Professor Nirmala Dorasamy from Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Faculty of Management Sciences’ Department of Public Management and Economics is elated at the recognition of her contributions to academia. This comes after the news that the passionate and hardworking academic/researcher has attained a National Research Foundation (NRF) C2 Rating.
The NRF Sub-category C2 rating ranks researchers, based on extensive criteria related to research, supervision, community engagement, and overall contributions to the academic community. The rating process involves self-assessment and external evaluation by local and international reviewers.
Prof Dorasamy said the rating is a significant accomplishment for her having moved from a C3 to C2, considering the highly challenging and complex environments in which researchers operate.
“I feel quite elated considering that the robust and rigorous evaluation of my re-rating application by local and international reviewers was favourably considered at a respectful level of expertise and accomplishment.”
She said that as a researcher, obtaining a high NRF rating signifies recognition of her contributions to a multi-disciplinary field and that among the benefits which accrue from this include funding opportunities, career advancement, local and international collaboration, recognition within the academic community, and validation of my research achievements.
Prof Dorasamy attributed her sustained and consistent performance to the favourable research environment at DUT and said that it augurs well for emerging and distinguished researchers.
Speaking on the contribution and the impact that the achievement will have on her personal growth and the institution, Prof Dorasamy said that the recognition is a major sense of accomplishment, in the 16 years she has been at DUT and it is a confidence booster and provides motivation for her to continue reaching out to students, colleagues, and research associates in the spirit of driving research.
“The presence of NRF-rated researchers at DUT invariably enhances the university’s reputation, standing in the academic community, and more importantly accelerates the achievement of ENVISION2030 goals,” she said.
“The increasing number of NRF-rated researchers at DUT plays a pivotal in attracting more talented researchers, post-doctoral students, other research appointments, and research funding opportunities. More so, NRF-rated researchers can impact DUT’s overall research performance and global ranking,” continued Prof Dorasamy.
She added that being a NRF-rated researcher contributes to DUT’s ENVISION 2030 values of innovative curricular and research, in terms of promoting research excellence among students and faculty members; encouraging collaborative innovation which may push the boundaries of cutting-edge research and knowledge in multi-disciplinary fields; and contributing to the development and dissemination of curricula that are informed by the latest research findings.
Prof Dorasamy advised fellow and aspiring researchers who are hoping to reach this level of academic excellence to set clear goals and persevere even in the face of adversity and further, prioritise producing high-quality research outputs such as publications in reputable journals, become an editor/ co-editor of books, produce publication of book chapters conference presentations, patents, and other forms of scholarly dissemination.
“Always stay abreast of recent developments in your discipline and other related inter-disciplinary developments, so that your original contributions may push the boundaries of knowledge and do not hesitate to seek mentorship from experienced researchers who may provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate through your academic landscape.
Pictured: Professor Nirmala Dorasamy.
Thulasizwe Nkomo
