The Midlands State University library has conducted an Open Access Workshop to produce holistic
graduates and nurture staff who contribute to industrialisation and modernisation of the economy
through research and innovation.
MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, Professor Grace Mugumbate
said the workshop explored and served as a catalyst for advancing scholarly communication by
breaking down barriers to knowledge.
University Librarian, Nyarai Patience Chibanda familiarised attendants with the theme of the event,
‘Community over Commercialization’, and stated that the workshop was designed to support
research activities.
“The workshop offered training in academic services and tools as well as inspire and inform MSU
researchers, scholars to find open access journals and conduct ethical research practices,” Chibanda
said.
Project Coordinator for the Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) Open Access Programme, who
is a librarian at the Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts Milica
Sevkusic provided a comprehensive presentation on the essential ethical considerations by
researchers for maintaining authenticity and integrity of findings.
"On ethical considerations, for researchers keep them in mind when conducting your studies,
remember the importance of avoiding false interpretations and misrepresentations of data to
ensure the integrity of their findings, said Sevkusic who is also a member of the University of
Belgrade Computer Centre in Serbia.
Deputy Executive Director MSU Research and Innovation Division, Professor Upenyu Guyo in his
presentation on “Open Access Basics,” listed and defined the different types of open access models
and stated the benefits to the author and institution.
Executive Dean in the Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management, Dr.
Tavagwisa Muziri, highlighted that publishing in open access journals allows researchers to reach a
wider audience as it offers immediate, unrestricted and free global access to research.
MSU is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 of quality education, by removing
any legal, technical, or financial barriers that might prevent individuals from accessing, reading, and
reusing research articles.
Meanwhile, the MSU Department of Applied Physics and Telecommunications recently held a
seminar to promote scientific understanding and create awareness of the significant contribution by
physics and x-rays to various industries and research discipline.
Prof Mugumbate highlighted that the purpose of the seminar was to address the disparity in access
to quality education and resources.
“It aims to support the improvement of physics education and research in developing countries.
“The programme also facilitates the exchange of expertise and resources between institutions and
promotes the development of sustainable physics education and research network,” said Prof
Mugumbate.
The workshop looked at the fundamentals of synchrotron physics, specifically focusing on X-rays,
their properties, generation and various applications in different fields which include medical
imaging, material, science and industrial inspections.
Panellists included Dr Kudakwashe Jakata senior support specialist at Diamond Light source, UK, Dr
Hillary Masenda senior lecturer, School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand and Gideon
Chinamatira, a PHD student at evolutionary Studies Institute and School of Physics, University
Witwatersrand.
