Dr Palesa Mothapo
The network is an international initiative established by Times Higher Education in partnership with Schmidt Science Fellows.
The appointment positions Dr Mothapo at the forefront of efforts to strengthen interdisciplinary research across the region while giving Sub-Saharan Africa a stronger voice in shaping global research leadership.
Established to help universities respond to increasingly complex global challenges, GHEIN brings together senior research leaders from universities across seven world regions.
Rather than promoting a single institutional model, the network enables universities to share practical approaches, strengthen research leadership and develop strategies for interdisciplinary research that reflect regional priorities.
As Regional Chair, Dr Mothapo will lead engagement across Sub-Saharan Africa, convene strategic discussions among research leaders, help identify the region’s's priorities and represent Sub-Saharan Africa on the GHEIN Global Advisory Board.
She will work closely with Times Higher Education and Schmidt Science Fellows to help shape the network’s regional agenda.
The network is founded on the premise that many of today’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, public health, food security, artificial intelligence, inequality, energy transitions and sustainable development, demand collaboration across disciplines, institutions and national borders.
“The Global Higher Education Interdisciplinary Network represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration across institutions and regions in ways that accelerate research impact and societal transformation,” said Dr Mothapo.
“Interdisciplinary research is essential for addressing complex challenges such as climate change, inequality, health, artificial intelligence and sustainable development, particularly within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. By working together, universities can build stronger research systems that translate knowledge into meaningful impact for society.”
She said the appointment also creates an opportunity to ensure African perspectives play a greater role in shaping global research leadership.
“Africa has unique strengths, knowledge systems and innovation ecosystems that are critical to addressing both regional and global challenges. GHEIN creates an important platform for universities across the continent to learn from one another, strengthen institutional capacity and demonstrate the global value of African-led interdisciplinary research.”
For Nelson Mandela University, the appointment reflects its growing international research profile and its continued investment in collaborative, transdisciplinary research that addresses challenges facing South Africa, the African continent and the wider world.
During its inaugural year, GHEIN will identify barriers to interdisciplinary research, share institutional best practice, strengthen research leadership and develop a global roadmap for advancing interdisciplinary science across higher education.
Dr Mothapo will represent Sub-Saharan Africa at the GHEIN Global Advisory Board meeting in November 2026, ahead of the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Forum.