Research Enterprise

The Research Enterprise is the administrative and strategic hub that ensures the smooth functioning of the IDM. It brings together administration, communications, events, program coordination, projects and human resources into a cohesive system that empowers the Institute’s research excellence.

1. Research Support and Monitoring & Evaluation

Research Ethics & committee liaison: The Programme Coordinator (PC) supports both the Human and Animal institute research committees (IRCs), streamlining regulatory compliance and review cycles.
Programme Coordination and IDM Membership: All IDM programmes, such as the CPD-accredited seminar, applications to join the mentorship programme, or host a masterclass and/or visiting scientist are expertly and efficiently coordinated by the PC. Importantly the PC is responsible for coordinating applications to become or renew membership of the IDM.
Support for STEAM initiatives: The Research Administration & Communications Officer (RACO) supports STEAM working groups and their initiatives.
Data collection and analysis: The RACO supports institutional monitoring and evaluation by collecting, analysing, and reporting on data related to research demographics, spaces, activities, events, communications performance, and strategic initiatives, ensuring evidence-based planning and accountability.

2. Communications & Events

The Research Visibility Officer (RVO) and RACO are the Communications team who leads the IDM’s messaging, engagement, and branding:

Internal communications: Newsletters, leadership updates, alerts, and announcements.
External outreach: Media engagement, web content, digital storytelling, and research highlights that showcase IDM’s scientific excellence.
Visibility campaigns: Strategic branding for sustainability projects, research grants, and partnerships.
Event delivery: Events that reinforce IDM’s leadership in health research.
Branded merch: the RVO develops and manages IDM-branded materials to ensure visual consistency, professional representation, and institutional pride across platforms and events.

3. Human Resources People-Centred Enablement

Human Resources, led by the IDM Human Resource business Partner (HRBP) a core pillar of the Research Enterprise, enables institutional success by supporting and empowering IDM’s people:

HR services: Recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and professional development.
Integrated systems: Close collaboration with UCT central HR (Business Partnering, Administration, Payroll).
Capacity-building: Recent enhancements, including the appointment of additional support staff, have improved service delivery and operational efficiency.

4. Digital Transformation – optimizing administration

The digital transformation project, is a key change management activity of the IDM Enterprise, and is driven the Project Manager.

Jotform and workflow automation: Implementation of digital forms and automated workflows to streamline requests, applications, approvals, and reporting. These systems will enable the efficient administration of IDM processes, including the booking and billing of shared IDM venues and technology platforms.
Responsible use of AI tools: The Digital Transformation Project Manager is working on the use of AI to support administrative efficiency.
Research-first efficiency: By reducing administrative complexity and automating routine process, digital transformation frees up time and capacity, allowing IDM members to focus on their core function which is high-impact research.