Update on DVC Research and Internationalisation

Dear colleagues and students

It is with regret that I write to inform you that Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Research and Internationalisation, Professor Sue Harrison, will take early retirement from the University of Cape Town (UCT) next year. This announcement follows a lengthy period of engagement with Professor Harrison since she notified me in May 2023 of her wish to take early retirement. Her request has since been agreed to, effective 15 January 2024.

Professor Harrison started in the role of DVC for research and internationalisation on a part-time basis between May and July 2019, and has been serving in the role substantively since 1 August 2019. She was appointed on a five-year contract. With eight months left before her term comes to an end, Professor Harrison has, after careful consideration, opted not to seek renewal for another term.

While we would have wished for Professor Harrison to take up a second term such that UCT would be in a position to continue benefitting from her expertise, she has indicated that it is time for a change in role. She has decided to pursue a contract opportunity abroad, while continuing to work actively as part of UCT’s research team in bioprocess engineering.

Closer to her departure from UCT, we will ensure that there is suitable opportunity to acknowledge and thank Professor Harrison for the substantial contribution she has made while at the helm.

Further communication around the role of DVC for research and internationalisation will follow in due course.

Sincerely

Emer Prof Daya Reddy
Vice-Chancellor interim

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