Research and Innovation

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has over the past few years steadily become one of South Africa’s research-led teaching and learning universities, with the capacity to produce and advance new knowledge in areas of recognised research strength and the translation of this knowledge through innovative endeavours.
The Office of the DVC: Research and Innovation is thus tasked with the following responsibilities:
- Strengthening postgraduate offerings and exploring options for expanding the programme and qualification mix (PQM)
- Sustaining an enabling research environment that promotes research
- Maintaining a critical mass of strong, productive researchers
- Establishing and sustaining strong, strategic, and mutually beneficial research partnerships
- Growing and strengthening UWC’s postgraduate culture and support to postgraduate students
- Continuing to build and strengthen its innovation capacity
DVC: Research and Innovation Office
Professor José Frantz - NRF C-rated ResearcherPosition: DVC: Research and Innovation
Ms Juliet Lesch
Position: Personal Assistant and Office Coordinator
Dr Thabile Sokupa
Position: Director - Special Projects
Ms Althea George
Position: Manager - Grants and Finances
Research Support Unit Heads
Vacant Position: Director - eResearch Office (ERO)Dr Fikile Vilakazi
Position: Director - Gender Equity Unit (GEU)
Professor Mario Smith
Position: Acting Director - Division for Postgraduate Studies (DPGS)
Dr Shirlene Neerputh
Position: Director - UWC Library Services
Professor Julie Phillips - NRF C-rated Researcher
Position: Director - Research and Postgraduate Support
Dr Ana Casanueva
Position: Director - Technology Transfer Office (TTO)
Professor Julian May - NRF C-rated Researcher
Position: Director - DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security