Publication countOverview |
The publication count is an annual compilation of UCT's research output and is submitted to the National Department of Higher Education (DHET) for the allocation of Government subsidy to universities each year. This vital process influences directly on the amount of funding the University receives from the Government.
The purpose of the DHET policy is to encourage research productivity by rewarding quality research outputs at public higher education institutes. However the policy is not intended to measure all outputs. The intention is to enhance productivity by recognising the major types of research output produced by higher education institutions. As a rule research output emanating from commissioned research or contracts and paid by contracting organisations, will not be subsidised by the DHET (DHET Policy Guidelines, Higher Education Act, 1997{Act No.101 of 1997}).
Research output is defined as textual output where research is understood as original, systematic investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding. Peer evaluation of the research is a fundamental prerequisite of all recognised outputs and is the mechanism of ensuring and thus enhancing quality.
Each department is responsible for collecting and loading research output electronically on the web-based Integrated Research Management Application (IRMA) database. Click here to access IRMA.net.
Research Output Categories
Articles in DHET-accredited journals
For purposes of subsidy, only journals appearing on the following DHET-accredited lists or indices are recognised for subsidy:
The DHET-accredited list and indices for the current reporting period are available on our links and downloads page
Correspondence to editors, Abstracts or extended abstracts, Obituaries, Book reviews, News articles, Advertorials, and editorials appearing in accredited journals are not subsidised.
To access the guidelines for inclusion of journals to the DHET accredited list click here.
Peer-reviewed books/chapters in books
Books refer to peer-reviewed, non-periodical scholarly or research publications disseminating original research on developments within specific disciplines, sub-discipline, or field of study. Only books that meet specified criteria are subsidised. Examples of different types of books include monographs, chapters, and edited works.
Peer-reviewed published conference proceedings
Proceedings refer to a published record of a conference, congress, symposium, or other meeting whose purpose is to disseminate original research and new developments within specific disciplines, sub-disciplines, or field of study. Only proceedings that meet specified criteria are subsidised.
For a detailed guide to the publication count, please click here.
Calculation of Units
Accredited/Approved Journals
A research article published in an approved journal will be subsidised as a single unit, if all the authors are affiliated to the claiming institution. In the case where authors are affiliated with two or more institutions, the subsidy is shared between the claiming institutions.
Books and Chapters in Books
A book may be subsidised to a maximum of five units or a portion thereof, based on the number of pages being claimed relative to the total number of pages of the book, if all the authors are affiliated to the claiming institution. A guideline of a minimum of 60 pages and maximum of 300 pages will be allocated per unit or proportions and multiples thereof, if all the authors are affiliated to the claiming institution. However, where authors are affiliated with two or more institutions, the subsidy is shared between the claiming institutions.
Conference Proceedings
Proceedings meeting the DHET criteria will be allocated a maximum of one-half of a unit (0.5) if all the authors are affiliated to the claiming institution. In the case where authors are affiliated with two or more institutions, the subsidy is shared between the claiming institutions.
