Research Groups

Unisa hosts numerous research groups, from Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence to niche areas. Here is a brief description of each of these groups.

• SARChI in Development Education: Prof CO Hoppers (PDF 98 kb)

  In 2007, Unisa was awarded the Chair in Development Education by the Department of Science and Technology/NRF. The incumbent for the Chair in Development Education is Dr CO Hoppers. Dr Hoppers assumed her duties at Unisa in January 2008. The Details of SARChI and its objectives are available on the NRF website.
  Dr CO Hoppers (012 429 6597; hoppeco@unisa.ac.za)

• UNESCO Research Chair in ODL Research: Prof D Braimoh

  The UNESCO Chair in ODL operates within a newly established centre called the Institute of Open and Distance Learning (IODL). The aim of the UNESCO Chair is to drive ODL teaching, learning and research at Unisa. The incumbent of the UNESCO Chair is Prof D Braimoh.
  Prof D Braimoh (012 429 6763; braimad@unisa.ac.za)

• Murray & Roberts Chair in Collaborative Governance and Accountability (CGA): Prof D de Jongh

  Murray & Roberts has endowed a chair in Collaborative Governance and Accountability within the College of Economic and Management Sciences. Prof D de Jongh is the custodian and Dr S Pienaar is the Programme Manager of the Chair. The Chair in CGA conducts research on the opportunities and challenges related to Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) in South Africa. 
  Dr S Pienaar (pienas@unisa.ac.za)

• Noah Chair in Responsible Investment (RI): Prof D de Jongh

  Noah Financial Innovations has endowed a Chair in Responsible Investment (RI) within the College of Economic and Management Sciences. Prof D de Jongh is custodian and Dr N Eccles is the Programme Manager of the Chair. The overall objective of the Chair is to promote research in the field of responsible investment. 
  Dr N Eccles (012 429 3733; ecclens@unisa.ac.za)

• Research Niche Area (RNA) on Ecotoxicology: Prof M Mphahlele

  The NRF approves applications for registration of RNAs. The RNA approved by the NRF for Unisa is in the area of Ecotoxicology headed by Prof Mphahlele of the chemistry department in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
  Prof M Mphahlele (012 429 8805; mphahmj@unisa.ac.za)

Other research niche areas are identified and listed in the Unisa Institutional Research Plan. The university will provide start-up funding for groups wishing to establish research projects in the identified research areas.

Research Centres

• Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS)

  Established in 1986, the ISHS, which is located in Lenasia, Johannesburg, undertakes research in the areas of epidemiology, violence and trauma. This centre collaborates with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and World Health Organisation (WHO). 
  Prof Mohamed Seedat (011 857 1142; seedama@unisa.ac.za)

• Institute for Science and Technology Education (ISTE)

  The Institute for Science and Technology Education promotes inter-college research in the areas of mathematics, science and technology education. The director of the Institute is Prof HI Atagana.
  Prof HI Atagana (012 429 6473; iste@unisa.ac.za)

• Institute for African Renaissance Studies (IARS)

  The mandate of IARS includes a focus on the comprehensive development of Africa(ns) in the 21st century. As such, it includes within its research scope, Africans in the Diaspora. The director of the centre is Prof Shadrack Gutto.
  Prof Shadrock Gutto (012 320 3140; guttosbo@unisa.ac.za)

• Bureau of Market Research (BMR)

  The Bureau of Market Research (BMR) conducts research on economic developments, income and expenditure trends, market behaviour and communication as well as demographic issues. The director of the BMR is Prof Deon Tustin.
  Prof Deon Tustin (012 429 3156; bmr@unisa.ac.za)