I am a research specialist with 15+ years’ experience conducting interdisciplinary desk-based research across technology, finance, and social issues. I excel at turning complex material into clear, accessible briefs for non-academic audiences, with a strong emphasis on rigorous sourcing, accuracy, and logical flow. In my current leadership role at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I drive postgraduate policy alignment, QA processes, and AI-governance, while building national partnerships and overseeing research management. I have a track record of guiding institutional strategy, supervising doctoral work, and coordinating cross-faculty initiatives. I am passionate about leveraging technology for social impact and about developing policies and programs that improve learning outcomes and research integrity.

Izak van Zyl

I am a research specialist with 15+ years’ experience conducting interdisciplinary desk-based research across technology, finance, and social issues. I excel at turning complex material into clear, accessible briefs for non-academic audiences, with a strong emphasis on rigorous sourcing, accuracy, and logical flow. In my current leadership role at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I drive postgraduate policy alignment, QA processes, and AI-governance, while building national partnerships and overseeing research management. I have a track record of guiding institutional strategy, supervising doctoral work, and coordinating cross-faculty initiatives. I am passionate about leveraging technology for social impact and about developing policies and programs that improve learning outcomes and research integrity.

Available to hire

I am a research specialist with 15+ years’ experience conducting interdisciplinary desk-based research across technology, finance, and social issues. I excel at turning complex material into clear, accessible briefs for non-academic audiences, with a strong emphasis on rigorous sourcing, accuracy, and logical flow. In my current leadership role at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I drive postgraduate policy alignment, QA processes, and AI-governance, while building national partnerships and overseeing research management.

I have a track record of guiding institutional strategy, supervising doctoral work, and coordinating cross-faculty initiatives. I am passionate about leveraging technology for social impact and about developing policies and programs that improve learning outcomes and research integrity.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Director: Centre for Postgraduate Studies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
July 1, 2022 - Present
Drive policy alignment and QA processes through Senate sub-committees (HDC, QEC, SRIC). Oversee supervisor development, examination integrity, and AI-governance SOPs. Manage institutional postgraduate budgets, KPIs, risk registers, and reporting to DVC RTIP. Initiated the Doctoral Quality Improvement Plan (DocQIP) to enhance throughput and supervisor effectiveness. Established national partnerships under the NRF Presidential PhD Programme (Digital Transformation & Just Energy Transition). Led institutional migration to Clarivate Converis for postgraduate and research management.
Associate Professor of Transdisciplinary Studies at CPUT Faculty of Informatics and Design
January 1, 2017 - June 30, 2022
Teach and supervise across Information Systems, ICT4D, UX, and Digital Communication. Lead research projects on digital transformation, human-centred computing, and HE innovation. Supervise multiple PhD and Master’s completions; currently supervising doctoral candidates in various fields.
Educational Technologist at CPUT
July 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
Designed digital learning solutions and staff-training interventions for blended delivery. Introduced analytics-driven retention and success frameworks for online students.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Unisa, School of Computing
January 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015
Conducted interdisciplinary research in information systems and digital communication. Contributed to publications on ICT4D, social informatics, and human-computer interaction. Supported postgraduate supervision and research methodology training within the School. Collaborated with academic and industry partners on projects linking technology, society, and innovation.

Education

PhD in Communication Science at Università della Svizzera italiana
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
MA in Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
BA in Social Dynamics at Stellenbosch University
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Professional Services, Government

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