The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) recently hosted an Emerging Researchers Workshop, which was aimed at informing postgraduate students about opportunities available for them in the world of academic research.

Titled, “Eyethu: Emerging Researcher Day” the workshop was held at DUT’s City Campus, and was organised by FoAD’s Research Office. It focused on exploring funding opportunities and mentorship support offered to DUT’s postgraduates which enables them to continue advancing their studies.

The day also served as a drive for increasing the number of South African students enrolled for the PhD and Masters programmes.

Postgraduate students were also treated to an informative session on funding opportunities offered by DUT and other funding organisations. The National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Itumeleng Tshabalala and Samukelisiwe Gambu from the Grants Management Division both spoke about how students can access their organisations services.

FoAD’s Research Coordinator, Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi spoke about the magnitude of support the faculty is willing to give in mentoring and funding the students. “The Faculty would like to reach out to the South African postgraduate students and emerging researchers, by affording them the kind of support that they need,” she said.

Dr Rapeane-Mathonsi further expressed her delight on the outcome of the event and the positive feedback received from attendees. “All participants said they found the workshop highly beneficial and look forward to further interaction with the Faculty Research Office,” she added.

The event also tackled challenges postgraduate students encounter that hinder them to academically excel and graduate on record time.

Other speakers included FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith, Art for Humanity’s Ismail Farouk and Fashion Lecter and FoAD’s PhD candidate in Visual and Performing Arts, Khaya Mchunu.

Pictured: Some of the participants in the Emerging Researchers Workshop.

Nasiphi Gigaba