The North-West University (NWU) will strengthen its international research footprint when it participates in the 2026 BRICS Postgraduate Forum, taking place from 9 to 11 June 2026 at the University of Campinas in Brazil.

Convened by the BRICS Research Institute in partnership with RUDN University, the forum will be held under the theme “BRICS and Sustainable Development in a Multipolar World: Governance, Innovation and Market Transformation”.

The event forms part of ongoing efforts to promote postgraduate scholarship, international collaboration and South-South cooperation among institutions in the BRICS+ network. Approximately 100 master's degree, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from across the Global South are expected to attend the forum, creating a platform for scholarly exchange and collaboration.

The NWU delegation will comprise postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows selected based on their academic performance, research contributions and alignment with the objectives of the forum. Participants will have the opportunity to present their research, engage with leading international scholars and contribute to discussions on governance, innovation, sustainability and market transformation in BRICS nations.

The initiative is hosted through a collaboration between the BRICS Research Institute, the University of Campinas and RUDN University, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing international research partnerships and postgraduate development.

During the three-day forum, delegates will participate in a range of academic activities, including research presentations, panel discussions, networking and collaboration sessions, guest lectures by international scholars and knowledge-exchange initiatives focused on sustainable development and innovation.

Participation in the forum is expected to enhance the international research visibility of the NWU, expand opportunities for collaboration and contribute to the broader commitment of the university to postgraduate excellence and global academic engagement.

According to an invitation issued by Prof. Fulufhelo Netswera, head of the BRICS Research Institute and deputy vice-chancellor for research and postgraduate studies at the University of Venda, selected papers presented at the forum will undergo a peer-review process and may be considered for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal special issue or an edited academic volume.

Prof. Nnenesi Kgabi, the NWU chief director for research and postgraduate support, said the participation of the university in the forum reflects the growing strength and international standing of its postgraduate and postdoctoral programmes.

“Participating in the BRICS Postgraduate Forum shows improvement in the excellence and visibility of both the NWU postgraduate and postdoctoral programmes. We are proud of our master's degree and doctoral students, as well as our postdoctoral fellows, who are using multinational and international platforms to showcase their work,” she said.

Welcoming the opportunity, Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele, NWU deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, community engagement and postgraduate studies with the assigned function of the Vanderbijlpark Campus, highlighted the central role of research in advancing the mission and societal impact of the university.

“Research is not only one of the main pillars of the NWU but also drives innovation, strengthens academic excellence and addresses South African and global challenges. It improves teaching quality, supports economic development, informs public policy and creates opportunities for students and communities. Through impactful discoveries, the university enhances its reputation, while contributing solutions to society.

“I want to wish our postdoctoral fellows and students all the best as they make presentations at this global forum. This is an opportunity to further their careers and advance our quest for internationalisation, global visibility and impact. I know that they will make us proud.”

The university views its participation as a strategic opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, support the development of emerging researchers and contribute meaningfully to global conversations on sustainable development, innovation and inclusive growth.

As the BRICS+ bloc continues to expand its influence in shaping global research and development agendas, the NWU remains committed to fostering impactful international collaborations that advance knowledge creation and address societal challenges through research and innovation.