The event, also streamed live on the University’s YouTube channel, brought together leading academics, government representatives and research bodies to discuss how research and innovation can help tackle global and local challenges.
Key themes on the first day revolved around inclusivity, collaboration and aligning research with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor André Keet, welcoming guests to Nelson Mandela University’s annual Research Week, held at the institution’s Ocean Sciences Campus.
Mandela University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor André Keet, welcomed attendees with an impassioned address that set the tone for the rest of the week.
Professor Keet emphasized the crucial role of research in creating transformative societal change, particularly in South Africa, where research needs to address historical inequalities and contribute to the broader global goals of sustainability.
“Research is not just about knowledge production, it’s about societal impact,” Prof Keet said, pointing out the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental degradation.
He emphasised the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive research culture that draws on the collective strengths of academia, industry and civil society.
Professor Keet also highlighted the need for research to be transformative, not only in terms of the subjects it addresses but also in the methods and approaches it uses. He called on researchers to move beyond traditional academic silos and engage in partnerships that span different sectors, disciplines, and geographies.
In his keynote address, Department of Science and Innovation’s Deputy Director-General, Mr Imran Patel focused on the evolving role of research in shaping South Africa’s future, with a particular emphasis on the role of human capital and the need for open science frameworks.
He began by acknowledging the immense progress that has been made in South Africa’s research landscape, but cautioned that there were still significant challenges ahead. He identified several “grand societal challenges” that research must address, including climate change, food security and health disparities.
He stressed that South Africa’s research agenda must be aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also addressing the unique challenges faced by the African continent.
Mr Patel delved into the importance of capacity building, particularly in developing the skills needed to advance scientific research and innovation; while highlighting the role of the DSI in supporting initiatives that foster human capital development, particularly among young researchers and historically disadvantaged groups.
“We cannot advance as a society if we leave behind the majority of our population,” he said, pointing to the critical need for inclusivity in research.
Mr Patel also touched on the growing importance of open science, which he described as a key enabler for addressing complex challenges. By making research more accessible and collaborative, open science frameworks can help break down barriers between disciplines and institutions, fostering a more integrated approach to problem-solving.
Mandela University’s Research Week enjoys the collaborative support of various entities – including the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) – who all offered messages of support.
NRF’s Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia
Speaking on the NRF’s role in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia highlighted the importance of aligning national research priorities with the global SDGs, particularly in areas such as climate action, quality education and economic growth.
She said the NRF has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that South African research contributes to global sustainable development goals. She noted that while there has been significant progress in some areas, much work remains to be done to fully integrate sustainability into the country’s research agenda.
One of the key areas where the NRF is focusing its efforts is on supporting research that addresses the interlinkages between the SDGs.
“The SDGs are interconnected, and we need to recognize the synergies between them,” Dr Mosia said, foregrounding how research on climate action, for example, cannot be separated from research on poverty alleviation or health outcomes.
The NRF is thus prioritising funding for research projects that take a holistic approach to sustainability and address multiple SDGs simultaneously.
A recurring theme throughout the day’s discussions was the need for inclusivity in research, not only in terms of the subjects it addresses but also in terms of the people it involves. Some of the speakers pointed to the need for greater representation of historically marginalized groups, particularly Black and female researchers in South Africa’s research ecosystem.
Dr Mosia echoed these sentiments, noting that the NRF has made significant strides in recent years to prioritize funding for researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds. She highlighted several initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of women and young people in research, particularly in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
As the week progresses, the themes foregrounded yesterday are expected to continue guiding the discussions, with a strong focus on how research can drive positive, transformative change in South Africa and beyond.
The week-long activities are available for viewing on Nelson Mandela University’s YouTube channel, offering a platform for researchers and the public to engage with these critical issues and contribute to the ongoing dialogue.
