The National Research Foundation (NRF) recently hosted its annual Research Administrators Workshop (RAW) at the Summerstrand Hotel, Port Elizabeth. The 6th instalment of the RAWorkshop saw delegates from Higher Education Institutions, Research Councils and stakeholders from across the country and region attend 3 days of sessions aimed at “Improving Research Partnerships” – the theme for this year’s workshop.
Mrs Rozelle Petersen and Mr Nugent Lewis were honoured at this year’s workshop as individuals who live the values of the NRF - alongside Ms Waheeda Bala from the University of Witswatersrand. The purpose of this annual workshop is to facilitate discussions and engagements on various processes in the grants management cycle. It is also an opportunity for the NRF to provide feedback on the achievements and challenges experienced.
Rozelle Petersen is the Statutory Councils coordinator for the Postgraduate Student Funding Office. Rozelle is responsible for the pre and post award processes of NRF Freestanding scholarships for postgraduate students. The Grant Management and Systems Administration (GMSA) staff within the NRF has honoured her with an award for her understanding of the NRF grant processes, timeous approval of documentation, NRF compliance of correct documentation and going beyond the call of duty and working together with GMSA in their pursuit towards excellence and service delivery. Rozelle said: “I am humbled by the award. I enjoy giving input to enhancing the NRF systems, not only to streamline processes for the benefit of Stellenbosch University, but for all HEI’s.”
Mr Nugent Lewis is currently Administrator: NRF Post Awards in the Division for Research Development – a position he has held since February 2014. Nugent is responsible for post award grant processes (Established Research Grants, and Strategic Investment Grants). He was honoured for his understanding of NRF granting processes, compliance and responsiveness as well as going beyond the call of duty in supporting and promoting research.
Nugent said: “I am very grateful the level of excellence and dedication displayed by my colleagues at DRD, who instills in me the same vigour and passion for research management. The research and innovation system in South Africa is a crucial element of the kind of development that we need to push our country forward...” Lewis also received the DST/SARIMA Early Career Excellence Award for Research Management earlier this year.
