NEPTTP celebrates postgrad success
- Wits University
The National e-Science Postgraduate Teaching and Training Platform is proud to announce its achievements in advancing postgraduate education in e-Science.
Funded by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), managed by the National Integrated Cyber Infrastructure System (NICIS), who in turn report to the Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA), and hosted by Wits University, NEPTTP has established itself as a cornerstone in building South Africa’s capacity for computational and data-driven science, with a mission to develop skilled researchers and professionals who can drive innovation in these areas.
About the programme
NEPTTP is a consortium of six node institutions, dedicated to supporting students pursuing MA and MSc degrees in e-Science. The platform provides financial assistance, academic mentorship and supervision, and access to a collaborative teaching environment that brings together expertise from multiple disciplines. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared for the challenges of data-intensive research, computational modelling, and advanced analytics – areas vital to South Africa’s scientific and industrial development.
How it started
NEPTTP was launched in 2018 with a vision to strengthen South Africa’s research infrastructure and human capital in the field of data science. Recognising the growing role of big data and advanced computing in solving complex national and global challenges, DSTI initiated the programme with Wits University as the host institution. Since then, the platform has expanded its footprint, offering opportunities to students across its network of nodes and creating a dynamic environment of collaboration and shared expertise.
Graduation success
To date, NEPTTP has supported 257 postgraduate students, of which 68% have graduated so far, while others are nearing completion of their final year research projects. The University of Venda stands out in particular, with a 75% graduation rate for the MSc degree over first six cohorts, and the MA degree at Wits University also with 75% graduation rate. Research projects have delved into widely multi-disciplinary areas, from stock trading and political sciences to molecular biology and development studies; from mathematics and mechanical engineering to psychology and statistical sciences.
Where are they now
Alumni of the programme have gone on to careers in academia, commerce, and finance. Several are now undertaking their PhDs at South African universities, while others are data scientists in technology and finance, or working in academia as lecturers and project managers. A growing number are also gaining recognition from publishing in high-impact journals, collaborating with other national researchers, and representing South Africa in the Data Science arena.
The future of NEPTTP
The future of NEPTTP is at a pivotal point. Over the past three funding cycles, the programme has been highly impactful, breaking new ground by bridging the humanities and sciences across institutions. While the current funding ends with the 2025 cohort, the capacity built at participating universities ensures that elements of the programme can continue. Wits University, in particular, is well-positioned to sustain high-quality data science training through its MA and expanding portfolio of MSc programmes in Computer Science, as well as the highly subscribed PGDip in Data Science, which has broadened access for students from diverse backgrounds. Other nodes, including the Universities of Venda and Limpopo, and North-West University, have also expressed their commitment to continuing aspects of the MSc and MA degrees. Encouragingly, both the DSTI and DIRISA have voiced support for seeing this continuation, and discussions on new funding models are emerging, giving hope that the collaborative spirit and vision of NEPTTP will endure in new forms.