Acquiring Funding for Research at Universities Subject of Discussions at Webinar

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Research funding is a critical aspect of being an academic as it enables universities to do cutting-edge research as well as increase the institution’s third-stream income.

In order for academics to pursue research that is of interest to them, make a meaningful research-based impact in their communities as well as enhance teaching quality, they require knowledge and skills on how to raise funds through applying for grants.

The ability to successfully apply for grants also has implications for an academic’s career progression as it makes productivity possible in a variety of areas.

Many academics do not possess the necessary skills to raise funds so with that in mind, the Human Resources Division (HRD) at UKZN organised an introductory virtual workshop on the subject facilitated by Professor Moses Chimbari, who has extensive experience in sourcing grants. Chimbari, a Public Health research professor in UKZN’s School of Nursing and Public Health, was recently appointed a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for the University of Zimbabwe in Harare.

A total of 21 academics participated in the workshop with subject matter based partly on a needs analysis conducted by HRD.

During the webinar, Chimbari highlighted a variety of aspects in the process of applying for grants, emphasising that the workshop was an introduction to the subject and emerging academics needed to participate in follow-up workshops.

Elements covered included identification of funders, the importance of acquiring research grants and targeting external grants.

Chimbari highlighted that external grants made it possible for academics to obtain substantial amounts of funding for research. On the subject of grant applications being rejected, he emphasised the importance of being persistent and not giving up in attempts to raise funds, adding that to maximise success, academics needed to put themselves in the position of the grant reviewer and critically evaluate applications before submitting.

He encouraged academics to apply for internal grants as stepping stones and training for targeting bigger grants.

He said further workshops should include the process of managing grants so that academics could build credibility with funders.

HRD Director, Ms Busisiwe Ramabodu, thanked Chimbari for his continued support of emerging academics and his willingness to share his extensive experience and knowledge. She also congratulated him on his recent appointment as DVC of the University of Zimbabwe.

•    The workshop was part of a series scheduled for emerging academics this year. Other workshops planned include: Building a Research Publication Profile, Grant Writing, Managing Time and Priorities as an Academic, and the Academic Promotions Process.

Words: NdabaOnline

Image: Supplied