An exhibit from the last Optentia Research Day which took place in 2016.
The challenges that Africa and the world are facing are nothing new to us: finding ways to promote human health, well-being and flourishing, implementing and maintaining high-quality education over the lifespan of individuals, creating opportunities to channel the energy and ideas of the youth, contributing to economic growth and enhancing governance in order to accomplish effective and efficient service delivery. The research of James Heckman (heckmanequation.org) showed that cognitive and non-cognitive capabilities determine health, social and economic success of individuals and societies. Moreover, we know from research that people in disadvantaged environments are at much greater risk of being unskilled, having low earnings and facing personal and emotional troubles.
Sound research, reason and connection of researchers across disciplines are vital to develop innovative evidence-based solutions to such problems.
The upcoming research day is an event designed to promote that kind of research and creative inquiry and also create an opportunity to share and discuss research. The day will aim to:
- Share research findings regarding the cultivation of humanity from the perspectives of different disciplines and research entities at the North-West University (NWU) as a unitary institution.
- Provide an opportunity for postgraduate students and researchers to connect with users of research findings and develop their perspectives on cultivating humanity.
- Build multi-disciplinary networks of researchers, policymakers and practitioners to tackle the challenges associated with unemployment.
How to take part
Optentia has invited researchers from all entities at the NWU to participate in the research day which will be held at the Vanderbijlpark Campus’ Big Lapa on 26 September 2018. Submissions may be submitted until 5 September and can include (but are not limited to) posters, works of art, computer programmes, digital or manual drawings, displays and models. Presenters should keep in mind that the project must be small enough in size that it is movable by the presenter without additional assistance and should fit on a small display table. Presenters are encouraged to have a series of talking points ready that identify the salient features of the project and seek to engage the audience about the work being presented. Every submission should have at least one take away message that can be tweeted in 140 characters. A limited number of prestige lecture slots are also available, as are staged panel conversations, dialogues or debates.
