RESEARCH THRUSTS

The University is committed to identifying and developing research concentrations in broad areas of institution-wide strength, and in which we have unique opportunities and responsibilities. A Research Thrust is not an ?entity? in the sense that it does not have a formal structure and system of governance. Rather it is a loose coalition of researchers, research teams, and even research entities, working in an area which the URC has acknowledged as meeting the criteria listed below. It is likely to be under the leadership of a distinguished academic (the Champion) and will include the participation of a significant number of senior academics. A research thrust should display the following characteristics (in no particular order):

1. societal relevance
2. critical mass - in other words the thrust should be in an area in which there exists a large enough grouping of researchers across the University to permit economies of scale, contribute to diversity of thought, and permit the development of a vibrant atmosphere
3. capacity - a research thrust should be well enough resourced before it is initiated, in terms of staff qualifications and interest, the availability of infrastructure, and the actual and potential financial resources it could leverage
4. niche areas - the thrust may focus on an area of special or highly developed expertise present at the University, in which researchers are producing nationally and internationally respected work.
5. researchers' track record - researchers playing a leading role in the research thrust should be of high standing, with a good research track record, high productivity, success in training students, and fund-raising experience
6. sustainability potential - research thrusts provide a prime opportunity for the University to assist researchers in leveraging funding from a variety of sources
7. research training - research thrusts should embrace the goal of increasing and improving postgraduate training for research
8. the 'big' questions - the University's reputation will be enhanced if its researchers make meaningful contributions to the resolution of fundamental problems. Thus research thrusts will reflect the University's support for researchers who tackle the 'big' questions: ie those recognized as central to excellent research in both scope and applicability.
9. a multidisciplinary character
10. it will be an advantage if the thrust has the potential to produce worthwhile high profile outcomes which will enhance the reputation, prestige and public image of the University, locally and internationally

Research thrusts are intended to stimulate academic initiative, creative thinking and imaginative and multiple ways of addressing, organizing and funding research in the broad area identified. They are not intended to reproduce the characteristics of other research entities. Research thrusts will be evaluated every three years; the URC and the FRCs will assess whether the identification of a particular theme as a "university research thrust" has indeed led to the enhancement of research activities and imaginative thinking within that area; research thrusts may closed down if this is not the case

The University has to date approved 9 research thrusts. Theses are recognized areas of research strength. By recognizing them as thrusts, the University undertakes to prioritize them in:

• all research fundraising activities
• investment in equipment
• leveraging external funding
• recruiting postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows
• bringing in distinguished visitors
• filling vacancies
• forming partnerships

The research thrusts approved by Senate and Council to date and very brief details about each are set out below. Note that there are several other Thrusts at various stages of preparation.

Biodiversity

Keywords: ecosystem maintenance, sustainable development, genetic diversity, heritage, future generations, indigenous knowledge, restoration, taxonomy
Contact: Professor Ed Witkowski on 27 11 717 6428 or Edward.Witkowski@wits.ac.za

HIV/AIDS

Keywords: threats, prevention, education, care and support, clinical, behavioural and policy research, multi-disciplinarity
Contact: Professor Tracy McLellan on 27 11 717 1436 or tracy.mclellan@wits.ac.za

Evolution of the Species and National Heritage

Keywords: palaeontology, palaeoanthropology, rock art, archaeology, human origins and behaviour, tourism, conservation
Contact: Professor Bruce Rubidge on 27 11 717 6685 or Bruce.Rubidge@wits.ac.za

Cities

Keywords: urbanisation, development, polarisation, inequality, apartheid, management, linguistics, planning, built environment, art, culture, public health, education
Contact: Professor Alan Mabin on 27 11 717 7622 or Alan.Mabin@wits.ac.za

Diseases of the Lifestyle: an emerging African problem

Keywords: Non-communicable diseases; obesity and related chronic disorders; diabetes, hypertension, liver, heart and kidney disease; epidemiology
Contact: Professor Karen Sliwa on 27 11 933 8197 or Karen.Sliwa-Hahnle@wits.ac.za and Professor Nigel Crowther on 27 11 489 8525 or Nigel.Crowther@wits.ac.za

Materials Science and Engineering

Keywords: new materials, industry, simulations, characterisation, modelling, testing, synthesis, microscopy, hard metals, catalysis, nanotechnology, concrete, diamonds, metallics, molecular solids
Contact: Professor Lelsley.Cornish on 27 11 717 6876 or Lesley.Cornish@wits.ac.za

Mineral Resources, Exploration and Mining

Keywords: prospecting, deep mining, sustainable extraction, K pv l Craton, gold, uranium, chrome, vanadium, platinum, coal, waste disposal, community impact, multi-disciplinary
Contact: Professor Paul Dirks on 27 11 717 6560 or Paul.Dirks@wits.ac.za

Molecular Biosciences

Keywords: health and wellbeing, health-related molecular biosciences, diseases of developing nations, basic research/clinical applications interface, identification of biomarkers, translational research, bench to bedside
Contact: Administrator: Ms Caz McNamara on +27 11 717 1123 / SBIMB@wits.ac.za ;
Champions: Professor Chrissie Rey on +27 11 717 6324 / Chrissie.Rey@wits.ac.za  or Professor Michele Ramsay on +27 11 489 9214 / Michele.Ramsay@nhls.ac.za ;
or view the website

South Africa - India

Keywords: internationalization, World Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO) policies, immigration, linguistic and cultural diversity, poverty and development, democracy and civil society, affirmative action, religion and politics, race, class and caste, social and cultural transnational processes and interactions
Contact: Professor Isabel Hofmeyr on 27 11 717 4142 or Isabel.Hofmeyr@wits.ac.za or view the website.