RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
T
he University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has identified a number of research focus areas which it believes are critical to supporting its vision, not only as a notable centre of African scholarship in South Africa, but as an integral player in the global partnership embodied in the Millennium Development Goals, which seek to restore a
sense of meaningful development to some of the world’s poorest countries. Through sustained research involving multi-disciplinary and cross-border collaborations, the University’s efforts are pushing research boundaries, impacting international research trends, and drawing South Africa and Africa into a global network of knowledge production and academic excellence. Thus our areas of research focus are globally relevant, yet locally responsive and include: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Health Promotion; Biotechnology; Water, Environment and Biodiversity; Social Development and Economic Studies; Agriculture and Food Security; Energy and Technology for Sustainable Development; Gender, Race and Identity Studies; Indigenous African Knowledge Systems; and Maritime Studies. In addition, the full spectrum of research – from curiosity-driven to application-based and participatory action research – is undertaken at UKZN, where there is a strong emphasis on team work. Senior academics take pride in the mentorship they provide to postgraduate students, postdoctoral scholars and other emerging researchers.
Agriculture and Food
HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis
Security
and Health Promotion
Biotechnology
Maritime Studies
Energy and Technology for
Indigenous African
Sustainable Development
Knowledge Systems
Gender, Race and
Social Development and
Identity Studies
Economic Studies Water, Environment and Biodiversity
RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS UKZN Research Report 2010
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