Science for the People
…Faculty of Health, Natural Resources and Applied Sciences Showcases Research
It was a chilly July morning with the cold winter flexing its muscles, but this did not deter the scores of staff and students from filling up the auditorium to attend the Faculty of Health, Natural Resources and Applied Sciences (FHNRAS) Research Day. The theme of the Day was “A Decade of Eminence: Celebrating Education, Science and Technology for Development”, a befitting message as the University celebrates a decade of existence.
The research conducted by the Faculty reaches beyond the lab and into the lives of people, communities, and ecosystems across Namibia and beyond.
“We are not only responding to Namibia’s most pressing challenges, we are actively shaping solutions. Its work supports policy, advances science and technology, and drives real impact aligned with Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” noted Prof Colin Stanley, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships.
The FHNRAS is addressing critical national and global challenges through research focused on public health, sustainable development, and technological innovation. Projects include improving health outcomes through environmental monitoring and digital health systems, enhancing agriculture and food security via indigenous knowledge, and advancing marine research to support the Blue Economy. Efforts in green energy, climate resilience, and bioinformatics are driving sustainable solutions, while modelling tools aid in decision-making across health, security, and finance sectors.
Beyond academic papers, research days encourage dialogue, collaboration and policy relevance. “In order to succeed, we need to foster human capacity through education and training,” remarked Prof Dr Anicia Peters, CEO of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, in her keynote remarks. She emphasised that integrating surrounding communities as co-creators ensures research is transformative and transdisciplinary.
“This is a powerful platform where we gather to reflect on the innovative work being done across our various departments and schools, to share new knowledge and forge stronger connections,” said Dr Onesmus Shuungula, FHNRAS Executive Dean. With a diverse academic portfolio, spanning health sciences, natural resources, agriculture, mathematics, and applied sciences, the Faculty plays a pivotal role in shaping professionals and researchers who drive Namibia’s development.
