About Research and Innovation

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), as the only health sciences university in South Africa, is strategically positioned to focus on multidisciplinary health research that will provide solutions to ease the quadruple burden of disease facing the country.

The Research Directorate is tasked with the leadership, management and administration of Research and Innovation at SMU. We aim at building an environment that allows academic freedom and yet being aligned with National Health Research Summit Report as we participate in the production, dissemination and utilization of new knowledge for quality health services.

The Research Directorate comprises of six (6) units that may be contacted to support various functions and activities at the institution:

• Research Information Management
• Grants Management
• Capacity Development
• Postgraduate Funding
• Ethics review of research proposals
• Research, Strategic Partnership and Technology Transfer Office

Responsible for supporting researchers in identifying funding opportunities, grant support and bringing in third-stream income through external research funding (grants), as well as creating and advancing research collaborations and Partnerships with other academic institutions, science councils and funding agencies.

Contact Person

Ms W Motsatsi
Coordinator: Grants and Strategic Partnership
winnie.motsatsi@smu.ac.za

 

Management of postgraduate funding at the institution is supported though the provision of funding to Honours, Masters, and Doctoral (PhD) Students. The Postgraduate funding office informs and updates postgraduate students and staff of available national and international bursaries and scholarship opportunities, liaises with external funders and provides administrative support to postgraduate students with bursary.

Contact Person

Mrs J Matentji
Postgraduate Funding Officer
jadah.matentji@smu.ac.za

 

This office provides project management support for strategic projects with external partners such as knowledge transfer to provincial health departments. SMU Council also recently approved incorporation of the Technology Transfer Office in the structure of the Research Office to ensure compliance with Section 17 of the Intellectual Property (IP) Rights, Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, 2008 (Act No. 51 Of 2008).
National traction is maintained through an agreement with NIPMO to provide technical support for IP Management and patent registration. An MOA with Technology Innovation Agency assists in commercialisation of innovative research outcomes that may have economic potential. The Office works closely with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubation and explores innovative business ideas emanating from student Entrepreneurs that may have IP potential.

Contact Person

Mr M Sebola
Project Coordinator: Research, strategic Partnership and Innovation
Mohlatlego.sebola@smu.ac.za