Dedicated to excellence – the team driving research success at the UFS
At the University of the Free State (UFS), the Directorate Research Development (DRD) plays a key role in driving research excellence and impact. A recent milestone in this journey is the university’s achievement of Platinum Certification in the Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) Standard – an international benchmark for grant management developed by the African Academy of Sciences.
This certification, which covers more than 300 requirements in areas such as financial management, human resources, procurement, and governance, reflects the UFS’ commitment to the highest standards of accountability and efficiency. It also strengthens the university’s position as a trusted leader in research funding and financial governance.
Achieving platinum status in the GFGP Standard is no small feat. It places the UFS among a select group of institutions worldwide that have demonstrated the ability to manage research funding with precision, transparency, and integrity. This recognition not only enhances the university’s credibility among funding bodies, but also opens new opportunities for collaboration, international research partnerships, and increased access to competitive grants. It signals to stakeholders – both within academia and beyond – that the UFS is committed to responsible research management, ensuring that funding is used effectively to drive innovation, support researchers, and address real-world challenges.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated staff of the DRD, whose hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence ensure that research at the UFS continues to thrive. Beyond securing this prestigious certification, the DRD team works tirelessly every day to support researchers, helping them navigate the complexities of funding applications, compliance, and research administration. Their efforts enable academics to focus on their research, unlock their full potential, and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. Whether assisting early-career researchers in securing their first grants or facilitating large-scale international collaborations, the DRD staff is at the heart of research success at the UFS.
Aligned with Vision 130, the DRD is dedicated to establishing a research-led, student-focused, and regionally engaged institution that contributes to academic advancement and societal development. Vision 130 is the UFS’ road map to becoming one of the top five universities in South Africa and among the top 600 globally by 2034.
Through impactful research, strong partnerships, and an inclusive way of working, the DRD is helping to shape the future of academic work at the university – making sure that new ideas and knowledge lead to real change, both locally and globally.