A short summary of Ivan`s research:  

I am an interdisciplinary geomatics professional who applies geospatial information systems and remote sensing techniques and uses geospatial data to examine elements of geography to a wide variety of disciplines, specifically in an African context. I completed my PhD in Geoinformatics at the University of Pretoria in 2017. Since 2020, I have had six accredited publications of which two are in South African accredited journals and four in international peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, one article is already approved for publication and four are currently in review. I also have two accredited conference proceeding publications (2013 and 2017) and presented three papers at international conferences (2019 to 2021) and 11 papers at national conferences. Due to my expertise and knowledge of geography and geospatial studies, I am a reviewer for the South African Geomatics Journal, Transactions in GIS (International Journal) and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Currently, I am involved in various institutional, national and international collaborations, namely (1) the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Business Management, North-West University; (2) the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara in Italy; (3) the Department of Physics, Faculty of Military Science, SU; (4) the South African National Hydrographer (SA Navy Hydrographic Office); (5) the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape Government); (6) the Independent University of Angola under a bilateral research agreement between South Africa and Angola; and (7) the University of Nairobi in Kenya.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2020. How does your research relate to that?

Since 2020, I have had six accredited publications of which two are in South African accredited journals and four in international peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, one article is already approved for publication and four are currently in review. I also have two accredited conference proceeding publications (2013 and 2017) and presented three papers at international conferences (2019 to 2021) and 11 papers at national conferences. Due to my expertise and knowledge of geography and geospatial studies, I am a reviewer for the South African Geomatics Journal, Transactions in GIS (International Journal) and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Also, I have been an external examiner for one Master’s dissertation (University of Pretoria) and have been nominated as external examiner for a PhD thesis (University of Pretoria). I have also internally examined one PhD thesis (University of Stellenbosch). I have a keen interest in the spheres of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing and future research projects are planned to use such technologies and resources to study various physical and human issues of military geographical importance.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles early career researchers are faced with?   

Financial support: Although various avenues exist within SU to support research projects (sub-committee funding, faculty support, NRF funding, etc.), the fact that it sometimes takes up to 5 years for early career researchers to receive their subsidized funding for prior publications limits the findings available within departments to support such researchers.

The know-how: early academics need to learn the ropes regarding research and getting published very quickly. SU has good support programmes and short courses (such as writing for publication, mentorship programmes) available for early career researchers and these support programmes are making a huge difference. It would be great to make these programmes compulsory (at no cost) to new researcher as part of the induction phase (such as PREDAC). Physical tools for getting published are necessary.

Time: Probably the biggest obstacle is time. Early career researchers start in a new environment - in some instances need to redesign their modules - and to have time to become a recognized researcher can then be daunting task.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support early career researchers?           

Compulsory attendance of short courses (at no cost), mentorship is a must and setting measurable goals (2 publications per year) which in a sense needs to be enforced and promoted.

What excites you about your work?   

The fact that I use geospatial tools (GIS and remote sensing) to conduct most of my research, creates the opportunity to conduct research in almost every academic field. This opens world of possibilities to enhance my research career. It is also good and satisfying to publish one of your research projects and getting communication from international academics that are interested in the work you are doing. Doing research with postgraduate students is very exciting and it is even more exiting to publish with your students and also contribute to their research careers.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

Being an academic can be overwhelming, especially if you are committed. To unwind can be a challenge and it is imperative to sometimes just break away. When I unwind, I try to distance myself from academic work and therefor enjoy playing golf.

How has the ECAD programme of SU contributed to your research career?     

The ECAD programme provided me with the opportunity, tools and support to effortlessly advance my research career, through the annual financial support and being made aware of support programmes (great regular communications - thank you). The mentorship of senior academics (having a research buddy) is making a huge difference in my research career.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future early career academics?

-          Get involved in the ECAD programme.

-          Select an enthusiastic mentor that can act as a research buddy and push you to produce publishable outputs.

-          Attend short courses that will enhance your research career.

-          Don't wait for opportunities, go and look for them.

-          Do research that also enhances your teaching and learning portfolio.

-          Build national and international networks and ensure co-publications with international academics.

-          Don't be afraid to ask.

Connect with Ivan and his work!

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=B6mDt24AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Henrico