The Research Day was held for the second time last week under the theme “Engineering Research for Excellence in Namibian Industrial Development,” to showcase research conducted by staff and students in the School, to reflect on the importance of research in the development of those involved and also to share experiences and ideas.
The Dean of Engineering, Dr Samuel John emphasised that the School strives to support the national industrialisation vision through research and innovation. “These are major links to curbing poverty, unemployment and increase national prosperity. However, whereas developed countries invest significantly in research and development, developing countries invest very little in research and development,” he said.
According to the UNESCO’s Scientific Advisory Board, ‘investing 3.5% GDP in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is a benchmark for successful sustainable development.’ In comparison, Namibia invests less than 1% in STI.
Dr John further said, “As a growing university, we believe that research output, amongst other key deliverables, is a key result area. It is output from research that informs the utilisation of knowledge to break new frontiers in technology that eventually leads to economic development. Cognisant of this fact, we continue to grow a culture of high-impact research, not only amongst university staff, but in our students as well.”
