UNAM Writes the First Line of a Bold New Chapter in Research and Innovation

UNAM stepped into a bold new chapter recently with the launch of its Research Chairs, writing the very first line in a story defined by innovation, leadership, and academic excellence.
Kariiue Katjikonde
  • 1 Week Ago
Recently The University of Namibia (UNAM) marked a historic milestone as it launched not one but eight groundbreaking research chairs at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek boldly stepping into its next era, an era led by research, innovation, and relevance.

"This launch of UNAM’s very first Research Chairs is more than a milestone, it's a message. It signals that Namibia is no longer content to merely participate in global knowledge creation; we are ready to lead it. Our scholars are not waiting for an invitation to the table,they are setting the table themselves," declared Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, as the keynote speaker at the event.She went on to inspire the youth to be bold in pursuing leadership and innovation. "Don’t wait to be given a seat, take it. Sometimes, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission," she added, urging young Namibians to embrace ambition and courage in shaping the nation’s future.

The research chairs were launched in critical fields such as: Material Science, led by Prof. Daniel Likius; Green Technologies, under Prof. Oluwagbenga Johnson; Infectious Diseases, led by Prof. Mareli Claassens; Fisheries and Aquatic Sustainability, with Prof. Tamuka Nhiwatiwa; Animal Nutrition, under the leadership of Prof. John Mupangwa; Climate Change Resilience, led by Prof. Kassian Amesho; Astronomy, headed by Prof. Michael Backes; and One Health, chaired by Prof. Simbarashe Chitanga.

A research chair is a commendable position held by a faculty member who has been recognized for impeccable work and impact in their research field and is a way to recruit, preserve and recognize researchers, while also strengthening their research efforts. These areas were chosen strategically to address Namibia's health equity, energy access and technological advances.Furthermore, the chairs mark a turning point in UNAM’S academic trajectory, providing structured mentorship to emerging young researchers.