Durban University of Technology hosted prominent Canadian geophysicist Dr David Strangway on 5 December at the Hotel Conference Centre on Ritson campus…

Durban University of Technology hosted prominent Canadian geophysicist Dr David Strangway on 5 December at the Hotel Conference Centre on Ritson campus. The lecture entitled “Global Health Research Chairs for Africa” was well attended and provided a platform to address the need in Africa for research and development.

According to Dr Strangway Canada has no Minister of Education; education is the responsibility of individual provinces. The universities are private and not profit driven, although research funding does come from the federal government.

Dr Strangway spoke about the Canadian education systems at tertiary level and how faculty ratios are expanding and creating opportunities for students. His impressive list of credentials include Quest University where he served as president (2002 – 2007) which rated as the top institution in a survey of 700 universities in Canada and the USA. His illustrious career also included being Chief of NASA’s Geophysics Branch, where Dr Strangway designed lunar experiments for Apollo astronauts and also was involved in the examination of returned moon rocks that contributed to the further knowledge of the solar system.

The surprising problem South Africa share with Canada is one of brain drain where professionals seek opportunities elsewhere. “The establishment of 2000 Research Chairs together with 300 million dollars a year spent, this has had a major impact on reversing the problem and empowering Canada’s universities and hospitals.

“The creation of 1000 chairs for African Universities will create a strong partnership within and beyond Africa and is necessary for the developing world, the aim also is to retain good teachers and researchers”, said Dr Strangway.

Professor Sibusiso Moyo, said, “It was inspirational and informative to understand the global scope and take up iniatives and to continue collaborating in terms of research.”

– Nqobizizwe Zwane