Thiri Padayachee

Background

About Thiri Padayachee

I have a Doctorate Degree in Biotechnology, and Masters Degrees in Biotechnology and Medicine: Bioethics and Health Law. Working in higher education institutions for over 35 years. Full Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Chemistry; previously Head of Department. Prior to this held the position of Associate Director in the Department of Biotech and Food Tech at DUT. I currently supervise PhD student and Masters Students. Mentored and developed 5 junior staff members. I have 38 publications in conference proceedings, 4 journal publications and a chapter in a book. My leadership and management skills include Chairperson of the Central Research Ethics Committee, Institutional Forum Executive (Governance Advisory to University Council), Head of Department, Acting as Executive Dean and my representation on executive and senior managerial committees within the university. Currently serve on a 4 person task team for the appointment of the Chancellor of the University, the team comprises Chair of Council, Vice Chancellor, Labour rep and Myself. Among my academic accomplishments actively engaged in New policy development, SOPs, terms of reference and the review of existing policies. Completed a GIBS Higher Education Management Development programme, as well as various other such short courses and seminars. Facilitate Research Ethics training to up-skill staff, researchers and students at the university. The training is designed around understanding the constructs of Ethical Research Practices, the importance for ethical compliance and familiarisation of Research Ethics Policies and procedures. In support of this, have also developed a number of guideline documents to facilitate ethical compliance. Secured funding for R19+ million through Research, Travel and Equipment grants from NRF, Research and Travel grants from universities, DHET Clinical Training Grants, DHET Infrastructure and Equipment grants and GDARD Biotechnology Student Bursaries. Details of the funding can be seen in my research portfolio. Through my international academic visits and research endeavours, I have established academic links in India, Netherlands, China, Ghana, Denmark, UK, USA to mention but a few. Actively engaged in curriculum development. Served as CHE-HEQC Facilitator for Programme Evaluator and Academic Reviewer workshops. Have extensive experience with new qualification applications and implementation, qualification and curriculum review, curriculum re-design aligned to NQF, SAQA and CHE. Part of community engagement serve as a Masters and PhD reviewer for the NRF