The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) hosted a vital three-day workshop aimed at strengthening research support systems and fostering academic growth.
This collaborative event brought together MUBAS staff and esteemed partners from Stellenbosch University for intensive training on research ethics, grants management, and researcher development.
The workshop commenced on 21st July 2025, with Dr. Tsakama, Head of Research and Innovation at MUBAS, providing a comprehensive overview of the University’s research landscape. He highlighted current progress and identified key areas for further development.
Following this, the Stellenbosch University team presented intricacies of their robust research support system, illustrating how strong institutional coordination can significantly contribute to researchers’ success.
Mentorship sessions throughout the day delved into critical topics such as research ethics and grants management.
The Stellenbosch University team facilitated the second day’s session, focusing on equipping participants with a deep understanding of research funding processes. The team highlighted the crucial role the grants office plays in connecting researchers with both internal and external funders.
Participants gained insights into the difference between funders and donors, as well as steps involved in effective grant seeking and research grant writing.
The Manager of Research Ethics at Stellenbosch University, Winston A. Beukes led the last session of the workshop on 23 July 2025. The focus was on the fundamental principles of research ethics, bringing together staff members from various academic disciplines including Communication, Mathematics, Business Management and Marketing.
Beukes emphasized on research ethics concerning animal and pathogen integrity. The key elements of research integrity discussed were honesty, transparency, open communication, rigor, respect and accountability.
The key takeaway from the day was the emphasis on the importance of ethics being integral throughout the entire research process, underscoring that it is not merely a concluding section but a foundational component of all research endeavors.
The workshop strengthened collaboration between MUBAS and Stellenbosch University, marking an important step toward advancing research excellence in Malawi.