Palesa Natasha Mothapo
Country: South Africa
Organisation: Nelson Mandela University
Organisation: Nelson Mandela University
Country: South Africa
Organisation: Nelson Mandela University
Basic Information
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Institution
Nelson Mandela University -
Short Bio
Palesa is an accomplished Scientist and Research Manager currently serving as Director: Research Support and Management at Nelson Mandela University, overseeing strategic research priorities, policies, research strategy, grants management, research business advancement, and research intelligence. She has expertise in securing research funding, leading high-impact transdisciplinary research initiatives, and establishing global university-industry research collaborations. She holds a PhD in Zoology and an MPhil in Science and Technology Studies from Stellenbosch University, along with certificate in Research Management and Leadership from George Mason University USA. She is currently busy with an MBA at Peking University, China. Palesa is passionate about fostering a culture of research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship while driving impactful and policy-aligned research that serves people and planet.
Contact Information
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Country
South Africa
THE DIALOGUES (latest)
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Unpacking the paper: Softening the Boundaries Between Academia and Research- Funding Agencies
08 August 2026
This paper examines how universities and research-funding agencies can work more closely together so that publicly funded scholarship delivers both rigorous science and tangible benefits for... -
Why does graduate unemployment persist in South Africa?
08 August 2026
South Africa faces a persistent education–employer mismatch where many university programmes produce graduates with strong theoretical knowledge but limited practical skills, while employers...
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THE OPINION (latest)
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Are we turning postdoctoral fellowships into long-term careers?
Friday, 07 August 2026 12:26
The original purpose of postdocs Postdoctoral fellowships were originally intended as a launchpad- a focused, time-bound springboard between completing a PhD and entering a stable, long-term...
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NEWS (latest)
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Global Higher Education Summit to Disrupt Traditional Academic Frameworks in East London
Thursday, 23 July 2026 20:25
EAST LONDON — The International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) has officially unveiled the agenda for its landmark 28th Annual Conference, scheduled to run from 25 to 28 August 2026... -
Shaping The Future: First African Data Science Conference Lands at Wits
Tuesday, 30 June 2026 20:41
JOHANNESBURG — The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) emerged as the focal point of continental digital transformation last month, playing host to the inaugural African Data Science Conference...
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