“To expand beautiful ideas of working together across disciplines.” These were the words of Professor Jeffrey Mpahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation at the North-West University (NWU), as he captured the essence of the university's Research and Innovation Colloquium that was held at Sun City from 02-04 March 2025.
The colloquium began on Sunday evening with a reception and networking dinner hosted by the NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka. This opening event provided a platform for academics and industry leaders to engage in discussions about the pivotal role of research in driving societal transformation and promoting sustainable development.
Over the course of two days, various faculties from the NWU showcased their research initiatives, all aligned with the colloquium’s central theme: Research and Innovation for Society and Sustainable Development: Embracing Inter-, Multi- and Transdisciplinary Approaches and Industry Partnerships. This platform highlighted the university's commitment to making a meaningful social impact, fostering international collaboration, and advancing sustainable growth.
The programme directors for the first day were Prof Nnenesi Kgabi, chief director of Research and Postgraduate Support, and Dr Mathew Moyo, chief director of Library and Information Services. The day commenced with a presentation from the Faculty of Health Sciences, themed From Laboratories to Communities: Multidisciplinary, Transdisciplinary and Sustainability Challenges in Health Sciences Research. This session emphasised how the faculty’s research extends beyond the confines of laboratories to address real-world health challenges.
Next, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences presented their session, titled Creating Futures: Bold Ventures in Multi- and Trans-Disciplinary Research, outlining the faculty’s forward-looking approach to research that anticipates future economic and management trends.
Following this, the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Theology delivered presentations centred on Faculty Themes on Fostering Multidisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research and Innovation, underlining their combined efforts in driving research to address societal challenges.
A highlight of the first day was an insightful presentation by Prof Anne Verhoef, director of the NWU Artificial Intelligence Hub, titled Research in the Era of AI. Prof Verhoef provided a thought-provoking assessment of how artificial intelligence reshapes the research landscape.
The second day, led by programme director Mrs Bibi Bouwman, began with presentations from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities, also centred on Faculty Themes on Fostering Multidisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research and Innovation
Following this, Dr Janine Chantson facilitated a session titled Innovations for Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow: Aligning Research to Market Needs, which explored the importance of tailoring research outcomes to meet real-world demands. In her closing remarks, Dr Chantson stated, “The most exciting things that lie ahead will happen at the intersection of our different fields.”
The TTIS (Technology Transfer and Innovation Support) segment featured presentations such as Leveraging on NWU Enterprises and From Campus to Community: Technology and Knowledge Transfer for Societal Impact, delivered by Dr Andrew Bailey, acting director of Research Contracts and Innovation at the University of Cape Town. This session emphasised the university’s role in transforming research into tangible community benefits.
In addition, topics such as The Role of Universities in Innovation-Driven Industrial Development and the importance of intellectual property were explored, including a deep dive into the National Intellectual Property Management Office and the Intellectual Property Act.
The colloquium concluded with remarks from Prof Jeffrey Mpahlele, who congratulated all the faculties and presenters on their insightful contributions. He expressed his pleasure at seeing the faculties extending offers for collaboration, stating, “This will expand the NWU’s international footprint.”
