Minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp on Monday commended the University of Namibia (Unam) for appointing its first-ever research chairs, describing the initiative as a bold step into a new era of innovation and global engagement.
Speaking at the official launch, Steenkamp said the initiative marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s higher education sector.
“I stand here with great pride, knowing that Unam is 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 signal. It says Namibia is ready to lead, not just participate in global knowledge creation,” she said.
The minister also emphasised that universities must not only serve as centres of teaching but also as engines of innovation that respond to national and global challenges.
“In today’s fast-changing world, those who invest in research and knowledge creation are those who will shape the future. Our universities must be engines of innovation, not just centres of instruction,” she added.
The national university has appointed eight chairs, comprising leading academics from various fields, to lead its transition into a research-intensive institution. These fields include One Health, climate change resilience, global oncology, fisheries and aquatic sustainability, animal nutrition, and green technology.
Unam pro vice chancellor for research, innovation and development Cristina Stefan says research chairs are awarded to individuals with exceptional academic expertise.
“A research chair is a prestigious academic leadership position awarded to an outstanding researcher who is recognised internationally in their field,” Stefan explains.
She adds that a research chair is a dedicated position meant to generate knowledge, mentor young scholars, and drive innovation that has real-world impact.
“For our public and students, it means that Namibia is investing in solutions, whether it’s tackling climate change, fighting infectious diseases, or innovating in green technologies,” she adds.
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