Announcement of the renewal of the SARChi Chair on Biodiversity Value and Change in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and hand-over of new Centre
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Jan Crafford (Centre) handing over wording of plaque to Prof Taylor (Left) while Prof Natasha Potgieter poses with them
On Thursday, 05 July 2018 the University of Venda (Univen) hosted the Launch of the South African Research Chairs Initiatives (SARChi) Chair Museum and Research Centre. The brief Launch took place at the University Auditorium as part of the programme of 45th Symposium on the Management of Biological Invasions attended by 160 delegates and co-organised by Univen and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
The Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Univen, Prof Jan Crafford
The Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Univen, Prof Jan Crafford announced the renewal of the SARChi Chair by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and handed over the new Centre which is located on the second floor of the Life Sciences Building. It houses natural history collections, exhibitions and library and IT resources as well as offices for the Chair and his team of interns, postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students.
Prof Peter Taylor
Prof Peter Taylor, who gave the vote of thanks message as Chair, explained the five-year plan of the Museum and Research Centre. He said that the new Centre had been planned from the inception of the Chair in 2012 to showcase the unique biodiversity of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve as well as to be a resource for student teaching and research. This is now a reality. Prof Taylor further extended his gratitude to the University’s management and colleagues for the passion they have shown and tolerance towards his ever-expanding team.
The Dean of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Prof Natasha Potgieter
The Dean of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Prof Natasha Potgieter gave a word of appreciation to the staff and students for their involvement in the success and materializing of the Museum and Research Centre. She also acknowledged the important role that both the NRF and SANBI have played.
L-R Prof Peter Tshisikhawe, Prof Stefan Foord, Prof Natasha Potgieter, Prof Peter Taylor, Prof Dave Richardson, and Prof Jan Crafford.
The brief ceremony was concluded by the handing over of the certificate, reading of the wording and a group photo that included the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof Jan Crafford, Chair of SARChi Prof Taylor, Chair Successor Prof Stefan Foord, Co-Chair Prof Dave Richardson and Dean of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences Prof Natasha Potgieter.
Delegates from various participating institutions posing for a group photo outside the Life Sciences building
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 09 July 2018
