My vision for the future of research at UP
The University of Pretoria is under rated in global and local academia. The potential that I observe at the University needs some nurturing and some difficult change. But we are situated in the perfect position to spring board into the future as the premier research institution on the African continent. The university will have to invest in its self and take a long hard look at its current structures and policies before it can become a force to be reckoned with. My contribution to this will be through the development of the Department of Forensic Medicine’s, Medical Criminalistics degree to become a world renowned programme for the development of Forensic Science. I also would like to see Forensic Science become and institutional core research area with the possible development of an internationally accredited Institute Forensic Science and Pathology. This Institute can facilitate the integration of all the fractured departments that are haphazardly contributing to the universities forensic academic outputs and service obligations. This dream is being realised with the implementation of the African School of Humanitarian Action that was hosted by The University of Pretoria / EAAF / ICRC. The course showcased UP to the greater African forensic medical community. Future African School of Humanitarian Action courses will provide an empowering environment to effect meaningful change through empowerment and collaboration.