This study aims to assess the current eResearch Knowledge Centre (eRKC) research support services, evaluate their adequacy in supporting Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) researchers and identify any gaps or areas requiring improvement. Additionally, this study sought to determine which additional services, if any, should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of eRKC in supporting HSRC researchers.
This study used a survey design via Google Forms to collect quantitative data from 156 HSRC staff members across three South African locations. A structured questionnaire with Likert-scale questions and open-ended prompts was used to evaluate eRKC services and potential improvements. The census approach included 16% heads, 65% researchers and 19% interns. Data were exported to Excel and analysed using SPSS, with frequency counts providing insights into service perceptions. Open-ended responses offered additional qualitative insights. The cost-effective, anonymous online method enhanced response rates and reduced bias, ensuring reliable and comprehensive data collection on eRKC’s support for the research lifecycle.
This study evaluated the importance, satisfaction and usage of eRKC services during the “Prepare” phase of the research lifecycle. Environmental scanning (51%, very important) and funding opportunities (67.9%) were critical, with high satisfaction with environmental scanning (84.9%) and spatial consultations (75.1%). However, 22.6% were dissatisfied with the funding support. In terms of usage, 62.2% used environmental scanning, 36.8% used spatial consultations and 57.7% used funding services. Successful partnerships were noted by 50% of the participants, and 71.7% attended training workshops. The key sessions included literature reviews (62.9%), Mendeley (54.8%) and research impact metrics (47.2%), underscoring the vital role of these services in supporting researchers.
This study is limited to assessing eRKC support practices in the HSRC in Pretoria, South Africa. A more comprehensive study is needed on HSRC research services, capabilities and capacities.
The assessment of eRKC support practices carries valuable implications for educational and research institutions globally. By illustrating how targeted research support services foster collaboration, ethical research conduct and interdisciplinary knowledge creation, this study offers a replicable model for strengthening research ecosystems beyond South Africa. Initiatives such as training in responsible authorship, funding support and capacity building enhance research integrity and democratise access to essential resources. Internationally, adopting similar frameworks can advance inclusive research cultures, improve the societal impact of scholarly work and empower institutions to address complex global challenges through coordinated, ethical and community-centred research initiatives.
The success of the eRKC’s comprehensive research support services offers valuable lessons for educational and research institutions globally. By demonstrating how tailored services, such as environmental scanning, spatial consultations and funding identification, can enhance research productivity and quality, this model highlights the importance of responsive, researcher-centred support structures. Institutions beyond South Africa can adopt similar practices by integrating continuous feedback mechanisms; prioritising training in funding strategies and research impact metrics; and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. These strategies not only improve research outcomes but also position research support units as essential enablers of high-impact, socially relevant and globally competitive research across diverse academic environments.
eRKC research support practices are rare in South Africa and in most parts of the world. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice in assessing eRKC research support practices.
