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Software and equipment

As part of our valued research community, the Research Office is committed to ensuring your success throughout your research journey. We understand the critical role that high-quality software and equipment play in your studies and are dedicated to providing the necessary resources to support your innovative research projects.

Software

Some of the software available for researchers at the University
  • AutoCAD is a computer-aided drafting software program. It enables users to create 2- and 3-dimensional drawings for construction and manufacturing. 
  • ArcGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) for working with maps and geographic information. Maintained by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). 
  • EndNote is a commercial reference management software package that manages bibliographies and references.
  • ESET Internet Security offers comprehensive protection for everyday online activities. It detects and neutralizes digital threats, including viruses, rootkits, worms and spyware. 
  • IBM SPSS Amos for Windows is a software program used to fit structural equation models (SEM).
  • IBM SPSS Statistics is a software package used to analyze quantitative data.
  • JMP, a smaller sibling to SAS, is aimed at scientists, engineers, and researchers needing to analyze data.
  • Mathematica is a symbolic mathematical computation program. It is used in scientific, engineering, mathematical, and computing fields.
  • MATLAB (matrix laboratory) is a multi-paradigm numerical computing environment and proprietary programming language. Developed by MathWorks, it allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, the creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages.
  • R is a language and environment for statistical computing and graphics.
  • Respondus4Campus is a tool for creating and managing exams that can be printed or published to Canvas, Blackboard, Brightspace, Moodle, and other learning systems.
  • Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system.
  • SAS is an integrated software suite for advanced analytics, business intelligence, data management, and predictive analytics. You can use SAS software through a graphical interface and the SAS programming language, or Base SAS.
  • Stata is a complete, integrated statistical software package that provides everything needed for data analysis, data management, and graphics.
  • STATISTICA is a proprietary analytical software package developed by StatSoft that includes data visualization, data analysis, data management, and data mining tools. It is a primarily GUI application.
  • Turnitin is a web-based plagiarism prevention system.
  • Zoom Educational License. The Zoom for Education plan allows up to 300 participants per meeting per license. It allows for unlimited meetings lasting up to 30 hours.
  • Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help collect, organize, cite, and share research. 
You need to be a registered student with access to the intranet to download and license this software.
 

Research equipment

Central Research Facilities

Access to appropriate research equipment does not only enable but it also promotes good research, especially in the fields of the experimental sciences. The University invests about R 15 million per year in the purchase of research-related equipment.

  • The Wits Research Animal Facility provides an extensive and ethical laboratory animal service including surgery and other specialised activities.
  • The Central Optical Service (COS) provides all the necessary services required for the operation and maintenance of high-end optical microscopes. Contact Sanjay Harry.
  • The Life Sciences Imaging Facility (LSIF) is located in the Medical School. The facility provides technical support for imaging in the area of life sciences. Contact Dr Aurelie Deroubaix.
  • The Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit (MMU) provides a full range of electron microscopes (including SEM, TEM) as well as Atomic Force microscopy and XRD analysis. 
  • The Radiation and Health Physics Unit (RHPU) is led by Prof. James Larkin and is equipped to support research involving radiation hazards. The RHPU is located close to iThemba LABS on Empire Road.
  • The Wits Art Museum is located in University Corner and has a unique collection of African, book art and other forms of visual art. It regularly hosts exhibitions and has ample floor space. 

Additional research equipment is available and located across the various campuses at Wits. The Wits Research Office has an equipment database. 

Should you require any further information or need to request resources, please contact Dr Taarq Surtee at Taariq.Surtee@wits.ac.za

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