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HSRC Annual Report 2016/17
The HSRC Act also allows the HSRC to undertake or commission research on any subject in the field of the human
sciences and to charge fees for research conducted or services rendered at the request of others.
The above clearly shows that the HSRC is obliged to renew and increase the pool of researchers and scholars in the
humanities and social sciences to ensure continued capacity to undertake research at universities and other research
institutions in South Africa, including the HSRC itself. Such researchers must be well-rounded and able to conceptualise,
plan, and conduct research as well as analyse data, undertake scientific writing and disseminate their research findings.
Mission, vision and values
(http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/about/what-we-do/mission-vision-values)The HSRC is a non-partisan, public-purpose organisation that generates scientific knowledge through its research and
analytical work in the social and human sciences.
It undertakes and promotes research that is often large-scale, multi-year, and collaborative in nature. It produces
high-quality scientific evidence to inform further analysis, debate, advocacy and decision-making by role players in
government, the media, academia, and community-based groupings. The HSRC responds to the needs of vulnerable
and marginalised groups in society through its research. It develops and makes available datasets underpinning research,
policy development and public discussion of developmental issues.
Through its work, the HSRC aims to inform policy development and best practice, thereby not only making a difference
to the lives of people in South Africa but also the entire mother continent.
Vision
The HSRC intends to serve as a knowledge hub for research-based solutions to inform human and social development
in South Africa, the African continent and the rest of the world.
Mission statement
The HSRC is a research organisation that advances social sciences and humanities for public use.
Values
At individual level, staff at the HSRC will be guided by the values of independence, non-discrimination, tolerance of
diversity, honesty, integrity, respect, non-partisanship, innovation, diligence, responsiveness and collaboration. At
institutional level, the HSRC will at all times strive to distinguish itself as separate from, yet often closely collaborating
with, government, universities, NGOs, media, and advocacy groups; and to remain a scientific organisation whose work
is viewed as authoritative and non-partisan. Quality, integrity and ethical conduct are essential hallmarks of HSRC work.
Motto
Social science that makes a difference