VUT RESEARCH
As one of South Africa’s leading institutes of higher learning, the Vaal University of Technology remains committed to developing Research for the purpose of enriching teaching and learning. This is also evident in its contribution towards economic development by improving the quality of the lives of our students and our community.
We endeavour to achieve this through partnerships with research institutions, other institutions of higher learning as well as with industry. The Vaal University of Technology is committed to creating a culture of research so as to empower communities by sharing knowledge, resources and skills and transference of technology. Various strategies and action plans have been implemented to build research capacity and promote quality research outputs. Research outputs may be classified under the following categories:
- Publication of articles in accredited journals or magazines;
- Artefacts, that may include new products and systems implemented in practice;
- Papers presented at National and International conferences;
- Patents registered;
- Books published for the subject specialist;
- Masters’ and Doctors’ degrees awarded to students;
- Masters’ and Doctors’ degrees obtained by staff members;
- Completed research projects.
To this end the University has incorporated Research as part of its Mission stating that its aim is to generate and encourage bold, innovative and relevant research through active partnerships.
Co-operation with other institutions
The University was selected by the NRF to be interviewed by an external evaluation panel in order to evaluate the NRF University Programme. This panel reported that the research networking appears to be a strong point at this Institution.
Close co-operation exists between the institution and industries like: ABD Reactive Power, Aberdare Cabels, African Cabels, AK Stoneguards, Alstom, Amscol, Cape Gate,Denel, Eskom, Iscor, Omnia, Lektratek, Malesela Taihan Electrical Cable Co, Mintek, Transformer Manufacturers, Telkom, Transwerk, Telkom, Spoornet and Sasol.
There are formal and informal co-operation agreements with other institutions in South Africa, co-operating with various projects. They are also assisting some of our members of staff to improve their qualifications. A PUCHE/Vaal University Centre for Energy Systems Research is functioning well.
International Agreements
International co-operation has contributed to our research growth: for example University of Westminster, the Centre for Food Nutrition and Public Health.
Co-operative agreement exists between the Vaal University of Technology, other local institutions and various international universities.
The Top management of the Vaal University of Technology is committed to research and development and the transfer of technology for the benefit of, and the improvement in the quality of life for all South Africans.
