The Strategic Academic Cluster Iniative
At the heart of each major research breakthrough and significant discovery lies a vibrant, multidisciplinary research community. A reputation for quality and excellence has become critical in attracting quality students and staff, research funding and sponsorship to ensure the creation of such a vibrant community. The University of the Free State (UFS) operates in an increasingly competitive environment where South African universities no longer compete only with their national counterparts, but also internationally. Aligned with international trends, the UFS follows a focused approach to the strategic selection of niche knowledge platforms and research areas.
The course to develop a differentiated set of niche areas was set in 2005 and – after extensive internal and external consultation - culminated in the approval of specific Strategic Academic Clusters. The Clusters embody the pursuit of quality and excellence. The
name – Strategic Academic Clusters – signifies the concern with not only research, but also under- and postgraduate teaching and learning. The vision is that the Cluster activities will not only drive world class research outputs, but also contribute to internationally renowned graduate programme activities.
Each Cluster is associated with at least one recognised Research Niche Area (RNA) of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Institutional Research Development Programme (IRDP). Eight RNAs were approved for the UFS in 2007 – the highest number of all universities in South Africa. These encompass 24 NRF-funded research projects, representing a combined total commitment of almost R30 million to the UFS over a period of five years (2008-2012).
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