Generating Talent: Transforming Support for the Research Landscape in South Africa. Report on a Symposium

Early career academics are crucial to the long-term vitality of teaching and research, and to the future of universities. They are the next generation of teaching staff, of cuttingedge innovation and research leadership, and are a valuable resource to be nurtured and developed. There is a pressing challenge for universities to create an environment that enables their staff to thrive. Soaring enrolment has placed unprecedented pressures on many institutions, leaving emerging academics struggling with heavy teaching and administrative workloads. When resources are strained, ensuring that a faculty can continue to develop and grow often presents a major challenge. In March 2019, a symposium was convened to discuss a range of important issues germane to developing the next generation of early career researchers. Senior representatives from 24 of the 26 South African universities, along with public and sector bodies, gathered for two days of information sharing and dialogue. This report gives a summary of the main discussion points and recommendations arising from the symposium. [The symposium was convened jointly by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and Universities South Africa (USAf).]