The Research, Innovation and Community Engagement (RICEP) awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the North-West University's scholarly mission from the generation of new knowledge and its translation into innovation, to its meaningful impact on society and the communities the University serves. Aligned with the University's vision of being an internationally recognised African university distinguished by engaged scholarship, social responsiveness, and an ethic of care, the RICEP Awards recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and teams across the University's research, innovation, and community engagement ecosystem. The awards celebrate excellence at every career stage from postgraduate students and emerging scholars to established researchers, innovators, and community-engaged academics while also recognising prestigious national and international achievements that enhance the University's reputation.

The RICEP Awards affirm that excellence extends beyond scholarly outputs and academic distinction. They recognise the successful translation of research into innovative solutions, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, informed policy, industry partnerships, and community-engaged initiatives that create sustainable social, economic, environmental, and developmental impact. The awards also celebrate outstanding contributions that strengthen communities through meaningful partnerships, advancing justice, equity, collaboration, and the public purposes of community engagement. Through recognising these achievements, RICEP honours the excellence of researchers, innovators, postgraduate students, and community-engaged scholars, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, engaged scholarship, and societal impact. In doing so, the awards advance the University's strategic priorities, enhance its national and international standing, and contribute to addressing local, national, continental, and global challenges.

All nomination forms and supporting documents must be submitted through the relevant Faculty Deputy Dean: Research & Innovation, Research Director (for Research and Innovation nominations), or the Deputy Dean responsible for Community Engagement (for Community Engagement nominations).

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Direct inquiries to:

Research and Innovation
Ms Noluthando Mnisi 
Manager: Strategic Projects
Phone: (018) 285 2473 
Noluthando.Mnisi@nwu.ac.za

Community Engagement 
Mr Maribe Mamabolo
Senior Manager: Scholarship of Engagement and Impact
Telephone: 018 299 4074
maribe.mamabolo@nwu.ac.za