Midlands State University Research and Innovation Division conducted a one-day Geographic Information System (GIS) workshop on the 5th July 2024 at the MSU Innovation Hub.
In her opening remarks, Research and Innovation – Executive Director, Professor Laurine Chikoko, emphasised the importance of GIS and how researchers can use it to understand and solve complex research problems.
“This workshop marks the beginning of a comprehensive programme that will equip our researchers with GIS expertise and this initiative aligns with MSU’s vision of fostering research and innovation excellence.
“GIS has the potential to transform data analysis and visualisation, fostering innovative approaches to research and Innovation,” said Professor Chikoko.
Participants in the workshop included chairpersons and researchers from the faculties of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management, Education, Business Sciences, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Arts and Humanities as well as Tugwi-Mukosi Multidisciplinary Research Institute.
Workshop facilitators guided participants through an introduction to GIS, followed by practical exercises on QGIS software familiarisation, acquisition of spatial data, input and storage of spatial data, and practical sessions on how to manipulate and display spatial data.
Professor Stella Muchemwa from the Faculty of Education shared her plans to utilise the acquired skills in her Muzokomba Heritage Site project.
Educational Policy and Leadership Lecturer, Dr. Rosemary Guvhu said that due to the workshop, she has gained an understanding of the correlation between distances travelled to school and pass rates which she can use to address the alarming zero percent pass rate prevalence in primary and secondary schools in her study.
In her closing remarks, the Research Manager, Dr. Winmore Kusena commended participants for their active involvement, and encouraged them to integrate GIS into their future research endeavours, assuring them that the Research and Innovation Division would keep supporting their research.
Dr. Kusena further expressed optimism that the skills gained would lead to ground-breaking discoveries and make meaningful community impact.
GIS technology is critical in enhancing research and innovation which are at the core of the University’s human capital development mandate.