MELODY MUPETA
Kitwe
THE Copperbelt University (CBU) has this year allocated K2.2 million for the institution’s research grant aimed at strengthening the research capacity for lecturers.
The university is planning to disburse the Senate Research Grants annually as a measure to strengthen a robust and impactful research culture.
CBU deputy vice-chancellor research innovation Bernard Hang’ombe said the programme underscores the senate’s central role in advancing the institution’s mandate of research, innovation and knowledge generation.
Professor Hang’ombe said the grant provides targeted support for staff to initiate new research, consolidate ongoing work and generate outputs that contribute to teaching excellence, innovation and societal impact.
“We have committed K2.2 million for this year for the research grant and we shall keep increasing it in our quest to invest in research as a driver of institutional growth,” he said.
Prof Hang’ombe said this when he handed over cheques worth about K797,000 to three lecturers who qualified for the fund.
He congratulated the three for qualifying for the grant, which he said will contribute to the university’s research agenda.
Prof Hang’ombe challenged the beneficiaries to use the funds efficiently and in accordance with the approved Senate Research Grants guidelines.
He said management at the institution expects the research to address national, regional and global challenges while contributing to the advancement of knowledge within their disciplines.
Prof Hang’ombe said management also expects timely submission of progress and final reports, adherence to approved budgets and observance of ethical standards.
He said the grant holders are expected to publish their findings in reputable and university supported journals, development innovations, where applicable, and supervise postgraduate students.
Prof Hang’ombe encouraged the grant recipients to treat the grants as seed funding, a step towards attracting larger externally funded grants.
He urged staff members who are yet to benefit from the grant to remain engaged with the directorate research and emphasised that 10 more lecturers are expected to be selected in the next cohort.CBU directorate of research director John Siame said the grant is a strategic internal funding mechanism through which the university invests in its academic staff to promote high-quality research and innovationProfessor Siame said the selected recipients reflects the quality of proposals and the confidence the university has placed on its ability to deliver meaningful research outcomes.
