Division For Research Development Of Stellenbosch University Presents New Digital Magazine “Research For Impact”
Welcome to ‘Research for Impact’, the digital research magazine of the Division for Research Development (DRD) (Afrikaans volg onder).
This new publication offers via articles a view of some of the latest research being done at the University as well as through interviews that were conducted with a number of our leading scientists. Written in a clear, accessible style, the variety and relevance of contributions promises to pique the interest of scientists and other interested readers alike.
In Research for Impact, you will also read about the innovative work and directions that our scientists pursue, not only for the sake of knowledge production in their respective fields but also to make a real difference in society.
We have included stories that represent each of the University’s five strategic research areas showcasing important initiatives and innovations on our campuses and in a variety of academic fields, and convey how this relates to national, regional and global goals to ensure sustainable development and improve prospects for people and the planet.
Maximising the visibility and reach of research is part of the global best practices in the field of research management. Over the past 12 years, the Division for Research Development (DRD) has produced an annual research publication called Research at Stellenbosch University. It formed part of the Division’s focus on making our institutional research portfolio more visible by sharing research-related information with a broader audience.
From the outset, the aim was to present our research in a hard-copy, magazine-style format that is accessible to research visitors and partners, future collaborators and funding agencies, as well as alumni, various media and the general public.
At the time, this approach was ground-breaking, moving away from traditional reporting about research outputs. Through means of storytelling, the magazine made our research outputs more accessible and tangible for government and funding agencies, as well as future students and other interested target audiences.
Today, science communication practices look very different. We live in a digital age in which online science communication has become the norm. Web publishing standards have improved dramatically, and in the field of higher education this is no exception. The best science journalism online shows the benefits of applying the craft of storytelling, innovative design and the smart use of multimedia.
We decided to employ this approach for our very first digital research magazine. We have also prioritised the readability of our unique, tailor-made content for reading on various devices. We have included striking photographs, editorial illustrations, infographics, video and sound bites that contribute to a rich reading experience. Regular additions to Research for Impact online ensure our content remains current as we showcase SU’s new and evolving research.
Research for Impact contains food for thought and opportunities for collaboration. Please send us your feedback and suggestions. Enjoy the articles and bookmark our online platform for regular reading about the latest research and developments taking place at SU.