GMRDC Research and Innovation Day
More than 200 delegates and 30 presenters attended the Research and Innovation day hosted by Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre (GMRDC) on the 1st of November 2018 to share knowledge and hear about the latest research outputs from different faculties and departments of the University. The event was held at the Science Auditorium of the University’s Alice Campus with delegates joining from the Bhisho and East London Campus. The highlights of the Research and Innovation Day included an informative, engaging and humorous presentation by a keynote speaker Dr Thobela Nkukwana, Senior Lecturer in mono-gastric nutrition and production in the Department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP). Dr Nkukwana spoke about the need to have research that address societal challenges, emphasising on innovative research, which challenged the audience.
A full range of academic engagements on pertinent topics with intense discussions on decolonization, patriarchy and gender based violence ensued, benefiting both presenters and attendees. This year's event had an extra buzz as it included diverse exhibitions stalls set up by different units such as Library, FOSSIT, UFH international Office, IsiXhosa National Lexicography Unit and the University’s Innovation office. This brought out the significance of Research Day- showcasing research excellence, an event that has been hosted annually since 2014.
In light of the specific objectives of this one-day Conference, it is evident that this was a success, well-attended and oversubscribed conference with over 50 abstracts submitted. It is of no doubt that the recommendations, which had been put forward by the researchers, are worthy subjects of follow up actions by the researchers and the Fort Hare community at large. The GMRDC will hold a related event, the Post Graduate and Innovation Day on the 7th of November 2018 from 0900hrs to 1600hrs which will focus on showcasing research done by UFH Post Graduate students.