Strengthening research collaborations with University of Johannesburg
I was priviledged to discuss further research collaborations with Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, PhD, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg during his visit to Thomas Jefferson University on June 8-9, 2022. Prof. Marwala was previously the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Internationalization as well as the Dean of Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, a Professor of Electrical Engineering, the Carl and Emily Fuchs Chair of Systems and Control Engineering, in addition to as well as SARChI Chair of Systems Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) – one of the largest, multi-campus, residential universities in South Africa – seeks to achieve the highest distinction in scholarship and research within the higher education context. Born from the 2005 merger between the former Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University, the University of Johannesburg’s unique academic architecture reflects a comprehensive range of learning programs, leading to a variety of qualifications, from vocational and traditional academic to professional and postgraduate, across the four campuses – Auckland Park Kingsway, Auckland Park Bunting Road, Doornfontein and Soweto. The campuses vary in size and each has its own character and culture, contributing to the institution’s rich diversity. It is a proudly South African, premier city university rooted in Africa. It shares the pace and energy of cosmopolitan Johannesburg.
The vision of the UJ is to be "an international University of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future". The mission can be described as follows: "inspiring its community to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge". These are underpinned by four values, namely: imagination, conversation, regeneration and ethical foundation. The six strategic objectives provide a focused means for realizing the Vision, Mission and Values of the University as set out above. They further represent a re-working of the original UJ Strategic Thrusts 2020 in the context of a wider positioning of the University as "The Pan-African" Centre for Critical Intellectual Inquiry, with the primary goal of achieving global excellence and stature.
University of Johannesburg strategic objectives are:
- Excellence in Research and Innovation
2. Excellence in Teaching and Learning
3. An International Profile for Global Excellence and Stature
4. Enriching Student-Friendly Learning and Living Experience
5. Active National and Global Reputation Management
6. Fitness for Global Excellence and Stature (GES).
Noted for its strength in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the UJ offers a comprehensive menu of programs on a bedrock of distinguished scholarship, excellence in teaching, reputable research and innovation. It is committed to delivering outstanding higher education to students of exceptional caliber and potential. With a focus on identified research niche areas, community engagement and a commitment to internationalization, the UJ stands poised to address the challenges of the 21st century by combining the best of university and vocation-oriented education inherited from the years of experience of its constituting institutions.
The University fosters ideas that are rooted in African epistemology, but also addresses the needs of a South African society and the African continent as it is committed to contribute to sustainable growth and development. UJ continues to build a culture of inclusion, embracing South Africa’s rich histories, cultures, languages, religions, genders, races and social and economic classes. Additionally, the University encourages a culture of service as part of the University student experience and it proudly pursues a four-language policy in English, isiZulu, Afrikaans and Sesotho sa Leboa.
FACULTIES
The University is organized into seven faculties and a College, as detailed below. There are also many research centers. College of Medicine will open in 2025.
College of Business and Economics
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Faculty of Health Science
Faculties of Humanities
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Science