The University of Namibia through its Centre for Research Services (CRS) and the University of Stellenbosch (SU), through the Africa Centre for Scholarships, jointly hosted a two-week-long workshop on Scientific Writing and Postgraduate Supervision in Windhoek.
This initiative was hosted, from 13 – 24 June 2022, under the Emerging Scholars Initiative (ESI), a Stellenbosch University programme that aims to promote multidisciplinary joint schools with partner Universities across the African continent, reaching out to Doctoral students and early career staff members.
Prof. Nelago Indongo, the Director of the Centre for Research Services, explained that the workshop followed a well-prepared curriculum designed specifically for emerging scholars and postgraduate supervisors.
“The event aimed to reach and capacitate emerging scholars with scientific writing skills and served as a refresher for well-established scholars. The workshop was equally helpful for postgraduate supervisors – equipping them with skills to enhance postgraduate supervision”, said Prof Indongo.
The workshop was attended by scholars from various UNAM campuses joined by scholars from the University of Stellenbosch. Over 70 participants who attended the workshops applauded the Centre for Research Services for organising the event and most importantly for realising the need for continuous skills development and capacity enhancement of staff.
Prof. Indongo emphasised that events of this nature expose staff to new environments and create opportunities for collaboration. She explained that “I am equally grateful to learn that participants are highly motivated and inspired, and expressed their readiness in championing this initiative at campuses and within various schools”.
She further assured participants that CRS, through its mandate, will continue to commit to improving the quality and depth of postgraduate supervision, increasing throughput and dealing with complexity, as well as realizing the importance of individuals’ capability in supervision that needs to be developed and nurtured over time.
In addition to connecting new and emerging scholars globally, the other aims of the event were to create opportunities for research, as well as develop higher education teaching and learning practices. Some of the specific topics covered include: incorporating digital technologies in research and writing, as well as the importance of practicing emotional intelligence in dealing with students.
CRS is particularly thankful to Prof. Jairos Kangira and Prof. Hans Amukugo, from UNAM, who worked tirelessly with Prof. Liezel Frick and Ms Selene Delport from the University of Stellenbosch to develop advanced course materials for the workshops. The Centre also recognises the commitment of Dr. Frederick Simasiku from UNAM and Dr. Brent Abrahams from the University of Stellenbosch who coordinated activities for the event.
Expert advice was shared by Prof. Sarah Howie from Stellenbosch University who also motivated the participating staff to keep the momentum high in academic writing and postgraduate supervision and improve the quality of students’ research.
The University of Namibia, as a partner institution, benefited from the Emerging Scholars initiative and hosted a well-attended and much-needed workshop, that most participants found very useful.
