TUT Research Output More Than Doubles in Four Years

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has recorded a strong and consistent upward trajectory in its research productivity, according to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) official Sector Report on the Evaluation of the 2024 Universities’ Research Outputs.

TUT’s total subsidy units increased from 274 units in 2021 to 453 in 2022, 461 in 2023, and 601 units in 2024 - more than doubling its research output over the four-year period.

TUT’s Performance Highlights (2024)

TUT earned a total of 601 subsidy units in the 2024 evaluation (23.9 books + 55.2 conference proceedings + 527.3 journals).

Breakdown by publication type:

•  Books: 23.9 units (0.77% of national total)
•  Conference Proceedings: 55.2 units (4.75% of national total) — a notably strong performance
•  Journals: 527.3 units (2.43% of national total)

This sustained growth firmly positions TUT in the mid-to-upper tier among South Africa’s 26 public universities and highlights significant momentum in its research productivity, especially in applied sciences, technology, and innovation-focused fields.

Sector Context

The national total for 2024 reached approximately 23,778 subsidy units, continuing the long-term growth trend since the implementation of the Research Outputs Policy in 2005 (CAGR of 6.96% from 2005–2024), although the pace of growth has moderated in recent years.

While research output remains heavily concentrated - with the top 5 universities accounting for 48.02% and the top 9 producing 74.46% of total units - TUT has steadily improved both its absolute output and its relative contribution within this competitive landscape.

Broader Sector Trends

The DHET report acknowledges ongoing sector challenges alongside overall growth:

•  Increasing inequality in research output between institutions
•  Demographic shifts, including a gradual aging of the active researcher profile
•  Greater emphasis on research quality and integrity, supported by the Department’s Publication Quality Framework Project (PQFP)

Implications for TUT

TUT’s strong upward trajectory from 274 units in 2021 to 601 units in 2024 reflects sustained investment in research capacity, improved internal support systems, and growing scholarly activity aligned with its mandate as a leading technological university.

Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, said:

“This consistent growth in research output is a testament to the dedication of our researchers and the strategic focus we have placed on building a vibrant research culture at TUT. We are particularly pleased with the strong performance in conference proceedings and journal publications, which demonstrates the relevance of our applied research to national development priorities. We remain committed to not only increasing output but also enhancing the quality and impact of our research.”

As South Africa’s higher education sector balances growth in volume with quality, equity, and integrity, TUT’s strong performance signals its emergence as a dynamic and relevant contributor to the national knowledge economy.