Research-related developments and other updates

Dear colleagues

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has shared a number of research-related updates – including the new Research Misconduct Policy, the Research Finance Gate (RFG) rollout and preparations for the QS 2026 Reputation Surveys. These initiatives reflect UCT’s commitment to excellence. Read more about these and other recent developments on campus.

1. New Research Misconduct Policy effective from 1 March 2025

UCT will implement its revised and Council-approved Policy for Breach of Research Ethics Codes and Allegations of Misconduct in Research, informally known as the Research Misconduct Policy, on 1 March 2025. This policy strengthens UCT’s commitment to ethical and responsible research by providing a clear framework to address misconduct allegations with fairness and transparency.

• Read the full DVC Desk: Important update: New Research Misconduct Policy effective 1 March 2025.

2. Research Finance Gate rollout

The university has introduced the Research Finance Gate (RFG), a key tool in its research management support framework. The RFG addresses challenges in financial reporting by automating data extraction and reporting, reducing reliance on manual processes. Developed with input from faculty research and finance teams, the tool streamlines workflows, provides on-demand reports and interactive dashboards, and ensures timely, accurate financial management.

A fact sheet outlining the RFG’s features, benefits and onboarding process is available to assist researchers and support staff. This initiative represents a major step forward in enhancing research finance management at UCT.

• Read the full DVC Desk: Important update: Research Finance Gate rollout.

3. Invitation: Support UCT’s QS Reputation Rankings

The insitution seeks assistance from researchers in supporting its participation in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (WUR) 2026. Each year, UCT nominates academic peers and graduate employers to contribute to the QS Reputation Surveys, which play a vital role in global rankings. These rankings not only showcase institutional excellence but also enhance opportunities for attracting students, funding and collaborators.

The reputation surveys, which favour metrics often biased towards the Global North, present a challenge for institutions like UCT. By nominating knowledgeable peers and employers, UCT aims to address this imbalance and highlight its strengths in research and teaching.

Researchers are requested to provide contact details of international collaborators familiar with their expertise who can endorse UCT’s academic excellence. Submissions should be completed via an online form by 13 December 2024. This effort is critical to strengthening UCT’s global standing and visibility.

• Read the full DVC Desk: Invitation: Support UCT’s QS Reputation Rankings.

4. Supporting UCT’s postdoctoral research fellows

Acknowledging the immense value of the postdoctoral research fellows, who are individuals who have obtained their doctoral degrees and are engaged in research and academic training under certain conditions, UCT has implemented various initiatives to support and recognise their contributions.

These initiatives include digitising the postdoc enrollment process; provision of advance payments for living expenses; postdoc focused events; access to facilities; and establishment of the postdoc hub. A number of further initiatives are planned for the near future, including induction programmes and flexible fellowship payment options.

• Read the full DVC Desk: Supporting UCT’s postdoctoral research fellows.

5. ICTS scheduled maintenance on Sunday, 15 December 2024

The UCT community is advised that Sunday, 15 December 2024 will be an ICTS scheduled maintenance slot from 07:00 to 17:00. PeopleSoft will be unavailable from 07:00 to 09:00. PeopleSoft, Amathuba, ServiceNow, UCT email and other Microsoft 365 services will remain available throughout the day. However, unless advised to the contrary, do not expect any other on-premise ICT services to be available for the duration of the maintenance slot.

Please remember to consult the scheduled ICTS maintenance slots page before planning any teaching, conferences, meetings, etc that require ICT services.

For more information, see the article on why ICTS schedules regular monthly maintenance slots.

6. AFC to host series on academic freedom

The newly constituted Academic Freedom Committee (AFC) at UCT began its four-year term in July 2024. The AFC, a joint committee of Council and Senate, is dedicated to promoting academic freedom and university autonomy within and beyond UCT. It also organises the annual TB Davie Memorial Lecture, with the latest lecture delivered by Judge Dire Tladi in October 2024.

Judge Tladi’s address, titled “‘The narrative’ as the enemy of freedom of thought,” emphasised the need for spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Building on this, the AFC plans to launch a series of webinars on academic freedom starting early in 2025. These sessions, to be held weekly or fortnightly, aim to engage the UCT community in exploring various aspects of academic freedom.

The AFC invites the UCT community to propose topics for this series, including suggested formats (eg, lectures, debates and roundtables) and speakers. Proposals should be submitted to Nicole Erasmus by end of December 2024.

This initiative seeks to foster robust discussions, encourage diverse perspectives, and reinforce UCT’s commitment to critical thinking and mutual understanding.

For more information, please contact Nicole Erasmus.

• Read the full Campus Announcement: AFC to host series on academic freedom.

7. End-of-year support service by SWS

UCT’s Student Wellness Service (SWS) will remain operational during the festive season to ensure students can access essential healthcare services. Please note the following regarding available services during the vacation period:

SWS Main Clinic (Ivan Toms Building, lower campus)

• Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30 (closed weekends and public holidays).
• The clinic will not be operational from 27–31 December 2024 as the university will be closed.

Upper Campus Clinic

• Temporarily relocated to Ivan Toms Building from 2 December 2024, it will reopen on 6 January 2025.

Services

• Walk-ins: Available for high-risk emergencies during working hours. All other consultations require online pre-booking.
• Pharmacy: Medication collection (post-consultation and repeats) must be booked online. Closed 27–31 December 2024.
• Read the full Campus Announcement: End-of-year support services by SWS.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements