Latest news with #UFS
News24
3 days ago
- General
- News24
Academic excellence through mentorship
Strategic Mentoring Programmes Drive Academic Excellence and Transformation Grow your own timber. This philosophy, rooted in the commitment to invest in 'home-grown' academic talent, has seen the University of the Free State (UFS) continue to make remarkable strides in transforming its academic landscape through innovative mentoring initiatives. Building on five years of success, the university's comprehensive Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme has significantly enhanced research output, leadership capabilities, and institutional cohesion. MENTORSHIP AS A CATALYST FOR TRANSFORMATION At the UFS, the strategic implementation of structured mentoring has proven to be a powerful tool in building a pipeline of accomplished scholars who are ready to excel at the highest academic levels. This approach recognises that true transformation requires more than just appointments – it demands sustained development and support. A PORTFOLIO OF SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES Since launching its Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme five years ago, the UFS has expanded its initiatives to address the specific needs of academics at different career stages. The current suite of programmes now supports 165 staff members across four tailored interventions: THE FUTURE PROFESSORIATE PROGRAMME Targeting academics five to eight years post-PhD, this flagship programme focuses on developing scholars who are poised to become professors and associate professors. The two-year fellowship emphasises building international profiles, increasing research impact through quality publications, and achieving recognition as established researchers through NRF ratings. In total, 41% of the 2025 cohort are black South Africans, 41% are white South Africans, and 18% are foreign-born African scholars. Supplied THE EMERGING SCHOLAR ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (ESAP) This programme supports academics one to four years post-PhD, helping them increase research productivity, prepare for NRF Y-ratings, develop postgraduate supervision capabilities, and advance to senior lecturer positions. ESAP provides crucial early-career guidance that establishes foundations for long-term academic success. In the 2025 cohort, 54% are black South Africans, 32% white South Africans, and 14% foreign-born African scholars. THE WISE PROGRAMME (WOMEN INFLUENCING SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION) Recognising the unique challenges that mid-career women academics face, WISE provides targeted support to female scholars. The programme emphasises strategic career planning and creating pathways for advancement. Among its 23 participants, 61% are black candidates, reflecting the university's commitment to intersectional representation. THE RESEARCHER EXCELLENCE ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (REAP) REAP supports staff members who are completing their PhD qualifications or have recently graduated. With 54 participants (54% black and 69% women), the programme focuses on successful PhD completion, publishing research findings, and developing scholarship of engagement skills. ESTABLISHED PROGRAMMES – EXCELLENT RESULTS The Future Professoriate and ESAP programmes have had a significant impact on the career progression and research productivity of candidates. The results after five years of structured mentoring speak volumes about the programmes' effectiveness: EMERGING PROGRAMMES – PROMISING RESULTS The REAP and WISE programmes launched in 2024 are gaining momentum and continue to effectively support members in achieving their career goals. Beyond these quantifiable achievements, the mentorship initiatives have also fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that permeates the institution. COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH The UFS mentoring programmes implement a holistic approach to academic development: Intensive Writing Support: Regular writing retreats provide dedicated time and space for focused research output, with guidance from experienced mentors and editors. Expert Mentorship: Participants benefit from both internal mentoring and connections with external mentors from leading South African universities, many of whom are A- and B-rated researchers. Tailored Workshops: Programmes offer customised workshops on supervision, academic leadership, grant writing, time management, and presentation skills. Peer Learning Communities: Strategic retreats and group sessions foster collaborative networks across departments and faculties, breaking down institutional silos. Individual Guidance: Each participant receives personalised career planning and progress monitoring towards specific milestones. Supplied ADDRESSING CHALLENGES PROACTIVELY While celebrating its successes, the UFS recognises the challenges facing emerging academics, and the toll that high academic output can take on scholars' health and family life. By identifying systemic barriers and providing targeted support, an environment is created where talented academics choose to build their careers at the UFS rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. This proactive approach has proven effective in retention and succeeded in cultivating a strong community of emerging scholars committed to the institution's future. BUILDING ON SUCCESS As the UFS mentoring initiatives enter their next phase, the focus is on sustainability and expanding impact. Alumni of the programmes now serve as mentors themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of development and support. The university's Vision 130 strategy emphasises continued transformation of the professoriate, with these mentoring programmes serving as cornerstone initiatives. Through strategic mentorship, the University of the Free State is not only transforming its professoriate but also redefining what academic success looks like in the South African context – ensuring that excellence and representation go hand in hand. Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 info@ More information: URL ________________________________________________________________ UFS social media Facebook:
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Was Ramaphosa heckling EFF's payback for White House embarrassment?
The EFF suffered major blows during the general elections last year, and the situation could get worse in 2026. The EFF may have reverted to disruptive politics to punish President Cyril Ramaphosa for not defending the party during his meeting with US president Donald Trump in Washington earlier this month. This is the view of Theo Neethling from the University of Free State (UFS) In June 2024, during a press briefing in Cape Town, EFF leader Julius Malema said the outcomes of the general elections had left the party with no choice but to become meaningful contributors in parliament. 'This time around, we have taken a decision not to play any role in disrupting Parliament. We will be robust and engage to a point where we follow up on that which was rejected illegally in Parliament through peaceful protest on the streets,' he said. However, all of this changed this week when at least 10 EFF MPs were reprimanded for disrupting Ramaphosa's Q&A session at the Good Hope chambers. They made spurious points of order and argued with the presiding officer, which almost led to the entire session collapsing. Embarrassment in the White House Theo Neethling said the EFF's actions in parliament had a lot to do with the embarrassment the party had suffered in front of international media at the White House. 'I do believe what we saw in parliament has to do with what happened at the White House, the EFF was put on the spotlight [in front of Trump] and president Ramaphosa was in no position to defend the party and its leader. 'Julius Malema's radicalism became the president's embarrassment in the White House. John Steenhuisen also downplayed the EFF suggesting that they should never be part of the government of national unity. 'Mr. Johann Rupert also made a comment about their radicalism saying that he had been a victim of the EFF's politics for a very long time.' Malema had defended his right to sing the Kill Boer song. But Neethling said the EFF were the visible losers in the discussions that had taken place in Washington. 'They are going to seek ways of compensating for this loss of face, and we must keep in mind that they have recently lost a significant segment of their leaders, and that is a serious blow to their future,' he said. ALSO READ: EFF threatens legal action over plans to offer Elon Musk's Starlink What does the EFF's future look like? Another political analyst, Dr Imraan Buccus, said the EFF has become known for their populist actions, but this kind of politics does not advance national interest. 'These Utopian views on political activism lack the strategy and foresight, and the ability to grasp the balance of forces in society, and do not therefore help the future of South Africa,' he said. The EFF suffered major blows during the general elections last year, and Buccus predicted that the situation may get worse for the Red Berets during the local government elections next year. 'The EFF aims to attract the young vote 18 to 30 but the reality is that even though Malema remains popular in this cohort it does not translate electorally because young people here and internationally express political enthusiasm but often do not turn up at the polls,' he said. Meanwhile parliament is expected to launch formal disciplinary proceedings into the conduct of EFF members during the president's Q&A session. The party is accused of denying South Africans the right to hear the president's responses and of disturbing the work of parliament. NOW READ: 'He's talking rubbish,' Malema responds to Shivambu's comments on EFF
IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
How Strategic Mentoring Drives Academic Success at the University of the Free State
The University of the Free State's commitment to nurturing academic excellence. (NRF Rated Scholars, from left to right: Prof Martin Nyaga, Prof Adelheid von Maltitz, Dr Andronicus Akinyelu, Prof Jared McDonald, Prof Lizemari Hugo, Dr Calvin Ullrich, Prof Olusola Ololade) Image: Supplied Grow your own timber. This philosophy, rooted in the commitment to invest in 'home-grown' academic talent, has seen the University of the Free State (UFS) continue to make remarkable strides in transforming its academic landscape through innovative mentoring programmes. Building on five years of success, the university's comprehensive Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme has significantly enhanced research productivity, leadership capabilities, and institutional cohesion. Mentorship as a catalyst for transformation At the UFS, the strategic implementation of structured mentoring has proven to be a powerful tool in building a pipeline of accomplished scholars who are ready to excel at the highest academic levels. This approach recognises that true transformation in higher education requires more than just appointments – it demands sustained development and support. Building a Brighter Future: Participants of the University of the Free State's mentoring programmes recently attended a research retreat at the Golden Gate in Clarens, aimed at nurturing diverse academic talent and fostering research excellence Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A portfolio of specialised programmes Since launching its Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme five years ago, the UFS has expanded its initiatives to address the specific needs of academics at different career stages. The current suite of programmes now supports 165 staff members across four tailored interventions: THE FUTURE PROFESSORIATE PROGRAMME Targeting academics five to eight years post-PhD, this flagship programme focuses on developing scholars who are poised to become professors and associate professors. The two-year fellowship emphasises building international profiles, increasing research impact through quality publications, and achieving recognition as established researchers through NRF ratings. In total, 41% of the 2025 cohort are black South Africans, 41% are white South Africans, and 18% are foreign-born African scholars. THE EMERGING SCHOLAR ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (ESAP) This programme supports academics one to four years post-PhD, helping them increase research productivity, prepare for NRF Y-ratings, develop postgraduate supervision capabilities, and advance to senior lecturer positions. ESAP provides crucial early-career guidance that establishes foundations for long-term academic success. In the 2025 cohort, 54% are black South Africans, 32% white South Africans, and 14% foreign-born African scholars. THE WISE PROGRAMME (WOMEN INFLUENCING SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION) Recognising the unique challenges that mid-career women academics face, WISE provides targeted support to female scholars. The programme emphasises strategic career planning and creating pathways for advancement. Among its 23 participants, 61% are black candidates, reflecting the university's commitment to intersectional representation. The WISE Programme empowers women academics through tailored support and strategic career development. Image: Supplied THE RESEARCHER EXCELLENCE ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (REAP) REAP supports staff members who are completing their PhD qualifications or have recently graduated. With 54 participants (54% black and 69% women), the programme focuses on successful PhD completion, publishing research findings, and developing scholarship of engagement skills. Beyond these quantifiable achievements, the mentorship initiatives have also fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that permeates the institution. COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH The UFS mentoring programmes implement a holistic approach to academic development: Intensive Writing Support: Regular writing retreats provide dedicated time and space for focused research output, with guidance from experienced mentors and editors. Expert Mentorship: Participants benefit from both internal mentoring and connections with external mentors from leading South African universities, many of whom are A- and B-rated researchers. Tailored Workshops: Programmes offer customised workshops on supervision, academic leadership, grant writing, time management, and presentation skills. Peer Learning Communities: Strategic retreats and group sessions foster collaborative networks across departments and faculties, breaking down institutional silos. Individual Guidance: Each participant receives personalised career planning and progress monitoring towards specific milestones. ESTABLISHED PROGRAMMES – EXCELLENT RESULTS The Future Professoriate and ESAP Programmes have made significant impact on the career progression and research productivity of candidates. The results after five years of structured mentoring speak volumes about the programmes' effectiveness: Career advancement: 3 promotions to Full Professor, 24 to Associate Professor, and 34 to Senior Lecturer, with several participants being promoted twice during this period. Research recognition: 29 scholars have achieved NRF ratings, enhancing the university's research profile. Research productivity: The 2024 cohort alone produced impressive research output, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Among their achievements are 16 published books and 6 UFS Exceptional Achiever Awards. EMERGING PROGRAMMES – PROMISING RESULTS The REAP and WISE Programmes that were launched in 2024 are gaining momentum, continuing to effectively support members towards achieving their career goals. PhD completions: Multiple successful PhD submissions were secured, with around 22 candidates graduating in the 2024/2025 period. International exposure: Increased attendance at international conferences, with significant co-funding support from the mentoring programmes. Leadership development: Several WISE participants have secured leading research positions, delivered keynote addresses at international forums, and received institutional excellence awards. ADDRESSING CHALLENGES PROACTIVELY While celebrating its successes, the UFS recognises the challenges facing emerging academics, and the toll that high academic output can take on scholars' health and family life. By identifying systemic barriers and providing targeted support, an environment is created where talented academics choose to build their careers at the UFS rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. This proactive approach has proven effective in retention and succeeded in cultivating a strong community of emerging scholars committed to the institution's future. BUILDING ON SUCCESS As the UFS mentoring initiatives enter their next phase, the focus is on sustainability and expanding impact. Alumni of the programmes now serve as mentors themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of development and support. The university's Vision 130 strategy emphasises continued transformation of the professoriate, with these mentoring programmes serving as cornerstone initiatives. Through strategic mentorship, the University of the Free State is not only transforming its professoriate but also redefining what academic success looks like in the South African context – ensuring that excellence and representation go hand in hand. Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 info@ UFS social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn YouTube: UFS Image: Supplied
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Academic Excellence Through Mentorship
Strategic Mentoring Programmes Drive Academic Excellence and Transformation Grow your own timber. This philosophy, rooted in the commitment to invest in 'home-grown' academic talent, has seen the University of the Free State (UFS) continue to make remarkable strides in transforming its academic landscape through innovative mentoring programmes. Building on five years of success, the university's comprehensive Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme has significantly enhanced research productivity, leadership capabilities, and institutional cohesion. Mentorship as a Catalyst for Transformation At the UFS, the strategic implementation of structured mentoring has proven to be a powerful tool in building a pipeline of accomplished scholars who are ready to excel at the highest academic levels. This approach recognises that true transformation requires more than just appointments – it demands sustained development and support. A Portfolio of Specialised Programmes Since launching its Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme five years ago, the UFS has expanded its initiatives to address the specific needs of academics at different career stages. The current suite of programmes now supports 165 staff members across four tailored interventions: The Future Professoriate Programme Targeting academics five to eight years post-PhD, this flagship programme focuses on developing scholars who are poised to become professors and associate professors. The two-year fellowship emphasises building international profiles, increasing research impact through quality publications, and achieving recognition as established researchers through NRF ratings. In total, 41% of the 2025 cohort are black South Africans, 41% are white South Africans, and 18% are foreign-born African scholars. The Emerging Scholar Accelerator Programme (ESAP) This programme supports academics one to four years post-PhD, helping them increase research productivity, prepare for NRF Y-ratings, develop postgraduate supervision capabilities, and advance to senior lecturer positions. ESAP provides crucial early-career guidance that establishes foundations for long-term academic success. In the 2025 cohort, 54% are black South Africans, 32% white South Africans, and 14% foreign-born African scholars. The Wise Programme (Women Influencing Scholarship And Education) Recognising the unique challenges that mid-career women academics face, WISE provides targeted support to female scholars. The programme emphasises strategic career planning and creating pathways for advancement. Among its 23 participants, 61% are black candidates, reflecting the university's commitment to intersectional representation. The Researcher Excellence Accelerator Programme (REAP) REAP supports staff members who are completing their PhD qualifications or have recently graduated. With 54 participants (54% black and 69% women), the programme focuses on successful PhD completion, publishing research findings, and developing scholarship of engagement skills. Established Programmes – Excellent Results The Future Professoriate and ESAP Programmes have made significant impact on the career progression and research productivity of candidates. The results after five years of structured mentoring speak volumes about the programmes' effectiveness: Career advancement: 3 promotions to Full Professor, 24 to Associate Professor, and 34 to Senior Lecturer, with several participants being promoted twice during this period. Research recognition: 29 scholars have achieved NRF ratings, enhancing the university's research profile. Research productivity: The 2024 cohort alone produced impressive research output, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Among their achievements are 16 published books and 6 UFS Exceptional Achiever Awards. Emerging Programmes – Promising Results The REAP and WISE Programmes that were launched in 2024 are gaining momentum, continuing to effectively support members towards achieving their career goals. PhD completions: Multiple successful PhD submissions were secured, with around 22 candidates graduating in the 2024/2025 period. International exposure: Increased attendance at international conferences, with significant co-funding support from the mentoring programmes. Leadership development: Several WISE participants have secured leading research positions, delivered keynote addresses at international forums, and received institutional excellence awards. Beyond these quantifiable achievements, the mentorship initiatives have also fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that permeates the institution. Comprehensive Development Approach The UFS mentoring programmes implement a holistic approach to academic development: Intensive Writing Support: Regular writing retreats provide dedicated time and space for focused research output, with guidance from experienced mentors and editors. Expert Mentorship: Participants benefit from both internal mentoring and connections with external mentors from leading South African universities, many of whom are A- and B-rated researchers. Tailored Workshops: Programmes offer customised workshops on supervision, academic leadership, grant writing, time management, and presentation skills. Peer Learning Communities: Strategic retreats and group sessions foster collaborative networks across departments and faculties, breaking down institutional silos. Individual Guidance: Each participant receives personalised career planning and progress monitoring towards specific milestones. Addressing Challenges Proactively While celebrating its successes, the UFS recognises the challenges facing emerging academics, and the toll that high academic output can take on scholars' health and family life. By identifying systemic barriers and providing targeted support, an environment is created where talented academics choose to build their careers at the UFS rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. This proactive approach has proven effective in retention and succeeded in cultivating a strong community of emerging scholars committed to the institution's future. Building On Success As the UFS mentoring initiatives enter their next phase, the focus is on sustainability and expanding impact. Alumni of the programmes now serve as mentors themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of development and support. The university's Vision 130 strategy emphasises continued transformation of the professoriate, with these mentoring programmes serving as cornerstone initiatives. Through strategic mentorship, the University of the Free State is not only transforming its professoriate but also redefining what academic success looks like in the South African context – ensuring that excellence and representation go hand in hand. DM Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 [email protected] UFS social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
TWSC Debuts at COMPUTEX 2025: Empowering AI with Full-Stack Storage Solutions
TAIPEI, May 23, 2025 TWSC made its debut at COMPUTEX 2025, one of the world's leading technology exhibitions, under the theme "Transcending Intelligence, Ascending Full-Stack Solutions." The company showcased a full range of storage products and solutions designed to support next-generation AI and computing applications. As AI adoption accelerates, storage technology is becoming more scenario-driven. TWSC provides tailored "One Solution for One Scenario" services based on its full-chain capabilities in chips, algorithms, and application scenarios, accurately addressing the diverse needs of smart terminals, industrial control, servers, and other fields. Full-Stack Storage Matrix Unleashes Efficiency TWSC highlighted high-throughput, low-latency solutions at the event, including PCIe 5.0 SSDs, DDR5, eMMC, UFS, and LPDDR series. Combining performance and efficiency, these products enable AI inference and edge computing applications. According to TWSC's 2024 annual report, the company reported revenue of RMB 4.773 billion, a 168.74% increase year-over-year. Embedded storage sales reached RMB 843 million, rising by 1730.6%, while high-speed PCIe SSD sales grew 979%, becoming a major growth driver. The company now offers scenario-based solutions across enterprise, embedded, consumer, and industrial applications, building a strong foundation for global growth through advanced storage modules. Full-Stack Self-Developed Capabilities Build Competitive Edge To enhance control over the industrial chain, TWSC has developed an integrated "wafer-to-product" scenario-based service capability, enabling differentiation through media analysis, chip design, firmware optimization, and packaging control. TWSC uses its "5+1+N" global supply chain network to ensure smooth coordination across R&D, production, and delivery. With a robust validation system and adaptive quality control, the company aligns product quality closely with customer needs. From chips to scenarios, and data to value — TWSC's participation highlights the shift of storage technology from basic functions to intelligent services. By integrating industrial resources and expanding application scenarios, the company is building an open and collaborative innovation ecosystem for smart storage. About TWSC: Shenzhen Techwinsemi Technology Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: was established in 2008 and specializes in integrated circuit solutions for storage controllers and modules. The product line covers four major series: SSD, embedded storage, DDR, and portable storage — offering reliable storage solutions for high-value applications such as smart terminals, data centers.
