Dr Kerry Faul, Head of the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), gave a short address highlighting NIPMO’s achievements in the last five years. In 2010, legislation on publicly funded research changed and NIPMO was created to assist universities to manage and commercialise their research.
Dr. Kerry Faul said their aim was to: “Ensure that research outputs result in products, processes and services that improve the quality of life of all South Africans, thereby enabling our academic institutions to make an impact in their surrounding societies.”
The Innovation Office highlighted projects at the University which they are actively involved in and which distinguish NMMU’s innovative capability nationally. Innovations that have been commercialised were also noted for their social and economic impact locally and nationally.
According to Jaci Barnett, Director of the Innovation Office, “Our researchers – staff and students – continue to surprise me with their innovative approaches to solving societal challenges. It is great to be able to recognise their hard work and excellence in innovation through which they make such an important impact.”
Founded in 2007, the Innovation Office continues to nurture innovation, foster creativity, embrace technology and develop people to meet the challenges of the world of tomorrow by working closely with researchers and external partners to create economic benefit for South Africa.
