FACULTY

Professor André Swart

With the advent of the University of Johannesburg, a renewed emphasis has been placed on the importance of research, together with excellence in teaching and community engagement.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to strengthening the health and well being of society, and the important role of research in this initiative. Furthermore, we have a responsibility to address matters relevant to national and regional needs, thus contributing towards nation building in our young democracy as well as regional development.

During 2006, the Faculty produced particularly strong results in the areas of Optometric Science; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Low Level Laser Therapy and Photodynamic Therapy application related to wound healing and cancer treatment; Mycotoxicosies; Aggression in Secondary Schools; and Sports Impact Measurement.

These initiatives, amongst many others, were fortunate to have the support of seven NRF rated researchers situated in our Faculty. In addition to the benefit of access to core funding, our researchers have a sustained record of productivity in their fields and are recognised by their peers as having produced a body of quality work, the core of which has coherence and attests to ongoing engagement with the field. Furthermore, these individuals have demonstrated the ability to conceptualise problems and apply research methodologies to produce high quality outputs.

In order to further develop and increase research output, we have in 2006 committed a further R1,5 million to research infrastructure and initiatives. We have also secured significant external financial support for from the Medical Research Council (MRC), the National Research Foundation (NRF), CSIR – National Laser Centre of South Africa, Sport and Recreation South Africa, the South African Sports Commission, the Australian Sports Commission and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Characterised by a philosophy of integrity and accountability, we aim to continually expand our research initiatives and our capacity within the Faculty. We are also committed to forging research links with partners from the public and private sector that would result in a greater sharing of resources and benefits to all South Africans.

Professor André Swart
Executive Dean
Faculty of Health Sciences