Understanding the Surge: From 29 to 53 NRF-Rated Researchers in Four Years

The University of Fort Hare (UFH), a historic institution in South Africa, has witnessed a transformative surge in its research capabilities, marked by an 82.8% increase in National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers. This leap from 29 rated scholars in 2021 to 53 in 2025 underscores a deliberate institutional pivot toward research excellence. This growth trajectory accelerated post-2022, with numbers climbing from 40 to 52 by mid-2025, reflecting sustained momentum amid South Africa's competitive higher education landscape.

What drives this? UFH's strategic unbundling of Academic Affairs into Teaching & Learning and Research, Partnerships, and Innovation (RPI) portfolios in 2021 reversed a decline in outputs since 2017. The RPI focus sharpened research management, ethics, and funding diversification, yielding tangible results like approved publication units rising to 345.3 in 2024 from 267.9 in 2023.

What Do NRF Ratings Represent in South African Academia?

The NRF rating system, administered by South Africa's National Research Foundation, benchmarks researchers against international standards based on peer-reviewed outputs over the past eight years. Categories include A (world-leading), B (internationally acclaimed), C (established national leaders), P (probationary), and Y (promising young researchers). Ratings enhance visibility, attract funding, and signal institutional strength—critical for universities like UFH aspiring to research-intensive status.

For UFH, this system has been pivotal. Achieving its first B1 rating in 2025—a category for researchers producing high-impact international work—elevates its profile. Now boasting one B1, two B2s, and others in higher tiers, UFH moves beyond predominantly C ratings, positioning itself competitively.

Spotlight on UFH's Trailblazing NRF-Rated Researchers

Leading the charge is Professor Anthony Okoh, UFH's first B1-rated researcher and holder of the SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics. A microbiologist directing the SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, Okoh ranks No. 1 at UFH, No. 2 in South Africa/Africa for microbiology, and 125th globally. His work on applied and environmental microbiology, including antimicrobial resistance and waterborne pathogens, exemplifies high-impact research.

Other B-rated stars include Professor Neil Roos (B2, Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities), Professor Renuka Vithal (B2, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning), and Professor Abraham Olivier (B3). Roos focuses on social sciences, Vithal on education innovation, and Olivier on philosophy. These scholars mentor emerging talent, fostering UFH's 'grow our own timber' approach.

Strategic Reforms Fueling UFH's Research Renaissance

UFH's turnaround stems from structural reforms. The Department of Research and Innovation (DRI), established post-2021, handles capacity building, grants, ethics, and IP. All three ethics committees are now accredited, streamlining approvals. Digital tools for output capture and ethical clearance have boosted efficiency.

The 2025 SARIMA Excellence Award for Organisational Growth in Research Management validates these efforts. PhD-holding academics rose from 47% in 2022 to 62% in 2025, enhancing supervision for 557 postgraduates. For those eyeing academic careers, explore higher ed jobs at institutions like UFH.

Photo by Oscar Omondi on Unsplash

Prestigious Research Chairs Anchoring Excellence

UFH now hosts seven chairs, four new in 2025: SARChI in Water Quality (Prof Okoh), Circular Economy (Prof Amon Taruvinga), Medicinal Plants (Prof Lisa Buwa), and UNESCO Culture and African Heritage (Prof Pitika Ntuli). Others include AngloGold Ashanti Dairy Science (R12.5m endowed), Medicinal Plants, Sexualities/Genders/Queer Studies, Oliver Tambo Human Rights, and more.

These NRF/UNESCO-funded chairs drive demand-driven research on water security, sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and social justice, aligning with national priorities. They attract funding—R24m more from AngloGold in 2025 for bursaries—and foster interdisciplinary work.

Niche Areas and Institutes Reshaping the Landscape

UFH's niche areas—Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture/Water/Climate, Infectious Diseases/Medicinal Plants, RITE—address Eastern Cape challenges. Institutes like Fort Hare Institute for Technology, FHISER (socio-economic research), CLEA (leadership ethics), and SAMRC Water Centre amplify impact.

• Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre tackles climate resilience.
• Fort Hare Entrepreneurship Centre incubates township economies.

Three patents by Jan 2026 and R29m for a Research Hub signal commercialization push. Examples: UFH-DRDAR study on cattle parasites; township water/sanitation research winning international awards.

Publication Surge and Broader Metrics of Success

Publication units' steady rise since 2022 reflects quality outputs. UFH's 2025 Research Report highlights novel research and new ratings. NRF ratings boost funding access, as rated researchers draw grants and collaborations, elevating university prestige.

Student success ties in: higher PhD supervision capacity supports Vision 2022-2026 goals for a 'distinctive African university' excelling in research. Aspiring researchers can find opportunities via research jobs in South Africa.

Overcoming Challenges: From Decline to Distinction

Pre-2021, UFH grappled with declining outputs and ethics strains. Reforms stabilized governance, diversified funding (private/international), and built mentorship pipelines. Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba notes: "UFH is positioning itself boldly toward research-intensive status."

This resilience amid SA's funding pressures exemplifies transformation, benefiting rural Eastern Cape communities through relevant research.

Photo by Oscar Omondi on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Toward A-Ratings and Global Impact

UFH eyes A-category ratings, hub commercialization, and interdisciplinary global ties. Aligned with national priorities, this surge promises economic spin-offs like dairy tech for smallholders and climate solutions.

For South African higher ed, UFH models how targeted reforms yield excellence. Explore career advice at higher ed career advice or rate professors via Rate My Professor.

Implications for South Africa's Research Ecosystem

UFH's ascent highlights NRF ratings' role in funding and prestige, inspiring other universities. It addresses equity, with growing black African researchers, amid SA's push for competitive science. Job seekers: check South Africa university jobs.