Rhodes University Research and Innovation
relating to environmental sustainability
Innovative research and development plays a key role in promoting environmental sustainability. The search for sustainable solutions is supported by a collaborative approach.
Environment in Research
Rhodes University is home to a range of multidisciplinary and environmentally related research projects which help promote sustainability. To explore research opportunities, visit the links on this page and contact the relevant department or research institute, or contact the RU Research Office. Examples of research themes relating to environmental sustainability include:
Biodiversity ~ Carbon Sequestration ~ Enviro Education ~ Food Systems ~ Information Systems ~ Law ~ Literature & Language ~ Socio-economic development ~ Sustainable Energy ~ Waste Management ~ Water Resources.
Rhodes University Research Office
Rhodes University's ONLINE Research Office provides information on research in Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy and Science, as well as Research Institutes, Affiliates and related groups. Our Annual Research Report provides an overview of research conducted at Rhodes University.
Makana Research Group
The Makana Research Group (MRG), a forum for all research projects conducted in the Makana district, aims to facilitate and strengthen research engagements between Rhodes University and the Makana Municipality. In order to maximise benefits to both the Municipality and the University, the MRG is calling for researchers in the different departments at Rhodes to provide brief details of their Makana-based research projects.
Innovative Research
Innovative research and development has the potential to promote economic development. The Innovation Fund, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology in 1999, aims to support advanced research and development (i.e. proof-of-science already exists) in higher education institutions, among others. Managed by the National Research Foundation and a team of industry experts, the Innovation Fund promotes technological innovation and business entrepreneurial ventures. Explore research opportunities at http://www.innovationfund.ac.za/
Online science communication
Communication of relevant research findings is an essential part of promoting environmental sustainability. In addition to publications in accredited research journals, staff at Rhodes University have expanded their efforts to make findings accessible to a wider audience. In the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, a PhD project on Lake Victoria is investigating the role of media messages regarding issues such as pollution.
Staff in the Biotechnology division of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology are involved in producing a popular e-zine, Science in Africa, that brings science in an understandable and informative manner to the general public, with a focus on science of relevance to South Africa. Winner of the Highway Africa New Media Award for 2003, and listed as one of the top 20 science sites on the Internet by the World Summit Award in 2004, the free monthly online magazine receives over 1,5 million hits per month. Explore research opportunities: http://www.ru.ac.za/jms and www.scienceinafrica.co.za
Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za
