by Phaphama Tshisikhawe
A number of staff exchange agreements between the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and international partner universities provide opportunities for professional growth and development and fostering collaborations in both teaching and research.
As part of an Erasmus + Inter-Institutional agreement signed between TUT and Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA) in Lithuaniam, four staff members from the Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD) and the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) recently took part in the staff exchange program.
Speaking on the Inter-Institutional agreements, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, DVC for Research, Innovation and Engagement, explained that the aim of the programme is to improve the quality of education and research in South Africa and Europe, develop mobility as well as strengthen cultural ties between students and staff members funded by the Erasmus + programme.
“Just as mobility exchanges bring unique benefits to students' learning and research experiences, staff mobility exchanges can open your mind to new ways of working, including, new research collaborations,” she said.
“These diverse collaborations spark fresh insights and growth in research and innovation,” Dr Papu-Zamxaka continued.
Staff members who participated in the exchange programme:
- Kyle Brand (Lecturer, Department of Architecture and Industrial Design)
- Dr Tariene Gaum (HoD, Department of Architecture and Industrial Design)
- Ms Nina Newman (Lecturer, Department of Fine and Studio Arts, TUT)
- Dr Herman Botes (HoD, Department of Visual Communication, Faculty of Arts and Design
From Left: Associate Professor Mantas Lesauskas (Head of Design Master
study programme, VAA), Kyle Brand (Lecturer, Department of Architecture
and Industrial Design, TUT); Ms Lina Košeleva (Head of International Relations Office,
VAA); Dr Tariene Gaum (HoD, Department of Architecture and Industrial Design,
TUT); Ms Audronė Drungilaitė (Director of the Design and Innovation Centre, VAA);
Associate Prof Anna Kurinna (HoD, Department of Audio-visual Arts,
Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Ukraine); Ms Nina Newman (Lecturer,
Department of Fine and Studio Arts, TUT) and Dr Herman Botes (HoD, Department
of Visual Communication, Faculty of Arts and Design, TUT.