Thursday, 23 April

23 April 2020
 

17:00

While challenging, the nationwide lockdown presents researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) with an opportunity to focus on a range of research aspects not necessarily prioritised on an ordinarily busy day. 

The executive is encouraged that many researchers are taking advantage of this time; it is evident from the activity on UCT’s electronic research administration system. However, a number of areas have been highlighted and are said to be causing researchers a fair amount of anxiety, and the university needs to address these.

This is UCT’s response to researchers’ concerns:

  • The Research Contracts and Innovation Office (RCI) has been engaging with sponsors and funding agencies. Funding officers have acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 on research and committed to supporting researchers through this time. Details of funders’ approaches are provided on the RCI website.
  • UCT has established a Research Task Team to support its researchers.
  • The country’s university sector has joined forces to deal with many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. There has also been sectoral engagement on the provision of critical resources and the zero-rating of academic websites. UCT has also made 30 GB of data available to all students currently in South Africa.
  • The NRF has extended the submission deadline for grant proposals from 30 April to 15 May 2020. The current extension applies to all grant categories. Details can be found on the research support hub.
  • Libraries continue to operate as virtual libraries and continue to maximise open access resources by engaging with counterparts worldwide and entering agreements that extend UCT’s online access resource.
  • Postgraduates also receive regular communication that addresses a range of issues.
  • The NRF funding call for 2021 is now open. There are several amendments to this call when compared to 2019, including the need for all postgraduate applicants to apply.

Researchers are encouraged to keep an eye out for the research announcements for funding opportunities and new research support activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a sea-change in the way researchers function and presents opportunities for researchers to use this experience to stimulate change towards a new future normal. The executive wishes everyone good health and strength during this period.

Read the DVC’s Desk.


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UCT’s response to COVID-19 in 2021

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March 2020 and to implement a national lockdown from 26 March 2020.

UCT is taking the threat of infection in our university community extremely seriously, and this page will be updated regularly with the latest COVID-19 information. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.

 

Commemorating a year of COVID-19

At midnight on 26 March 2020, South African went into the first nationwide hard lockdown. A year later, we remember those who have died and those who have been affected by COVID-19, as well as the pandemic’s effects across society and campus. We are especially grateful for the front-line health workers who have done so much for so many.

Frequently asked questions

 
 

In an email to the UCT community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said:
“COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly changing epidemic. [...] Information [...] will be updated as and when new information becomes available.”

 

We are continuing to monitor the situation and we will be updating the UCT community regularly – as and when there are further updates. If you are concerned or need more information, students can contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 5620 or 021 650 1271 (after hours), while staff can contact 021 650 5685.