Wits' approach to strategic research thrusts

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. These 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