Growing the next generation of researchers - A handbook for emerging researchers and their mentors (Paperback)

This book arises out of the work of the Emerging researcher programme at the University of Cape Town and builds on the publication entitled The emerging researcher: Nurturing passion, developing skills, producing output, co-authored by John W. de Gruchy and Lyn Holness (UCT Press: 2007). Designed as a tool for emerging researchers and their mentors, this new volume provides strategies for research growth in areas such as understanding the relationship between teaching and research; obtaining higher degrees; producing peer-reviewed research output; generating and managing research funding; effective research planning; engaging in interdisciplinary research; and postgraduate supervision. The book addresses three primary readerships. It speaks first to institutions, and the imperative for institutional support in promoting research among junior staff members, sometimes requiring a shift in mindset and a prioritising of resources in order to be competitive as higher education institutions on the national and global platform. Second, it addresses those responsible for the task of mentoring new, young or inexperienced academics in developing their research capacity and igniting enthusiasm. Third, it is directed to emerging researchers themselves, identifying the skills required to produce sustained, quality research, and discussing strategies to do so. The book will have relevance for those across the spectrum denoted by the term 'emerging' - from those new to academia to those whose development as researchers has for some reason been thwarted, and those who are approaching the stage of being recognised as established researchers. In response to the demand for the first book from researchers in the broader African context, the new book takes into account topics and challenges that are relevant across the sub-Saharan continent.