SPU’s Research Week 2025 opened on Monday, 15 September with a powerful showcase of how funding and publication pathways shape the future of research. Framed by the week’s theme From Discovery to Impact: Innovate | Collaborate | Advance, the first day highlighted how SPU is positioning itself within national priorities while expanding its own growing research ecosystem.
The day began with insights from the National Research Foundation (NRF), where Ms Singathwa Mbangeni outlined thematic funding programmes in critical areas such as energy, health and ICT. She emphasised how researchers must harness these opportunities to build capacity, address pressing societal challenges and align their work with the broader national agenda.
Building on this, Dr Idah Makukule from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) unpacked the Creative Research Outputs policy, offering clarity on how creative and practice-based scholarship can be recognised, evaluated and published. This session encouraged scholars to think expansively about the forms and impact of their research contributions.
Throughout the day, the focus remained on visibility, innovation and the value of collaboration. The discussions not only showcased SPU’s developing infrastructure, which includes pioneering centres across all four faculties, but also reinforced the importance of partnerships with national bodies such as the NRF, DHET and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).
Closing the programme, Acting Director of Research, Prof Jesmael Mataga, reflected on the remarkable strides SPU has made over the years. He noted how aligning SPU’s niche areas with national themes is positioning the university as a research-driven, future-facing institution. He extended appreciation to partners for their collaboration and urged the research community to continue advancing scholarship that transforms lives and contributes to global knowledge.
Day 1 set the tone for an inspiring week, highlighting that research at SPU is not only about discovery but about creating impact that resonates locally, nationally and globally.
