Cambridge visits to explore possible collaboration
A two-person delegation from the University of Cambridge paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris on March 8, 2018 to seek points of interest between the institutions based on shared values with a view of collaborating in research.
Professor David Good and Dr. Sara Serradas Duarte told the VC that they were looking for substantial working relationships based on strategic alignment of the two institutions to develop interesting Science which would help people. “It is not enough to do great things. They must also be beneficial to people.” Prof Good pointed out during his presentation.
The UB Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Dean of the Faulty of Engineering and Technology (FET), Prof Benjamin Bolaane, and the Director of Legal Services, Ms Tshegofatso Mogomotsi.
Based on shared values across boundaries, Professor Good said the process of relation building would involve assessment of vision and missions, present research work and future plans, among others. Thereafter, the two institutions would build a research agenda, formalise a relationship, and then apply for a grant to pursue research work which would make the most of the locality.
He said the approach could be based on a model about the intersection between industrial needs, educational needs and research needs. “The intersection of all three turns out to be highly beneficial if you manage that intersection well” said Professor Good.
In his reply, the VC said that UB is always looking for such partnerships to pursue co-learning and co-development.
The Dean of FET shared with the meeting the faculty’s work with other institutions in the UK along similar lines. For instance, he mentioned a project that aims to link the University with industry, called Enhancing Engineering Education Programme, that is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Further, the Faculty is working with other institutions, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to co-create with the San communities low-cost technologies through indigenous knowledge systems such as fire making, bow and arrow making, the making of ostrich egg shell beads and glass bead creations towards improving the livelihoods of these communities.