adminSenior Reporter
TWO young researchers from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo scooped first and second prizes out of about 100 world researchers from nearly 50 countries at a recent international symposium in South Africa.Buhle Francis and Nqobizitha Dube bagged the top positions after presenting the best research papers during the 8th Annual Aisa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) conference held at the University of Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday.
An elated Francis and Dube told Chronicle they were excited to have been adjudged the best researchers from across the globe.
“We applied showing our intention to participate and I came up with the best presented paper, scooping number one position in Africa and the world as there were presenters from Germany, Canada, Japan, France, Mauritius, South Korea and Russia,” said Francis.
She completed her first degree in Forestry and Wildlife at Nust in 2006. Her paper was on the cactus plant believed to have come from South Africa and affects diversity of indigenous vegetation while also destroying soil nutrients.
A Masters Degree Holder from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Francis recommended the use of bio-control and mechanical clearing as solutions. A research fellow and lecturer at the Institute of Development Studies at Nust, Francis was presented with a trophy, certificate of excellence, books on success stories, medal, mug among other prizes while Dube also received a medal, certificate and other accolades for being first runner up.
Dube is studying towards a Doctorate in Natural Resources at Rhodes University in South Africa on Nust sponsorship. He presented a research paper on Southern Africa resource based economies as a concept for the future.
“My paper was about using natural resources intelligently for the good of everyone. The research paper was selected as a torch bearing concept,” he said.
“We have done research together with Francis and it is good that the best paper came from her as she focused on a problem facing people in Gwanda, which should bring solutions to the problem.”
Dube said the seminar gave IDS-Nust an opportunity to create knowledge while urging authorities to facilitate dissemination of the findings to communities.
“This is one step in showing that we can do research and we hope to be enabled the necessary funding to disseminate information,” he said.
Nust participated for the first time in the seminar that has been going on for the past seven years. Nust director of information and public relations, Felix Moyo said the two researchers had proved that there was a bright future for the country in terms of research. “As Nust we are proud to see that our young researchers came out first and second at a world gathering of academics in the area of research, which is central in development in the world,” he said.
Moyo added: “This shows a bright future for the country and as Nust we will continue supporting research. This means that as Nust we are doing the right things correctly as all countries that are economic and industrial giants have done so through research.”
He said the research findings would be shared with communities for empowerment and development. Moyo expressed concern over lack of funding for researchers and appealed to government and other organisations to support the field.
The theme for the seminar was “Africa at Crossroads, the Continent’s Future Prospects 50 Years after the Formation of African Union.”
Online Reporter