Edition February 2026

Researchers are recognised worldwide for the vital role they play in developing solutions to the many challenges facing humanity. But have you ever considered what happens behind the scenes? 

Research management and administration is a critical driving force, working to create an enabling environment where research can truly flourish.

Dr Robin Drennan, Director of Research Development at Wits University, describes his role as that of a "lubricant" – a vital, behind-the-scenes force that enables research success. He takes pride in being a catalyst for the achievements of many academic researchers at Wits.

His responsibilities include leading, promoting and supporting research initiatives across the university. He accomplishes this by developing talent, building collaborative networks and minimising administrative barriers.

“I prefer to be known as a research steward rather than a research manager. My role is to lead a team of people that provide a research management function for the university. My impact as a research manager in this research-intensive university has a ripple effect across the university. The better I do my job the less friction there is to slow down research and less energy is wasted in getting things done,” he explained. 

The role of research and development

Research and development is one of the key areas prioritised by government, with the goal of driving socio-economic development and strengthening the country’s global competitiveness. This is achieved through a combination of direct and indirect funding mechanisms, as well as by fostering an environment that supports and enables innovation.

Drennan and his team play a role in making research efficient and effective without conducting the research themselves. 

“In many respects, I think the title research management is a misnomer...my work is more akin to research stewardship in the sense of nurturing a precious resource – namely talent researchers – to be as effective as they possible can be,” Drennan explained. 

Drennan is deeply passionate about knowledge and the pursuit of discovery. However, his greatest personal fulfilment comes from supporting others in achieving these goals. He finds the most reward in witnessing the success of others in research and innovation.

Balancing the act

Seeing how leading academic researchers at Wits contribute to knowledge with impact across the globe is one of the most exciting developments that Drennan witnesses through his career. However, he said the job is sometimes challenging. 

“Research managers like me, often get caught between grantees, who want more and more, and grantors, who have limits. It is our role to navigate this narrow path of getting the most for the grantee while remaining compliant and supportive of the grantor,” he said. 

Recognising excellence

In July 2025, Drennan was a finalist in the Management Award category of the prestigious 2024/25 NSTF-South32 Awards. The event is the flagship project of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), famously known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of SA in partnership with South32. They recognise, celebrate and promote excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa. 

He was nominated for research excellence through strategic development and support. 

“There are many successful research academics at Wits, who have thanked me for the support my team and I have provided. This is humbling, but in truth we did very little to support their achievements. They did all the hard work. However, this scenario just reinforces the value of research management, small gestures of support unleash fantastic research that benefit the individual academic, the university and indeed the country. I am proud to be that catalyst,” he said. 

He said the NSTF awards have become the gold standard for recognition of achievement in science and technology over the years, and this is due to their consistent pursuit of excellence.

Passing on the button

Drennan advised aspiring scientists and researchers to consider a career in research management if they have a passion for service and science. 

“It is of growing importance in a world with limited research and unlimited need for new knowledge to tackle local and global problems... I am at the end of my career and so what comes next for me is to pass on my experience and knowledge to people who will use it to leapfrog into the future that will be better than my past,” he said.

About Drennan

Drennan has a PhD in Chemistry from Rhodes University, which was awarded for the investigation of pyrotechnic reactions. In simple language,  he studied “reactions that went bang”.

In his career of more than 25 years, he has practiced as an applied researcher at African Explosives and Chemical Industries Limited, and at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He has also worked for the NRF, where he managed technology and human resources for industry programme, established the administration for the centres of excellences, South African Research Chairs Initiative and the central grant administration. 

He joined Wits University in March 2011. He is the recipient of several prestigious accolades, including the Golden Quill Award for excellence in research reporting and the DST-SARIMA Award – presented by the Department of Science and Innovation and the Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association – in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the research management profession. He is an alumnus of the CSIR Academy for Advanced Leadership and a member of the Royal Society of South Africa. Academically, he has graduated cum laude on four separate occasions.

“My passion is to encourage research with impact in the fields of discovery, translation and innovation,” he said.