research excellence which centres on meaningful research that is focused on changing the lives of individuals, communities, society, as well as our students, staff, industry, and research partners.”
Research for Africans, By Africans
Eduvos is aligning its Research Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, to achieve regional and global development objectives. It is also practically translating this agenda into ongoing development of its curriculum and the researchers also act as lecturers bringing fresh perspectives into the classroom.
“Our research agenda for 2023 to 2027 is driven by the vision of Empowering Sustainable Development in Africa. The agenda places emphasis on the need for sustainable development and positive societal change, and seeks to empower individuals, communities, and industries through meaningful research to drive lasting transformation in Africa,” explains Dr Nyx.
Eduvos’s mission is to shape potential – student by student – towards Africa’s prosperity. The Research Agenda has been carefully thought out to fit into this mission by looking at issues on the continent and finding African solutions for African problems.
In driving the research agenda, Eduvos has identified the following five critical focus areas which are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the AU Agenda and the Southern African Development Community Vision. The critical focus areas include:
Focus Area One: Advancing Social Justice and Legal Equality for a Prosperous Africa Focus Area Two: Enhancing Organisational Performance, Sustainable Business, Entrepreneurship and Management Practices Focus Area Three: Data Science and AI for Social Impact Focus Area Four: Advancing Biotechnology and Biomedicine for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, Water, and the Environment Focus Area Five: Empowering Diversity, Wellness, and Innovative Education
Private Higher Education’s role in Research
Eduvos understands the important role it plays in the development of Africa by producing graduates who have the skills and knowledge to make an impact on society. The institution’s Research Agenda aims to deepen its impact on the continent by looking at issues of critical concern and drive lasting transformation.
“Private higher education institutions should be part of this drive for change, they are ideally positioned with close industry, civil society, and community relationships and partnerships to understand what is needed by industries, civil society, and communities in way of research, and to then set up driving this research so that they respond to these needs,” explains Dr Nyx.
“For Eduvos, it is critical that we contribute to our continent and focus our research efforts here so that we meaningfully contribute to the prosperity of Africa.”
Student-centric focus
As with all initiatives at Eduvos, the Research Agenda is being done with Vossies in mind. Students will be involved in research from the beginning of their studies. Where possible, module contents and assessments are aligned with the Research Agenda focus areas.
Dr Nyx explains that students will get the opportunity to conduct their own research and engage with Eduvos’s Research Agenda.
“As early as third year, all students produce a research project which is informed and driven by the institution’s research agenda. This November, all our students and staff are invited to participate in our Research Indaba, a multi-day event highlighting our research projects.”
The Research Indaba is an annual Eduvos event, hosted to promote research within the institution. Academics from our four faculties will present research papers in line with their fields of expertise. This year’s Research Indaba will take place in November.
