Taking along the spirit of Ubuntu, a North-West University (NWU) academic is stepping onto the international stage to connect South African public health research with global networks through her appointment to a key leadership role at a major international conference.
Dr Mpho Chipu from the School of Nursing has been appointed by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) as country coordinator for the 12th International Public Health Conference set to take place in Bali, Indonesia, from 5 to 7 August 2026.
The conference, themed “Beyond boundaries: advancing public health through sustainability, innovation and global change”, aligns with Dr Chipu’s research focus on Ubuntu, a philosophy centred on interconnectedness, compassion and community.
“This role allows me to connect South African public health research with global platforms while strengthening the international research footprint of the NWU,” says Dr Chipu.
Her appointment positions the NWU within a global network of more than 500 universities across 45 countries, enhancing the institution’s visibility in international public health discourse.
Supporting local researchers
As country coordinator Dr Chipu is responsible for facilitating the participation of South African researchers in global academic platforms. This includes recruiting and supporting scholars to present research, contribute to keynote sessions, engage in panel discussions and workshops and publish in high-impact journals.
“Since my appointment I have successfully recruited researchers from the NWU, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and the University of Johannesburg, who will present their work at the conference and publish their manuscripts in Quartile 1 and 2 journals,” she says.
The conference enables researchers to present on context-specific public health challenges while collaborating on sustainable and locally relevant solutions. It further provides opportunities for mentorship, knowledge exchange and capacity-building.
TIIKM is recognised for promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and amplifying Global South voices in research. Its initiatives align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which focus on areas such as health, inequality, climate action and partnerships.
Beyond conference participation, Dr Chipu pointed out the strategic value of her role in fostering long-term collaborations.
“This platform creates opportunities to establish sustainable partnerships through potential memoranda of understanding during the conference. It is more than academic engagement; it is a pathway to position the NWU and South African researchers on the global stage,” she says.
Her appointment reflects the NWU’s continued commitment to advancing research excellence, strengthening international partnerships and contributing to solutions that address both local and global public health challenges.
Dr Mpho Chipu from the School of Nursing has been appointed as country coordinator for the 12th International Public Health Conference in Bali, Indonesia.
