The new vice-rector of research and internationalisation of the University of the Free State (UFS) is set to assume office in May.
Prof. Vasu Reddy’s appointment on a five-year term was approved by the university’s council in November.
Announced on Wednesday (25/01) his appointment is in line with the objective to position the institution as a research-led university that contributes to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge.
“His portfolio will play a critical role in supporting the institution’s Vision 130, which is a formulation of our aspirations and intentions to reposition the UFS leading up to 2034, when the university will celebrate 130 years of existence,” said Prof. Francis Petersen, rector and vice-chancellor.
“Prof. Reddy has valuable experience in the South African higher education sector, and his networks nationally will contribute greatly to the university’s intent for the coming years.”
Reddy is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (Assaf) and a B1 NRF-rated scientist. The NRF is the National Research Foundation.
He completed a BA degree, a BAHons degree and an higher diploma in education (HDE) at the former University of Natal, Durban, a MA at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and a PhD in Gender Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Reddy began his career in languages, comparative literature and gender studies as a lecturer at the same institution in 1993, before moving through the ranks as senior lecturer, associate professor, honorary professor and research fellow.
He was also executive director of the human and social development research programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) before joining the University of Pretoria (UP) as professor of Sociology and dean of the faculty of the Humanities in 2015.
“Prof. Reddy’s experience in these positions and his demonstrated success with research collaborations across different sectors place him in good standing to lead research and internationalisation at the UFS,” said Petersen.
Reddy’s research areas are African sexualities, genders and inequalities, which exposes the persistent silences around sexualities – also aligned to HIV/AIDS. His research focuses on the importance of sexual cultures to interpret and understand sexual diversity in promoting people’s rights, well-being and dignity with local and international research partners.
He has been involved in successful partnerships with civil society organisations and some multilateral agencies that have resulted in successful research collaborations with scholars and activists in South Africa, other parts of Africa, India, Europe, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and North America.
