Great things are happening in the Research Office, with more staff being recognised nationally for their contributions to knowledge creation. On 6 November 2025, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Engagements, Dr Anette Mienie and her team were the first people to be copied on a letter to Dr Abiola Ezekiel Taiwo, a Postdoctoral Fellow: Faculty of Engineering.
As such, Dr Mienie was proud to be the first to congratulate Dr Taiwo on receiving a prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, a recognition that underscores his outstanding contributions to scholarship, research excellence, and innovation. Dr Taiwo has received a Y2 rating.
The NRF rating system is one of South Africa’s most respected benchmarks of academic quality and impact. It recognises researchers who have demonstrated consistent research productivity, international recognition, and leadership in advancing knowledge in their disciplines. Dr Taiwo’s achievement reflects not only his dedication to research but also the growing stature of MUT’s research.
Dr Mienie expressed immense pride in the recognition, saying: “It is my pleasure to congratulate you on this great achievement. You have done MUT proud. Best of luck with your research.”
Dr Taiwo’s success aligns with the University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution known for generating knowledge that addresses real-world challenges. A humble Dr Taiwo said, “Thank you so much, ma, for your encouragement. I appreciate the MUT management and research directorate for all support and Professor Paul Musonge for his mentorship.” Professor Musonge is Research Professor in the Faculty of Engineering.
MUT extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr Taiwo for this distinguished honour and thanks him for his ongoing contribution to elevating the University’s reputation within the national and global research community.
While Dr Mienie’s congratulatory message does not mention the Research Office, this publication has on numerous occasions cited the behind-the-scenes work this office, under her tutelage, has played over the past 25 years in laying the foundations for this research, now nationally recognised. This one is for you, too, Dr Mienie and your team.