Windhoek: Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, on Monday commended the University of Namibia (UNAM) for appointing its first-ever research chairs, describing the initiative as a bold step into a new era of innovation and global engagement. Speaking at the official launch, Steenkamp said the initiative marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s higher education sector.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the minister expressed pride in UNAM’s advancement, emphasizing that the introduction of research chairs signals Namibia’s readiness to lead in global knowledge creation. She noted that universities should function not only as centers of teaching but also as engines of innovation addressing both national and global challenges.
The national university has appointed eight research chairs, comprising leading academics from various disciplines, to facilitate its transition into a research-intensive institution. These fields include One Health, climate change resilience, global oncology, fisheries and aquatic sustainability, animal nutrition, and green technology, among others.
UNAM Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Professor Cristina Stefan, elaborated that research chairs are prestigious academic leadership roles awarded to researchers with exceptional expertise and international recognition in their fields. Stefan emphasized that these positions are dedicated to generating knowledge, mentoring young scholars, and driving impactful innovation.
She further explained that for the public and students, the appointment of research chairs signifies Namibia’s commitment to finding solutions to challenges such as climate change, combating infectious diseases, and advancing green technologies.