College of Health Sciences DVC Highlights the Importance of Grants

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In a significant effort to empower mid-career academics, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted a grant writing workshop spearheaded by the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Dean of Research, Professor Anil Chuturgoon.

The event brought together a diverse group of academics and representatives from prominent research organisations, including the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), and Aurum Institute. The goal was to equip researchers with the essential skills needed to secure funding for their ground-breaking projects.

In her opening remarks, College of Health Sciences Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head, Professor Busi Ncama, emphasised the crucial role that grants play in the academic and research landscape. ‘Grants are more than just financial support. They are investments in ideas, projects, and people who have the potential to make a difference. They allow you to turn your vision into reality, expand your impact, and drive change in your community or field,’ she said.

The workshop was highly interactive, providing attendees with practical insights and hands-on experience in crafting compelling grant proposals. Chuturgoon outlined the workshop’s objectives, which included understanding the grant landscape, crafting strong proposals, tailoring applications to specific funders, avoiding common pitfalls, and refining one’s academic CV to tell a compelling story.

Participants were encouraged to engage actively throughout the session, with the aim of having their proposals revised and nearly ready for submission by the end of the workshop.

‘Grant writing can often seem daunting, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to refine your project, clarify your goals, and make a compelling case for why your work deserves support,’ said Ncama.

The workshop also celebrated recent successes in the College’s investment in grantsmanship. Chuturgoon reported a significant increase in grant applications and awards, particularly from emerging researchers, marking a positive shift in the College’s research culture. This year alone, several grants were supported by the CHS Research Office across various categories, including the Black Academics Advancement Programme, Future Professor Programmes, as well as numerous external grants.

In total, the College of Health Sciences secured an impressive R37 million in grant funding, with R11.6 million from local grants and R25.4 million from international sources. Ncama noted that these achievements reflect the growing strength of UKZN’s research community and the impact of targeted support for emerging academics.

Chuturgoon said he hoped that the workshop would inspire and encourage attendees to tackle their grant applications. ‘Remember, every great project begins with a great proposal. The tools and strategies you gain here will help you not only in securing funding but in advancing your mission and making a real difference,’ he said.

The workshop featured a series of highly relevant topics presented by experts:

•    An overview of the Grant Landscape by Professor Doug Wassenaar (UKZN)

•    Budgeting and Compliance by Mr Silvester Olupot (HPP)

•    A Winning Grant Proposal: CVs/Biosketches and Telling Your Story by Professor Vinodh Aroon Edward (Aurum Institute)

•    Research Integrity, Research Ethics, and Responsible Research and Innovation by Professor Shenuka Singh (UKZN)

•    The Researcher as a Manager: Grant Compliance, Contracting, Due Diligence, and Reporting by Professor Urmilla Bob (UKZN)

•    Understanding Impact (Research and Social) and Career Perspectives by Professor Refiloe Masekela, Associate Professor and Head of Paediatrics at UKZN, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Professor

•    Writing a Successful Grant Proposal: The Details by Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, Director for Basic and Translational Science at AHRI, Professor and Victor Daitz Chair at the HIV Pathogenesis Programme (UKZN) and Professor of Infectious Diseases at University College London

•    Research Ethics, Research Integrity, Responsible Research and Innovation) and Strategic Global Partnerships and Collaboration: A Catalyst for Securing Research Grant Funding by Professor Gansen Pillay, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Risa at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa

There were two inspiring panel discussions on day 1 and 3, which focused on the pitfalls and successes of grant writing and the options of research fellowship programmes and how this carves a career path facilitated by Chuturgoon and Dr Emily Wong (AHRI), respectively.

The workshop demonstrated UKZN CHS’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for researchers, with grantsmanship playing a key role in advancing academic careers, securing publications, and achieving NRF ratings.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied