Umthombo 4: a spotlight on neuroscience

The latest issue of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) research magazine, Umthombo, was launched at the annual research function last night, along with the year’s Research and Innovation Highlights. The function, hosted by the UCT Research Office and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Sue Harrison, is a celebration of the year’s research achievements and the people behind them.

A collection of articles in the fourth issue of Umthombo casts a spotlight on the comprehensive and cross-cutting Neuroscience Institute, which brings together expertise in diverse fields to better understand the human brain in health and disease, address African and global health challenges, and grow local capacity in neuroscience.

Other articles in issue four cover the flows of the global fertility industry; a gallery of macrophotography from biological sciences; and Antarctic cyclones that reshuffle sea ice.

The Minerals to Metals feature looks at the leading role this interdisciplinary initiative aims to play in the global minerals industry, especially when it comes to mining that is more sensitive to people and the planet.

Other articles in issue four cover the flows of the global fertility industry; a gallery of macrophotography from biological sciences; and Antarctic cyclones that reshuffle sea ice.

A range of research publications

Several other research-related publications were launched at the event.

Research and Innovation Highlights 2018-19 is a digital publication recognising some of the most noteworthy research achievements of the past year.

The highlights in this year’s report cover 21 research and innovation achievements. Among them are the most recent recipient of the Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, Professor Val Mizrahi; seven young UCT scholars who were included in the inaugural 2019 cohort of 21 Future Leaders – African Independent Research Fellows; and Professor Sebastian van As, who has been awarded the 2018 Alan Pifer Research Award and spoke at the function.

In this edition, there is also a tribute to the out-going executive director of the Research Office, Dr Marilet Sienaert, who is retiring at the end of this year.

The fifth annual eResearch report detailing the coordinated effort of research support units and the response of researchers as they integrate eResearch capabilities into technology-enabled research practice was also released

Highlights and risks

The UCT Research Office also released a summary of the 2018 Report on Research to Senate and Council outlining institution-wide highlights and risks relating to the UCT research enterprise.

The highlights provide evidence of areas where we are succeeding, particularly where we have launched initiatives to address particular strategic needs or risks and are gaining traction. The risks, while not a comprehensive list, demonstrate some of the most pressing issues facing the institution’s research enterprise.

Read Umthombo issue 4.

Read Research and Innovation Highlights 2018-19.

Read the eResearch report.

Read the summary of the 2018 Report on Research to Senate and Council.