On 27-28 March 2019, the Directorate of Research and Innovation Research, Administration Section conducted the Research Data Management Workshop. The workshop took place at the University’s Research Conference Centre under the theme ‘Promoting research and innovation to its Pole Position’.
The Director Research and Innovation on Day 1 of Research Data Management giving the purpose and warm welcome of the audience
During the workshop, the Director of Research and Innovation, Senior Prof Georges Ekosse advised the audience to grab all opportunities that are available to them. He further encouraged them data is very important and that proper data management helps in ensuring that vital data is never lost and is protected inside the organization. “We are living in the 4th industrial revolution and people should adopt and use the technologies that are available because technology simplifies everything.” Senior Prof Georges Ekosse continued his talk by advising postgraduate students and research staff members to put trust and respect their research supervisors and mentors. He said that following proper procedures during research data collection is very important because without good data, researchers will not be able to produce good results.
Mrs Julia Sigama, Research Administration Coordinator in the Directorate of Research and Innovation introducing the programme director for the day.
Dr Thizwilondi Mudau, Senior Lecture in the School of Human and Social Sciences, department of Gender studies was the Programme Director for Day 1 of Research Data Management.
Facilitator Dr Awuzie Bankole from Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein
Dr Awuzie Bankole from Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein who was the Facilitator of the workshop on the first day presented about research data gathering; handling of research data: making data fit for purpose; research data storage and preservation. Dr Bankole further encouraged participants to treat research data management in the form of intellectual property. Researchers and Postgraduate Students were also advised to store their data even if they have completed their studies for a period of 5 year or be guided by the university rules in terms of data storage.
Mrs Livhuwani Nemaangane, Research Officer in the Directorate of Research and Innovation giving vote of thanks on Day one to all External Guests, Researchers and Postgraduate students
Senior Prof Ekosse with a group of attendees of the first day of Research Data Management workshop
Day 2: Research Data Management
Dr Sinah Sekhula, Research Officer in the Directorate of Research and Innovation was the Programme Director for Day 2 of Research Data Management.
Dr Awuzie Bankole from Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein on Day 2 of Research Data Management.
On the second day, Dr Bankole continued to present about ethical issues related to Research Data Management and the issue of risks and the level of risks; research ethics evaluation; definitions of research ethics; ethical principles of research, and ethical dimensions of scientific research related data management.
Prof Rechael Lebese, Research Professor in the School of Health Sciences on Day 2 of Research Data Management.
Prof Lebese, coordinated research data discussions. she told the audience to be vigilant before they sign any document or agreement forms. “Not all grants are worth for sharing your data,” she told Univen researchers and postgraduate students. She further indicated that researchers should keep track of their records during data collection and also be able to trace back their data they have collected.
Prof Dixon Ochara, Research Professor in the School of Management Sciences on Day 2 of Research Data Management Workshop
On the second day of the workshop, Prof Ochara, spoke about research data sharing; ethical issues related to research data management and the concept of research data management. Prof Ochara advised researchers to be careful and take note of the educational background before asking someone to be their research assistants, especially during data collection. He emphasized that PhD students should not appoint Honours students to collect their data. PhD students should have ownership and understanding of their data collected.
Senior Prof Ekosse on day two of Research Data Management
Senior Prof Ekosse cautioned researchers to adhere to ethics norms, so that they can distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable. The issue of research assistant appointments was further emphasized by the Director Research and Innovation.
Ms Vanecia Khoza, Research Assistant in the Directorate of Research and Innovation on Day 2 of Research Data Management
Ms Khoza presented the processes and procedures of ethics application in the Directorate of Research and innovation. She elaborated on the Research Ethical protocol application form (R7/R7a) and the contents of the form; tips for successful ethics review. Researchers were advised to do their own checklist before submitting their application form.
Researchers and postgraduate students listening to speakers during the workshop
Group photo of the attendees on day 2 of the Research Data Management Workshop
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 12 April 2019
