13 Jun 2016

 Professor David Norris has been appointed Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

A press release from BIUST  states that Prof. Norris brings a wealth of expertise in research development and innovation, teaching and learning and curriculum and review.

He is a researcher and has spearheaded some notable research and research fundraising  including capacity strengthening in teaching and facilitated experiential collective innovation by NUFFIC based in the Netherlands.

He has also participated in a number of local and international research collaborations including RAIEN Africa (Regional Agricultural and Environmental Initiatives) ARC (Agricultural Research Council); USAID, Texas A&M University/Howard G Buffet Foundation; Kansas State University, Penn State University.

He has also published extensively in refereed journals and conference proceedings, supervised and co-supervised a number of master and PHD students as well as an external examiner for various regional and overseas universities. In addition, he is a reviewer, member of editorial and advisory boards of numerous science publications.

The release further states that Prof. Norris is an experienced leader, researcher and lecturer, having served in different capacities in Botswana, the United States of America and South Africa. Prior to joining BIUST he was director of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of Limpopo in South Africa.

He holds a PHD in quantitative genetics and animal breeding from Michigan State University, Michigan, USA. He read for his MSc in animal & forge sciences from the University of Reading (UK). He also holds a BSc - biology & physics including a Certificate – agricultural research for development (ICRA- Netherlands) and Graduate Certificate – agricultural research for development.

“The BIUST council and management are extremely delighted on the appointment of Prof. Norris. He is well vested with scientific research and he is the driver of all BIUST research initiative, he will also strengthen our collaborative linkages with other institutions in order to create a link between Science and Technology; Research and Development which will lead to value-addition to the national economy,” said Otlogetswe Totolo,  BIUST Vice Chancellor.  ENDS