Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently won the highly esteemed Petersburg World Club International Expert Award, a recognition of the excellence bestowed for the BRICS Research Institute’s outstanding research engagements and impactful outputs. This international accolade marks an important milestone for DUT and highlights the university’s commitment to its ENVISION2030 strategy.
DUT’s impactful research initiatives are not only enhancing academic knowledge but also generating meaningful change across the BRICS nations, showcasing the university’s expanding influence on the global stage. This award reflects DUT’s dedication to driving impactful research that address critical issues affecting society.
Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement said, “We are immensely proud of this achievement, which highlights the passion, dedication and excellence of our research teams.” Professor Nemavhola also acknowledged Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, the Executive Dean in the Faculty of Management Sciences, who leads the BRICS Research Institute at DUT. Professor Netswera travelled to Moscow to receive the Prize. The Petersburg World Club Award which took place on the 30th October 2024 follows the conclusion of the 16th BRICS Summit for the heads of states that took place in Khazan between 22 and 24 October 2024.
Prof Netswera recounted, “Without the collective efforts of over 69 academics from all our BRICS nations participating in the various Communities of Practice and over 70 Capacity Development Fellows (Master and Doctoral students), this Prize would not have been won. This team has in the past two years produced over 8 books, two special issues of journals and numerous independent journal articles through reputable publishers like Palgrave, Routledge and Springer. More books and journal articles are in the pipeline.” Prof Netswera went on to single out Dr Ndivhuho Tshikovhi who is the BRICS Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellow and the Institute’s administrative team of young scholars for having been the glue that held and supported this diverse team of scholars at various BRICS conferences, Postgraduate Forums and BRICS Summer Schools.”
Professor Nemavhola added, “Our focus on impactful research engagement is grounded in a vision where our people participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world, contributing to improving lives and livelihoods. This honour truly represents a collective success.”
DUT is dedicated to fostering a future where communities within and beyond South Africa can benefit from impactful, research initiatives. As DUT celebrates this wonderful achievement, the university’s commitment to sustainable development, knowledge sharing and academic excellence across the BRICS partnership, remains unwavering.
Pictured: The winners of the Petersburg World Club International Expert Awards are: Polymetal International PLC represented here by Liana Fanilevna Beltran-Belskaya and the DUT (BRICS Research Institute) represented by Professor Fulufhelo Netswera.
Alan Khan
