NCRST awards N$4.5 million in research grants to UNAM scholars

By: Hertha Ekandjo

The National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology (NCRST) on Monday awarded research grants totaling N$4.5 million to University of Namibia (UNAM) researchers.

The funding, provided through international partnerships, will support projects in artificial intelligence, agriculture, energy, water, health, and psychometric assessment.

NCRST Chief Executive Officer Anicia Peters emphasized the importance of impactful, transdisciplinary research and a collaborative approach involving researchers, communities, government, and the private sector.

She highlighted NCRST’s commitment to scaling up selected projects with commercialisation support.

Meanwhile, UNAM Vice-Chancellor, Kenneth Matengu, underscored the crucial role of sustained research funding in driving scientific progress. He encouraged researchers to focus on applied research that delivers tangible benefits to society.

Among the funded projects is Moola Nyambe’s research on climate-smart agriculture, which received N$890,878.

His project focuses on developing biofertilisers using soil-extracted microbes to enhance climate-resilient farming in Namibia and Zambia.

This initiative aims to improve soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity in the face of climate change.

In the field of psychometric assessment, Dr. Wesley Pieters was awarded N$918,505 for his project, Namibian Workplace Future-Fit Talent Search.

His research aims to design a customized psychometric assessment tool that will help businesses and organizations identify and develop skilled professionals, ultimately strengthening workforce development in Namibia.

Esther Angula secured N$890,878 for her work in AI-driven healthcare solutions. Her project focuses on medical imaging analysis, using artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of diagnostic imaging.

Addressing challenges in energy security and waste management, Natangue Shafudah’s project received N$890,878.

His research explores sustainable energy solutions tailored for informal settlements, where access to reliable power remains a pressing issue.

Ezequiel Fabiano’s project, which received the highest funding of N$1,231,761.50, focuses on AI for agriculture and food security. His research applies remote sensing and artificial intelligence to monitor soil quality, crop health, and overall agricultural productivity.

The initiative is made possible through the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), with funding support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS).

Their continued investment in Namibian research is helping to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic development.