Unisa prides itself on having a dynamic research culture that seeks to find research and innovative solutions that address pertinent national and global questions. In recognition of supporting the research agenda through the operationalisation of research ethics and integrity at Unisa, Dr Retha Visagie, Manager: Research Integrity in the Directorate of Research Support, was honoured with the 2025 Support Staff Excellence Award at the 2026 Official Academic Opening Ceremony.

A certified senior research management professional, Visagie has made outstanding contributions to strengthening research integrity and management at Unisa and across the region.

She has led significant institutional advancements, including the digitisation of research ethics processes, the development of the Academic Integrity Policy for responsible AI use and the pioneering of the Institutional Research Ethics Capacity Strengthening Programme, which trained over 5,000 academics and students in 2025.

Her leadership was instrumental in Unisa winning the prestigious 2025 Southern African Research and Innovation Management (SARIMA) Organisational Research Excellence award. As project lead for the SARIMA Gates-funded Capacity Strengthening Project, she made significant contributions to support improved grants management, financial governance and greater visibility for research management.

In 2025, Visagie’s expertise was recognised through exceptional appointments to the African Research Advisory Council (ARAC) of Springer Nature, the SARIMA Research Management Portfolio Committee, the African Research Integrity Network Executive Committee and the African Research Integrity Network. She also serves on the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) committee, developing national research management standards.

Visagie’s collective contributions demonstrate excellence, leadership and sustained commitment to advancing research integrity and research management at institutional, national and continental levels.

* Compiled by Mpho Moloele, PR and Communications, Department of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation