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SU and partners collaborate to produce Africa's next generation of scientistshttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11070SU and partners collaborate to produce Africa's next generation of scientistsCorporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Anel Lewis]<p>​​​Stellenbosch University (SU) is part of a groundbreaking fellowship programme that over the next three years will produce more than 100 scientific leaders able to strengthen African capacity in critical areas of genomics and bioinformatics.<br></p><p>In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, who contributed an initial US$ 9 million, and the <a href="https://institutpasteurdakar.sn/">Institute Pasteur in Dakar</a> (IPD), SU's <a href="https://ceri.org.za/">Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation</a> (CERI) has launched the <a href="https://www.starsfellows.africa/">African STARS Fellowship Programme</a> aimed at  nurturing the continent's new healthcare research leaders and creating a skilled workforce in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine design and production in Africa.<br><br>Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor hailed the programme as a “transformative initiative designed to develop the next generation of African scientific leaders", at the official launch held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science's Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI).</p><p>“This programme aims to bridge the gap between science and industry by equipping fellows with the skills to address Africa's pressing health challenges while fostering biotechnology innovation and job creation, structured training programmes, industry placements and collaborations with organisations like Thermo Fisher Scientific  and Afrigen, ensure that fellows are prepared to lead in their field."</p><p>Multidisciplinary and collaborative, it involves key SU stakeholders including the Stellenbosch Business School and Innovus, as well as valued partners such as government, Oxford university and local and international industry leaders, added De Villiers. </p><p>In addition, the initiative will leverage previous investments in fellowship programmes at CERI in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, the World Bank, the European Commission, and the GIZ.  Together, these programmes have already trained 600 fellows towards strengthening African capacity in critical areas of genomics and bioinformatics.</p><p>“It is fair to say that this programme is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of African science and healthcare. It does this by developing leaders, fostering innovation and strengthening industry partnerships – paving the way for a self-sufficient and resilient Africa," said Prof De Villiers.</p><p>As Prof Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the CERI, pointed out: “Africa has the fastest growing young population in the world, and young Africans have limited employment opportunities. We not only have to generate employment, but we must deal with the challenges they face." Prof Sibusiso Moyo, deputy vice-chancellor: Research, Innovation and Post Graduate Studies, expanded on this, saying: “Through research we can help to find contextualised solutions to meet the continental need."</p><p>Prof de Oliveira pointed out the dearth of scientists from Africa working on the continent. “We do not have sufficient high-level scientists and often, after we train them, we cannot retain the scientists and innovators in Africa. We need to create the ecosystems to attract, train and retain them."​<br></p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-embedcode ms-rte-embedil ms-rtestate-notify"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IYLCAwRKyXY?si=sKWnSuafygPNIZoB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><p>The African STARS fellowship will elevate training in Africa by creating structured programmes and providing up to two years training and fostering partnership with big industry and biotechnology innovation hubs with the ultimate objective to create jobs that will retain and attract talented scientists to the African continent.</p><p>The first phase will fund 131 fellows over three years, with an emphasis on inclusivity and equitable representation across all African regions. The initiative aims to ensure that 60% of trainees are young women, addressing the gender disparities prevalent in the science and technology fields.</p><p>Dr Solomon Zedwu, CEO of the END (a private non-profit organisation dedicated to combating the five most common neglected tropical diseases) Fund and former senior executive resident of the Mastercard Foundation, said it is not enough to train African scientists without trying to retain them. “What we are doing effectively now is training for the world. While young Africans are getting employment, they are not getting employment in Africa. This is really putting the continent backwards and it is not pushing it into a space where Africa can compete with the rest of the world and contribute to solving problems on the continent." The STARS programme however takes training to the next level, connecting scientists to industry opportunities to create a demand for their skills on the continent, he added.</p><p>The programme will include two structured master's programmes of two years, including a master's in business administration (MBA) on Health Care Leadership and a structured Masters on Pathogen Genomics and Bioinformatics. It will also have two short term fellowships focusing on intense training on advanced genomics for public health analysis, genomic diagnostic design, and/or aspects around vaccine manufacturing and the Young Professional Program (YPP) offering 12 months of training focused on biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship. This will include placement at commercial companies, industry or innovation hubs.</p><p>Dr Richard Gordon, Director for International Business Development, South African Medical Research Council, endorsed the programme's strong emphasis on employment. “Unless we link training to some kind of employment and innovation, we won't change anything on the African continent." He referred to the job multiplier effect as a boon of the Africa STARS Fellowship Programme. “In Africa, for every job created in science, you create 20 other jobs in supply chain or manufacturing, etc. So, if we create 100 posts with this fellowship, we will create 2 000 jobs. This is why we invest in science."</p><p>According to Dr Xavier Berthet, Director of Research Education and Innovation at IPD, Africa will have the largest pharmaceutical market in the world in the next 100 years. It also has the youngest population Dr Berthet cautioned that if these youth are not employed unrest is likely.  Science and healthcare therefore have an important part to play in promoting peace, he said, which makes this fellowship programme even more valuable.</p><p>To provide comprehensive support to the Fellows in the African STARS Programme, CERI will collaborate with the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at SU International. Fellows will be fully integrated into various activities and programmes at Stellenbosch University through the Internationalisation services offered at SU International, to ensure that the Fellows make the most of their stay at Stellenbosch University. The CCA will also support the Governance of the African STARS Fellowship Programme, ensuring accountability at all levels.</p><p>“Innovation is not just about creativity. It is about bringing it to the market and bring it to a place where it can have impact," said Anita Nel, SU's Chief Director: Innovation and Commercialisation. As half of Africa's population is currently younger than 20, there's an enormous responsibility on research to create opportunities for innovation and employment, she explained. “In Africa, the industry is not advanced enough to take early-stage technology from universities to bring it to market.</p><p>She emphasised the importance of starting new companies and working with researchers to source investment, and empowering students to not only become employable, but to become employers themselves. “We keep turning students into excellent researchers who earn salaries, but let's turn them into people who pay salaries with the technologies that we develop. That is how we can develop industries in Africa."</p><p>More about the African STARS Fellowship Programme and application details: <a href="https://starsfellows.africa/">https://starsfellows.africa</a></p><p><strong>Additional information</strong></p><p><strong>Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI)</strong></p><p>The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) is led by Prof Tulio de Oliveira,  a leading internationally recognized scientist who is now placed in the Top 1% of highly cited researchers globally. CERI is a specialised genomics facility of the WHO AFRO and the Africa CDC and a training hub for Africa. In the last three years has hosted >600 fellows from 50 African countries for advanced training in epidemic preparedness and response. </p><p>CERI is based at Stellenbosch University within the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking and works across Faculties of Health and Medical Science and Faculty of Science and other SU entities contributing to research and innovation in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Centre for Collaboration in Africa</strong></p><p>The Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) is a Centre in Stellenbosch University International, which aims to create an enabling environment for Stellenbosch University to partner with other institutions in the African Continent.</p><p><strong>Institute Pasteur Dakar</strong></p><p>Created in 1924, Institut Pasteur de Dakar works to accelerate equitable, sustainable and affordable access to health in Africa. As a Senegalese not-for-profit foundation recognized as being of public utility, IPD provides communities with healthcare solutions and laboratory services, engages in cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation, manufactures vaccines and diagnostics essential to African populations, develops human capital, and engages in public health activities such as epidemic intelligence, outbreak response, and surveillance.</p><p><strong>Mastercard Foundation</strong></p><p>The Mastercard Foundation is a global organization that aims to advance education and financial inclusion across Africa. Through partnerships and innovative programs, the Foundation envisions a world where everyone can learn, work, and thrive.<br></p><p>​<strong>Photo</strong>: CERI Media, Captured: JikaJika Media<br></p>
African STARS Fellowship Programme to empower the next generation of health leaders in Africahttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11069African STARS Fellowship Programme to empower the next generation of health leaders in AfricaStellenbosch University Media Statement<p>In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of healthcare innovation in Africa, the Mastercard Foundation, the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) have announced the launch of the African STARS Fellowship Programme.</p><p>This programme has been designed with the core aim of nurturing the continent's new healthcare research leaders and creating a skilled workforce in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine design and production in Africa.</p><p>Africa is home to the fastest-growing young population globally, projected to comprise nearly half of the world's youth by 2100. However, the continent is grappling with the challenge of training sufficient scientists while also facing a disproportionate burden of health crises due to frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases such as HIV, Ebola, Marburg, Mpox and Turberculosis. In 2023 alone, over 150 disease outbreaks were reported across Africa, escalating the need for knowledgeable leaders who can engage effectively in public health efforts and can create companies and research institutes that advance discovery and manufacturing of medical countermeasures in Africa.</p><p>The African STARS Fellowship Programme will be launched with a generous initial award of US$ 9 million from the Mastercard Foundation in an effort to counter these pressing challenges. In addition, this initiative will leverage previous investments in fellowship programmes at CERI in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, the World Bank, the European Commission and the GIZ.  Together, these programmes have already trained 600 fellows towards strengthening African capacity in critical areas of genomics and bioinformatics. </p><p>The African STARS fellowship will now take training in Africa to the next level by creating structured programmes and providing up to 2 years training and fostering partnership with big industry and biotechnology innovation hubs with the ultimate objective to create jobs that will retain and attract talented scientists to the African continent.</p><p>“The African STARS Fellowship Programme is an embodiment of our commitment to empower the next generation of science leaders," said Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation. “By focusing on the skills development of young African scientific leaders, we can ensure that they are equipped to lead in addressing emerging health crises. In the last ten years, we have experienced extensive investment in science and technology in Africa, allowing access to some of the best laboratories in the world, which became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic with African scientists leading the world in the discovery of Omicron. Now, we need to invest in the research and development eco-system to create our own diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics".</p><p>The first phase of the programme will fund 131 fellows over three years, with an emphasis on inclusivity and equitable representation across all African regions. The initiative aims to ensure that 60% of trainees are young women, addressing the gender disparities prevalent in the science and technology fields. </p><p>“As we embark on this ambitious journey, we are focused on cultivating a new generation of talented scientists, policymakers, and healthcare leaders who can propel Africa towards self-sufficiency in addressing health challenges. The Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) is a leading research institution active in the fields of pandemic preparedness, epidemic investigation and training. Through our Center for Africa's Resilience to Epidemics (CARE) program and its laboratories, we train and support African countries in epidemic preparedness and early detection, to build local capacity and ensure rapid response. We are thrilled and excited to partner with Mastercard Foundation and the University of Stellenbosch to deliver this initiative," added Prof Amadou Sall, CEO of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar. </p><p>The programme will include two structured masters programmes of 2 years, including a Master in Business Administration (MBA) on Health Care Leadership and a structured Masters on Pathogen Genomics and Bioinformatics. The programme will also have two short term fellowships, (i) the advanced and translational training (ATT) programme, which is 4-6 months and will focus on intense training on advanced genomics for public health analysis, genomic diagnostic design, and/or aspects around vaccine manufacturing and (ii) the Young Professional Program (YPP), which include 12 months of training focused on biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship and includes placement at commercial companies, industry or innovation hubs.</p><p>In order to provide comprehensive support to the Fellows in the African STARS Programme, CERI will collaborate with the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at SU International. Fellows will be fully integrated into various activities and programmes at Stellenbosch University through the Internationalisation services offered at SU International, to ensure that the Fellows make the most of their stay at Stellenbosch University. </p><p>The primary objective of the African STARS Programme is not only to develop a high-calibre workforce but also to create an ecosystem that promotes innovation and drives economic growth in the biotechnology sector. By leveraging South-South collaboration and working with private industry, the programme seeks to reduce reliance on the Global North for essential skills and capabilities. </p><p>CERI and IPD are respected institutions with a rich history in research and training. </p><p>CERI has significantly contributed to the COVID-19 response, identifying two of the five SARS-CoV-2 variants of global concern, including the Omicron variant in addition to helpingto describe the current Mpox strains and leading a programme on climate change and epidemics and building the large genomics facility in Africa. </p><p>IPD has over a century of experience in public health research and more than 80 years in vaccine manufacturing. Over the last decade, IPD has supported 40 of the 55 countries in Africa on diagnostic, outbreak investigations, response to epidemics and risk assessments for high consequences pathogens such as Ebola, Marburg, Zika, Covid-19, Rift Valley fever and Mpox. </p><p>Together, CERI and IPD will provide comprehensive training across various fellowship opportunities, equipping participants with advanced skills that are otherwise scarce on the continent. </p><p>“The aim of this innovative training platform initially between CERI and IPD is to increase the employability potential of the African youth in jobs where these advanced skills would traditionally only be met by foreign trained professionals. It would also equip the individual to generate additional employment opportunities in the field with mastery of resource mobilization skills and creating a multiplication effect in employment opportunities for the youth of the continent." concluded Dr Solomon Zewdu, Senior Executive Resident, Mastercard Foundation. </p><p>The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies from Stellenbosch University, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, added that we are really excited to be part of this tripartite collaboration between IPD, Mastercard and CERI. The African STARS will contribute to a pipeline of the next generation of African scientific leaders. We are confident that this will attract future partners to help us, together, build the African and the sustainable futures we want for Africa and our World!​<br></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>For more information about the African STARS Fellowship Programme and application details, please visit <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://starsfellows.africa/&data=05%7c02%7c%7c5cae318a68614c469c6008dd314eba93%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638720936389451301%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=9PfU6Wz9TRVAc4vjZCOgLQEK1Sdmb039IS0uY%2B88cWs%3D&reserved=0">https://starsfellows.africa</a></li><li>Media and external visitors are <strong>invited for the launch of the program at an event that will take place on 15 January 2025</strong> at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) headquarters at Stellenbosch University's Tygerberg Campus in Cape Town, starting at 13:00. Join us for this momentous occasion as we come together to celebrate a shared vision for a healthier future for our continent. Event will also be broadcasted live online.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>About the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University:</strong></p><p>The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) is led by Prof Tulio de Oliveira,  a leading internationally recognized scientist who is now placed in the Top 1% of highly cited researchers globally. CERI is a specialised genomics facility of the WHO AFRO and the Africa CDC and a training hub for Africa. In the last three years has hosted >600 fellows from 50 African countries for advanced training in epidemic preparedness and response.  CERI is based at Stellenbosch University within the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking and works across Faculties of Health and Medical Science and Faculty of Science and other SU entities contributing to research and innovation in South Africa. Connect with us at <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.ceri.org.za/&data=05%7c02%7c%7c5cae318a68614c469c6008dd314eba93%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638720936389474630%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=4CaeN1nLH9sqFHB8SodNuUreNhNrqbxtYkh3xnrlNSg%3D&reserved=0">https://www.ceri.org.za</a> and on X: @ceri_news and LinkedIn: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceri-su/&data=05%7c02%7c%7c5cae318a68614c469c6008dd314eba93%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638720936389487726%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=iloz9l66YAsiqxiqNjln5bFTgLLhaTAkuo%2BdFFecQZk%3D&reserved=0">https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceri-su/</a><br><br></p><p><strong>About the Centre for Collaboration in Africa at Stellenbosch University</strong></p><p>The Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) is a Centre in Stellenbosch University International, which aims to create an enabling environment for Stellenbosch University to partner with other institutions in the African Continent.</p><p>Resources: SU International: <a href="/english/SUinternational">https://www.sun.ac.za/english/SUinternational</a>, Centre for Collaboration in Africa: <a href="/english/SUInternational/about-us-1/centres/centre-for-collaboration-in-africa">https://www.sun.ac.za/english/SUInternational/about-us-1/centres/centre-for-collaboration-in-africa</a><br></p><p><strong>About Institut Pasteur de Dakar</strong></p><p>Created in 1924, Institut Pasteur de Dakar works to accelerate equitable, sustainable and affordable access to health in Africa. As a Senegalese not-for-profit foundation recognized as being of public utility, IPD provides communities with healthcare solutions and laboratory services, engages in cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation, manufactures vaccines and diagnostics essential to African populations, develops human capital, and engages in public health activities such as epidemic intelligence, outbreak response, and surveillance.<br></p><p><strong>About Mastercard Foundation</strong></p><p>The Mastercard Foundation is a global organization that aims to advance education and financial inclusion across Africa. Through partnerships and innovative programs, the Foundation envisions a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive.<br></p><p>​<br></p>
Two SU students honoured at L’Oréal-UNESCO Awardshttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11066Two SU students honoured at L’Oréal-UNESCO AwardsCorporate Communications and Marketing<p>​Two exceptional doctoral students from Stellenbosch University (SU), <strong>Pamela Ncube</strong> and <strong>Welile Nwamba</strong>, have been named recipients of the 2024 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards. </p><p>This prestigious accolade, which celebrates the achievements of African women scientists, recognises their groundbreaking research in addressing critical health challenges on the continent.</p><p>The awards, held annually by the Foundation L'Oréal and UNESCO, highlight the vital contributions of African women to scientific innovation. This year's 30 winners, chosen from nearly 800 applicants, include 25 PhD candidates and five post-doctoral researchers from 15 African countries. These women are advancing solutions to issues such as food security, public health and climate resilience. </p><p>This year's ceremony in Cotonou, Benin also marked the programme's 15th anniversary, celebrating its impact in empowering over 240 researchers across the region since inception.</p><p><strong>Improving TB detection in wildlife</strong></p><p>Ncube, a doctoral student in biological sciences at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been recognised for her pioneering research on animal tuberculosis (TB) caused by <em>Mycobacterium bovis</em>. Her study, the first of its kind, focuses on the effects of this lesser-known pathogen on wildlife, including species such as lions, warthogs and buffalos. By understanding how <em>Mycobacterium bovis</em> reacts in different environmental conditions, Ncube aims to develop novel diagnostic tools to enhance animal welfare, reduce unnecessary culling and support conservation efforts across Sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p>Ncube's passion for biomedical sciences was ignited during her undergraduate studies, when she developed an interest in the phenotypic nature of microorganisms. Her work, she explains, is not only about improving diagnostics, but also about minimising the financial and ecological consequences of tuberculosis outbreaks in wildlife. She is motivated to inspire young women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their scientific dreams.</p><p>Ncube described the L'Oréal-UNESCO recognition as a testament to years of hard work, academic dedication, research, leadership and community engagement. She credited her success to the supportive academic environment and mentors who have consistently helped her reach her goals. </p><p>“As a woman in science, I have faced challenges such as self-doubt and limited funding," says Ncube. “This award serves as positive inspiration to young girls and women who may often feel discouraged to pursue their dreams due to challenging circumstances."</p><p><strong>Innovating diagnostics for extra-pulmonary TB</strong></p><p>Nwamba, a doctoral student in medical engineering at SU's Clinical Mycobacteriology and Epidemiology Group, is tackling extra-pulmonary TB, a condition that affects up to 30% of TB patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. This form of TB is often misdiagnosed due to its varied symptoms and limited diagnostic resources in rural areas. </p><p>Nwamba's research centres on developing a cost-effective, rapid urine test that simplifies the detection process, providing an accessible alternative to complex molecular diagnostics and imaging technologies.</p><p>“My innovative approach aims to accelerate TB diagnosis, particularly in low-resource settings, ultimately improving patients' quality of life," she explains. “Science is about offering diverse perspectives, breaking barriers and motivating future generations."<br></p><p>She is delighted and honoured to be recognised with the 2024 L'Oréal-UNESCO Award. “It is a wonderful accomplishment that marks a milestone in my career. It's a profound confirmation of my hard work and dedication that validates my resilience, perseverance and passion for science."​<br></p><p>Inspired by her lecturers during her first year at university, Nwamba envisions leading a research team dedicated to clinical advancements in tuberculosis. Her work highlights the transformative power of science to address pressing public health challenges while fostering inclusivity and diversity in research.</p><p><strong>The broader impact</strong></p><p>The achievements of these two researchers reflect the growing recognition of women's critical role in science. According to UNESCO, women represent 31,5% of researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme not only provides financial support, but also equips award recipients with leadership, communication and negotiation skills to overcome systemic barriers and drive innovation.</p><p>“By investing in science and championing innovation, African societies can empower the next generation to tackle pressing environmental and health challenges," said Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences.</p><p>As part of a global initiative that has supported over 4 400 women researchers since 1998, the awards amplify the voices of women like Ncube and Nwamba who are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.<br></p><p><br></p>
Building Research Capacity Across Africahttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10993Building Research Capacity Across AfricaSU International <p></p><p>The African Doctoral Academy (ADA) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual flagship event, the <strong>ADA Hybrid Summer School</strong>, which will run from <strong>22 January to 7 February 2025</strong>.</p><h3><strong>A Year of Impactful Growth and Collaboration</strong></h3><p>2024 has been a remarkable year for the ADA, marked by impactful initiatives, thriving collaborations, and the successful hosting of its highly anticipated Summer and Winter Schools. These events brought together over <strong>350 participants</strong> from across the African continent, including Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Delegates from diverse academic backgrounds benefited from <strong>30 expertly curated courses</strong> designed to equip doctoral candidates, supervisors, and researchers with essential skills.</p><p>Notable guests this year included representatives from the <strong>PERIPERI-U network</strong> and the <strong>African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Energy</strong>, underscoring the ADA’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and collaboration.</p><p><strong style="color:#262626;font-family:"segoe ui semilight", "segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:1.15em;">Bridging Borders with Free Master Classes</strong></p><p>The ADA's <strong>Master Class Webinar Series</strong> continues to empower African scholars, providing free, high-quality academic support. In 2024 alone, <strong>eight Master Classes</strong> were held, drawing an impressive <strong>1,300 participants</strong> from across Africa and beyond. These sessions have become a lifeline for doctoral researchers, offering insights into topics like effective research methods and academic writing.</p><p>Mark your calendars for the next Master Class on <strong>27 November 2024</strong>, titled <strong>'Mapping Academic Mindsets in the Age of Generative AI'</strong>—an exciting exploration of how AI is shaping the future of academia.</p><h3><strong>Innovative Collaborations and Strategic Workshops</strong></h3><p>This year, the ADA partnered with leading organizations to deliver impactful programs:</p><ul><li><strong>Grant Writing for Scholars</strong>: In collaboration with <strong>PERIPERI-U</strong> and the <strong>Climate Adaptation Research Program (CARP)</strong>, the ADA offered grant-writing courses in both English and French, alongside a CARP webinar to help researchers transition from theses to published articles.</li><li><strong>Energy Research Focus</strong>: Partnering with the <strong>Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES)</strong> and ARUA’s <strong>Centre of Excellence in Energy</strong>, the ADA organized workshops on <strong>academic publishing</strong> and <strong>entrepreneurship in renewable energy</strong>. These sessions culminated in a thought-provoking panel discussion during the <strong>Southern African Sustainable Energy Conference (SASEC) 2024</strong> pre-event.<br><br></li></ul><h3><strong>Looking Ahead to 2025</strong></h3><p>As we gear up for the ADA Summer School 2025, we extend heartfelt thanks to our presenters, guest speakers, delegates, and alumni who have made 2024 an extraordinary year. We can’t wait to welcome you to another exciting season of learning, networking, and academic growth.</p><p>For more details on ADA Schools and our Master Class Webinar Series, visit our website or follow us on social media. Questions? Reach us at <strong><a rel="noopener">adainfo@sun.ac.za</a></strong>.</p><p>Join us in 2025 for another transformative chapter with the ADA!<br></p><p>​<br></p>
Antibiotic resistance threatens newborns in sub-Saharan Africahttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10991Antibiotic resistance threatens newborns in sub-Saharan AfricaFMHS Marketing & Communications – Sue Segar<p>More than 250 000 newborn babies in sub-Saharan Africa die every year from severe bacterial infections, with antibiotic-resistant bacteria responsible for at least half of these deaths.<br></p><p>Newborns are particularly vulnerable to infections as their immune systems are not yet fully developed, Professor Angela Dramowski, a paediatrician at Stellenbosch University and Head of the Clinical Unit: General Paediatrics at Tygerberg Hospital.<br></p><p>Preterm babies are even more affected. “They spend weeks to months in hospital and rely on medical devices such as ventilators and intravenous drips to keep them alive," says Dramowski. “Their immunity, skin, and gut infection barriers are less developed than those of full-term babies, allowing bacteria to more easily invade the bloodstream," she explains.<br></p><p>Rising rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), coupled with population growth, overcrowded maternal and neonatal units, and inadequate infection prevention and control practices, mean that the disease burden in Africa is growing.<br></p><p>Without major interventions to tackle these challenges, Africa is far off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of less than 12 deaths per 1000 live births. The current rate in Africa is 27 per 1000 live births.<br></p><p>In light of these alarming figures, NeoNET AFRICA, a collaborative multidisciplinary network of specialists from across Africa and the United Kingdom focusing on neonatal health in Africa, will hold an awareness webinar on 22 November about the plight of AMR neonatal infections. The webinar will coincide with World Antibiotic Awareness Week, which runs from November 18 to 22.<br></p><p>Dramowski, a paediatric infectious disease specialist in SU's Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the issue of AMR neonatal infections is “under-recognised, under the radar and under-funded."<br></p><p>“All bacteria are programmed to survive, so as soon as a new antibiotic is invented, they try to develop resistance to it. Unfortunately, this will be an endless cycle," she explained. “The general public may be unaware that we have limited treatment options available. In the 15 years since I qualified as an infectious disease specialist, I've seen several antibiotics become ineffective due to rising AMR rates, forcing us to rely on 'antibiotics of last resort' for many patients."<br></p><p>Dramowski said a major problem in Africa is the inadequate implementation of infection control measures. “The suboptimal delivery of infection prevention in many African settings leads to the spread of AMR bacteria, causing difficult-to-treat hospital-acquired infections. This becomes a vicious cycle as we need more antibiotics to treat the infections, and the more we expose bacteria to antibiotics, the more we drive the development of resistance." </p><p>The NeoNET AFRICA<em> </em>webinar – aimed at anybody who works with hospitalised newborns in African countries – will, besides raising awareness of the rate of infections, also shed light on the work that many “silent warriors" have been doing in both the clinical and the research spaces, Dramowski said. <br></p><p>“Our usual target audience is the full range of clinicians, doctors, nurses and pharmacists working with neonates. But, more importantly, we hope, through this webinar, to attract the attention of hospital managers, public health specialists, and ministries of health to advocate for more resources to improve hospital care for small and sick newborns. It's only through large-scale change that we can improve and make a difference to the plight of the babies who die from AMR infections across Africa every day," she said.<br></p><p>Dramowski said NeoNET AFRICA was founded in November 2023 through a networking grant from the UK Academy of Sciences.</p><p>“The motivation for bringing this network together was that we needed to expand beyond the silo of doctors and nurses looking after newborns to collaboratively work on potential solutions to neonatal infections with multi-disciplinary colleagues such as data scientists, microbiologists, public health specialists, obstetricians and genomics researchers.<br></p><p>“Through this diversity of expertise, we hope to solve some of the challenges across African neonatal units that worsen the situation for newborns with sepsis."<br><br></p>
SU Celebrates Africa University Day by Showcasing Collaborative Research Excellencehttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10981SU Celebrates Africa University Day by Showcasing Collaborative Research ExcellenceDaniel Bugan<p>​​Stellenbosch University (SU) recently celebrated Africa University Day by shining a spotlight on its varied and impactful research and collaborative activities with its African partners through the African Collaboration Grant (ACG) during the recent Academic Network on Inclusiveness, Multilingualism and Excellence (ANIME) conference, showcasing the university's commitment to research excellence and partnerships.<br></p><p>Africa University Day is celebrated on 12 November each year to commemorate the establishment of the Association of African Universities in 1967 and to highlight the contributions of the African higher education sector to the development of the continent.</p><p>Dr Nico Elema, Director of the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at SU International (SUI), delivered the welcome and Introductory remarks.</p><p>“As we celebrate Africa University Day, we aim to remain relevant on the African continent and in the region of southern Africa, but also to have an impact in Stellenbosch and its surrounds.</p><p>“When we established the CCA in 2016, we took a conscious decision to take a approach of working with and learning from other African Universities, both large and small, and to continue building partnerships."</p><p>Elema then facilitated a discussion involving various academics at SU who shared their collaborative experiences with their African colleagues which was made possible through the support of the CCA's Africa Collaboration Grant (ACG). The ACG offers grants in a number of categories to support collaborative activities with bilateral partners in Africa. These categories include research visits, conference participation, hosting senior visiting scholars, and providing support for postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.</p><p><strong>Prof Lorna Dreyer, Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education – Towards contextual relevance for Africa</strong></p><p>Dreyer, whose research focus is on inclusive education and training support from a human rights and social justice perspective, expanded on her collaborations with colleagues in three Sub-Saharan African countries – Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Namibia.</p><p>“The Nigerian collaboration realised a project called, 'Women in Academia: Work-life balance in neo-liberal academia', which showed that, although their contexts might differ, women in Africa generally face similar challenges. I believe this project can draw attention to the contextual realities of women in academia who are in pursuit of excellence in their own professional development and the development of others.</p><p>“Another project was with the Reformed Church University of Zimbabwe. It started off with a series of discussions and we ended with an international conference on inclusive education. I delivered the keynote address at the conference and also played a role in editing and getting the conference proceedings published with the help of SUI.</p><p>“I also conducted a comparative project with the University of Namibia called, 'Experiences of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities'. This research provides insight into students' experiences to promote authentic inclusive education and provide support in the African context."</p><p>Dreyer said that the projects have played a big part in shaping her own pedagogy, which she now views as “an inter-relationship between the learning and the teaching, a reciprocal process of what's happening in the learning space".</p><p>She added that the collaborations also contributed to her introducing reflective and reflexive thinking in her engagements with students, which “helps me to guide them to become critical reflective practitioners who are aware of the need for contextual relevance".</p><p><strong>Ms Julia Harper, Project Manager, Faculty of Agrisciences – Reflections from agricultural sciences</strong></p><p>Harper said one of the collaborations that the ACG has made possible involves a number of professionals in the agricultural sciences domain from SA, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia.</p><p>“Each professional focuses on different elements of the food system, and together we are working to overcome key challenges. Where we might have a burning question and a challenge that we are battling with, somebody else may well have years of experience in this area and we are able to learn from that person. We have found this to be true in a number of areas. We also conduct training in different areas, such as how to develop new food products or how to pitch your ideas."</p><p>She added: “The value of partnerships has meant a great deal to a number of my colleagues, but one has to be careful that you don't just chase the cause, but that you nurture the networks and partnerships that you've invested so much of your time and effort in. It's an on-going process."</p><p><strong>Prof Thinus Booysen, Department of Industrial Engineering – Electric mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa</strong></p><p>Booysen's journey with electric mobility started when he entered into a collaboration with colleagues at Makerere University, Uganda.</p><p>“In this group, we are about 20 researchers. We look at electric mobility by asking ourselves the following questions: How do we move better in Sub-Saharan Africa? How do we do this transition to electric mobility and leverage all the opportunities that it brings, such as job creation, improved mobility, safety and efficiency? Basically, our work involves looking at the requirements for electric vehicles in the African context and the aspects that need to be considered when it comes to energy provision, operations and how to simulate it."</p><p>He said his collaboration with his African partners has taught him to treat those interactions with respect.</p><p>“We need to be very careful as South Africans that we are not arrogant and that we sufficiently respect our African partners. We tend to think that we are ahead, but I can tell you that is not the case anymore. There are thousands of electric vehicles being made in Kenya, and there are more electric vehicles on the roads in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa than in South Africa. We have already fallen behind.</p><p>“We in Sub-Saharan Africa have so many opportunities and so many challenges that we can address. We need to stop fighting one another and start working together to make the most of those opportunities and to solve those challenges."​</p><p><strong>Professor Len Hansen, Faculty of Theology</strong></p><p>Hansen said the ACG has been instrumental in helping the Faculty of Theology to establish and strengthen links with sister faculties within institutions across Africa.</p><p>“The grant enabled us to link with one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world and one that is uniquely African – the Ethiopian Coptic Church. Although this did not lead to a formal agreement between the two institutions, we formed some friendships that have lasted more than a decade. However, it gave us a foothold into Ethiopia to work with other denominations and institutions such as the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology in Addis Ababa.</p><p> </p><p>“In addition, the grant helped us to get involved with NetACT (Network for African Congregational Theology), which represents 54 member institutions in 15 African countries. Our flagship project that we introduced was the establishment of the NetACT internet portal in 2017 which offers free access to library, learning and teaching and virtual learning resources. This project has had a huge impact in helping especially the smaller institutions to survive and continue their teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic."</p><p> </p><p><strong>Closing</strong></p><p>Elema brought the celebrations to a close by highlighting a few success factors which he believes are important when you work with other African institutions.</p><p>“The first is context matters. Africa is not one country. Support local and regional programmes within larger African programmes to drive the African agenda. The second is equitable partnerships. Support partnerships that drive local research and capacity development agendas. It's not about a 50/50 or equal partnership, but a theoretical space where we start saying you give everything you've got and I'll give everything I've got and where aspects like trust and resources come into play. The third is institutional commitment, whereby you create an enabling environment by supporting and strengthening local institutions. And lastly, personal commitment. This involves embracing Afro-optimism by supporting local established researchers and emerging scholars through mobility exchange, think tanks and capacity development."</p><p> </p><p>​<br></p>
Success of Inaugural UNESCO Chair Conference in Nairobihttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10978Success of Inaugural UNESCO Chair Conference in NairobiUNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence<p>​<strong>​Nairobi, Kenya – October 9-11, 2024</strong> – The UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence at Stellenbosch University proudly announces the resounding success of its inaugural intercultural conference, held at Strathmore University, a key partner institution. The event brought together 56 participants from 12 countries, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences and practices.</p><p>The conference featured a keynote address by Mr. Milton Nyamadzawo, Director of the Institute for Economics and Peace in Southern Africa, alongside contributions from 19 speakers, including a plenary panel featuring two UNESCO Chairs and university leaders from both Stellenbosch and Strathmore Universities. Participants also enjoyed a film screening and engaged in a special post-conference strategy meeting with Secretary Ogle from the Office of the President of Kenya.</p><p>Feedback from attendees highlighted the conference's impact, with participants describing it as "meaningful," "connective," "enriching," and one even noting, "these are my people!" Key takeaways from the discussions included:</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>The need to learn more about significant local intercultural initiatives driven by individuals who understand their unique contexts.</li><li>The critical importance of listening for understanding in social relations as well as  the need for intentional development of intercultural competence.</li><li>The foundational role of narratives in human experiences.</li><li>The necessity of amplifying the voices of Africa's youth.</li><li>The need for more frequent intergenerational dialogues.</li><li>The value of communities of practice as nurturing hubs for intercultural exchange.</li></ul><p>One of the primary goals of the conference was to create a platform for African voices, perspectives, and practices—especially those rooted in pre-colonial traditions—on intercultural topics that promote shared humanity and peaceful coexistence where all thrive.</p><p>Looking ahead, the next UNESCO Chair intercultural conference is scheduled to take place in Morocco during the last week of September 2025. More details will be posted on the Chair website at <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.sun.ac.za/english/unescochair-icc/__%3b%21%21OToaGQ%21peMeAHSi4amdxF6rUJrFp7L5NumexTejrkizM9rwmM8RGtGjEdg4yfpEu-e_2Y2HojclX1bxXm_rHlZq$&data=05%7c02%7c%7ca7e9a55dca094d6c5afc08dd07c085b1%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638675245639490886%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=ttEVnb8ZdsqiZanDJaRPDIky5dVhJ2xwV13Z9Xq4l4M%3D&reserved=0"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.sun.ac.za/english/unescochair-icc/</span></a> </p><p>The UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence, based at Stellenbosch University and led by Dr. Darla K. Deardorff, a renowned expert in the field, focuses on the intersections of intercultural competence with peacebuilding, climate action, and gender equality across Africa and beyond. The Chair's team includes co-chairs: Dr. Divinia Jithoo, Dr Precious Simba, Operations Coordinator: Werner de Wit, and Intersection leads: Yenziwe Mbuyisa, Sarah Richmond, and Rabia Omar, along with partner universities across Africa and beyond. </p><p>For more information or to get involved with the work of the Chair, please contact Dr. Darla Deardorff or the team at <a href="mailto:UNESCO-ICC@sun.ac.za"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">UNESCO-ICC@sun.ac.za</span></a>.<br></p><p>​<br></p>
Stellenbosch University Hosts Climate Adaptation Workshop, Building Global Research Partnershipshttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10935Stellenbosch University Hosts Climate Adaptation Workshop, Building Global Research PartnershipsSU International <p>​<span style="text-align:justify;">From October 9-11, 2024, Stellenbosch University's PERIPERI U, in collaboration with key global partners, hosted the Climate Adaptation Research Program (CARP) Workshop in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The event brought together 30 scholars from across Africa, with support from the University of Arizona and USAID, to address the critical challenges posed by climate change. Held at the Protea Hotel and Conference Centre in Techno Park, the workshop fostered discussions on how research can contribute to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">In his opening remarks Alberto Francioli, Programme Manager for PERIPERI U at Stellenbosch University International, emphasized the importance of the workshop in equipping scholars with skills for impactful research. "This workshop provided scholars with the tools to ensure their research makes a meaningful contribution to society, helping to safeguard our planet for future generations," he said. The event highlighted the critical need for integration and collaboration in finding viable solutions to contemporary disasters caused by climate change.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Hannah Corrie, Principal Investigator for CARP at the University of Arizona, explained that the CARP program aims to build a global community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working together to create evidence-based, actionable solutions to localized DRR challenges. "The Climate Adaptation Research Program (2023-2028) seeks to foster a new generation of researchers in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands, whose work focuses on the impacts of climate change on DRR policies and strategies," Corrie noted.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Key partners in the CARP initiative include Stellenbosch University's Centre for Collaboration in Africa, PERIPERI U (a network of 12 African universities focused on disaster risk reduction), the Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (a consortium of universities in Central America), and Auckland University of Technology, which is supporting DRR research across the Pacific region.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Corrie highlighted the role of USAID in supporting the CARP initiative. “The CARP program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through USAID, which provides economic and humanitarian assistance in over 80 countries worldwide," she said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The workshop in Stellenbosch marked the first in-person gathering for the 2024-2025 cohort of CARP scholars, who will implement localized DRR research in their respective countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. Francioli remarked, “We see these scholars as members of a community that can enact change and have an impact in the global south."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The CARP programme divides scholars into three categories: early career researchers, continuing scholars, and those involved in multi-institutional collaborations. Maureen Kudzai Maisiri, a PhD student at the University of the Free State, shared her excitement as an early career researcher, stating, "The CARP programme is about putting climate change solutions into action in Africa. Our work can improve livelihoods and help eradicate hunger by 2030."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Dr. Dorothea Deus, a Senior Lecturer from Ardhi University in Tanzania, stressed the importance of community awareness in risk reduction. "We need to generate knowledge that informs communities about climate risks and prepares them for disasters," she said. Dr. Deus also advocated for using social media and digital platforms to spread awareness, especially in remote areas.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Jack Ogony, a PhD student from Moi University in Kenya, who represents the multi-institutional collaboration category, emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing climate change. "Climate change is dynamic and affects all of Africa. By working together across countries, we can assess risk factors and create shared solutions," he explained.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The insights from these scholars underscore the power of networks and partnerships in building a society that collaborates towards common goals. CARP, through its "purposeful partnerships," is laying the groundwork for impactful climate adaptation research that can make a difference globally.<br></p><p>​<br></p>
African Gala Dinner: Celebrating African Heritage in a Global Contexthttps://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10918African Gala Dinner: Celebrating African Heritage in a Global ContextAbongile Quthu<p>​​​<span style="text-align:justify;">How do we harness our African heritage in an ever- Changing and Globalised World? That was the big question at the African Gala Dinner 2024. On 11 October 2024, Stellenbosch University International (SUI) hosted an inspiring African Gala Dinner at the Stellenbosch University's Museum, bringing over 100 students together alongside key partners and community members in a celebration of African culture and heritage. The event which featured representatives from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, was testament to the diversity and interconnectedness of African students.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The gala programme was a vibrant blend of speeches, panel discussions, and musical performances, offering a rich reflection on African traditions. Attendees shared their experiences on stage and explored what it means to be African in today's globalised world. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">One of the highlights of the evening was the panel discussion, where students engaged with the theme: <strong><em>“How do we Harness our African Heritage in an Ever-Changing and Globalised World?"</em></strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Taro Samuelson, a Namibian student pursuing his degree in Data Engineering and one of the student speakers captured the essence of the evening with his remark, “To be African means to be committed to the future of Africa… Africa is a continent we can build up together because I am because we are."  Echoing the Ubuntu philosophy of community and shared responsibility.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Another student, Angela Malata, a Malawian final-year law student, reflected on the diversity within Africa Culture stating “In Africa, we can learn from each other. Being an African is vibrant."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The dinner was not just an opportunity for reflection but also a celebration.  Guests enjoyed African dishes and both acoustic and instrumental performances catered by AmaZink, a local township dinner theatre, from Kayamandi, a Stellenbosch township, and the performance brought the spirt of Africa to life.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>The vision behind the Gala </em></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Angelo Jephtha, Coordinator for Student Life and Success at SU International emphasised the significance of the event: “The aim of the dinner was twofold: to encourage reflection on African heritage and to provide African students with a memorable and meaningful event that fosters a sense of belonging. This gathering serves as an opportunity to celebrate and honour African culture while also offering students a chance to connect and feel supported."  </p><p style="text-align:justify;"> “I wanted to do something special for the African students." His vision aligns with the international office's broader goal of supporting African students and fostering a community where they feel at home".  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Leoné Wilkinson, Office Administrator for Student Life and Success, shared similar aspirations for the event's future: “I want them to bring their full African regalia each year when they travel to campus… and encourage embassies to get involved.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The focus and concept behind the gala was to celebrate our African international students and the transformative student experience." </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>Reflections from the Audience</em></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The event's success extended beyond the students and organisers. It resonated with attendees from diverse backgrounds.  Exchange student Alina Colmsee, From Leipzig University shared, “This was an amazing experience; I got to learn about Africa."  her reflection highlighted the event's role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual understating the university community.  </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Francisca Darkoh, a Msc Physiology student shared “Cultural appreciation is key in higher education, because it “contributes to diversity and through appreciating our backgrounds, we may educate around cultural differences, and these events do just that", </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Panashe Nyamande, a third-year student in BSc Computer Systems, who was the MC for the evening highlighted that, "these are key platforms that enhance networking and socialization within the student community... for me, I am able to express myself and learn from others through these events".</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> <em>A path forward </em></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The African Gala Dinner marks more than just a night of celebration—it lays the foundation for future initiatives that promote African heritage within the university. As Angelo and Leoné suggested, making this event a permanent fixture on the institution's calendar would ensure that African students continue to have opportunities to connect, reflect, and celebrate their identities.  <br></p><p>​<br></p>
Conference facilitated by SU a ‘new dawn’ for international scientific collaboration https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10896Conference facilitated by SU a ‘new dawn’ for international scientific collaboration Corporate Communications and Marketing<p>​​The Who's Who of African and European academia convened in Stellenbosch this week as part of a groundbreaking and ambitious initiative facilitated by Stellenbosch University (SU). <br></p><p>Over 200 academics and researchers gathered at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) over three days for the inaugural Africa–Europe Clusters of Research Excellence Conference. The event was co-hosted by SU, the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities. </p><p>Through 21 joint Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE), co-led by universities from each continent, key societal challenges are addressed through partnerships across disciplines, aligning efforts with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. These clusters, encompassing more than 169 institutions across 60 countries, also reflect the shared commitment of Africa and Europe to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).</p><p>The conference was a milestone that provided a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions and strengthen networks essential to addressing the challenges faced by African and European societies.</p><p> <strong>Historic collaboration</strong></p><p> <strong>Prof Sibusiso Moyo</strong>, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, welcomed the international guests to Stellenbosch and reminded the audience that former president Nelson Mandela said education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.</p><p>In his welcoming address, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor <strong>Prof Wim de Villiers</strong> called the event a “historic collaboration" to use innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to tackle the major issues of the day, from public health crises to climate adaptation. “We're particularly excited that ARUA set an ambitious target to graduate 1 000 PhDs each year from its member universities over the next decade. That is aspirational and truly inspiring. It is not only vital for our continent's academic future, but also for addressing some of these developmental challenges we want to tackle," De Villiers said.</p><p>The conference highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration as a vital component of addressing complex global challenges </p><p>In the first plenary session, <strong>Prof John Gyapong</strong>, Secretary General of ARUA, discussed the urgent need to address Africa's research output and retain talent within the continent. He articulated a vision for increasing research output that is relevant to African contexts while fostering collaboration with European partners.</p><p> <strong>Prof Jan Palmowski</strong>, Secretary General of The Guild representing European universities, emphasised the importance of equitable partnerships between Africa and Europe, ensuring that both continents benefit from long-term collaborations that address shared challenges such as migration, climate change and societal inequalities. “This is not just about short-term projects but a long-term commitment to solving the world's biggest challenges together," he said, referencing the AU-EU Innovation Agenda as a strategic framework for collaboration over the next decade.</p><p>In her keynote address, <strong>Prof Funmi Olonisakin</strong>, Vice President (International, Engagement and Service) at King's College in the UK, described the initiative as the building block of an academic movement to change the world. “This collaboration is not just about research; it is about creating something special, something different," she said. “We are not just researchers; we are change-makers. This is how we build a movement of knowledge producers that are effective in changing society." </p><p>Olonisakin stressed the importance of equitable partnerships, recognising that African universities are often disadvantaged by structural inequalities. “We are not starting from a level playing field. We must be mindful of these gaps and build equitable frameworks that bring others along with us," she cautioned and pointed out that existing inequalities between African and European institutions, such as access to infrastructure and funding, must be addressed if the partnership is to succeed.</p><p>Throughout the conference, participants engaged in breakaway sessions and workshops, fostering in-depth discussions on topics such as gender and health disparities, sustainable development, water resources management and artificial intelligence.</p><p>In feedback sessions, representatives of the different clusters highlighted their key achievements, including securing funding, establishing training programmes, building research networks and publishing in top journals. Challenges such as expanding membership, obtaining sufficient funding and navigating administrative hurdles were also discussed.</p><p> <strong>Social justice foundation</strong></p><p>On the second day, the keynote address was delivered by <strong>Prof Thuli Madonsela</strong>, Director of the Centre for Social Justice at SU. She spoke passionately about the need for transdisciplinary research to tackle complex societal challenges, using the Covid-19 pandemic as a case study.  Madonsela argued that the pandemic highlighted the limitations of narrow approaches to public health that overlooked aspect such as mental health and economic consequences. She stressed that social justice should be a foundational element in research initiatives. “Without fairness in how we distribute the benefits and burdens of research, we risk deepening existing inequalities," Madonsela concluded.</p><p>An important session was presented by <strong>Sean Rowlands</strong>, the Senior Policy Officer of The Guild, who provided a roadmap for the ARUA clusters to navigate the complex funding landscape and harness the potential of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. Emphasising the multilateral nature of the clusters, Rowlands explained how this structure offers distinct advantages, including flexibility, collaboration and long-term planning. He noted that the ARUA clusters have already been recognised on the AU-EU dashboard for their substantial contributions to the shared priority areas. “You are already well-aligned with the innovation agenda, and this puts you in a competitive position to be the researchers that these calls are looking for," Rowlands told academics.</p><p>A crucial panel discussion on the final day of the conference provided valuable insights to policy issues. The session brought together key stakeholders from the AU, EU, national research agencies and university leadership to explore how the newly formed research clusters can help advance the AU-EU innovation agenda.</p><p> <strong>Botho Kebabonye Bayendi</strong> from the African Union (AU) urged researchers to ensure their work directly contributes to the continent's ambitious goals, particularly as Africa enters what she described as a “decade of acceleration." Bayendi commended the conference's focus on issues such as climate change, food security and skills development, which align with the AU's strategic objectives. “We are saying African solutions for African problems and the agenda should be citizen driven," she stressed.</p><p> <strong>Dr Thandi Mgwebi</strong> from South Africa's National Research Foundation (NRF) discussed how research plays a pivotal role in South Africa's policies on inclusive growth and job creation.</p><p> <strong>Game-changing initiative</strong></p><p>Sustainable development was a major focus during the panel, with participants explaining how Africa could avoid the environmentally damaging industrialisation paths taken by other countries. The discussion concluded that fostering better connections between researchers, governments and civil society is key to addressing Africa's pressing issues, from climate change to public health.</p><p>The conference ended with an inspiring reflection on what was achieved and the way forward. </p><p> <strong>Professor Anders Hagfeldt</strong>, Chair of The Guild and Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University in Sweden, said building trust and fostering collaboration requires a deep understanding of each other's backgrounds and histories, reinforcing the value of listening in creating meaningful partnerships. “We can say with confidence that we're doing something very important. On many levels this initiative is game-changing," Hagfeldt remarked. </p><p>Olonisakin said it's clear that the conference is ringing in a new era in scientific endeavour. <strong>Prof Oluyemisi Bamgbose</strong> from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria called the initiative a “new dawn" and referred to the “common humanity" that took centre stage. </p><p>Echoing this sentiment, Palmowski said he wanted to pay tribute to SU's efficiency and leadership in hosting the conference. “We have learned a huge amount from each other, and we will continue to learn as we go on this journey together. As we're meeting, the world has become a much darker place. It must encourage us to redouble our efforts, because there is no alternative to what we are doing. I'm convinced that our work is more necessary than ever. This is a community, and we will do our very best in The Guild and ARUA offices to support this endeavour."</p><p>During her closing remarks on the last day of the conference, <strong>Prof Hester Klopper</strong>, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs at SU, highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration in advancing the conference's goals. Reflecting on feedback from participants, she noted that when individuals come together for the first time, they often bring a sense of vulnerability. Drawing from management scientist Patrick Lencioni, she said overcoming this vulnerability is essential for building effective teams, with trust being the foundation of successful collaboration. “I honestly believe that we are making history. Nowhere else is there the magnitude of the network we have here together and the opportunity to really make a difference," Klopper concluded.</p><ul style="color:#61223b;text-decoration:underline;"><li> <a href="/english/Documents/2024/ARUA_The_Guild_Comment_from_participants.pdf" target="_blank"> <strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Read more feedback from participants ≫</strong></a> </li></ul> ​ <p> <strong>PHOTO: Ignus Dreyer</strong></p><p>​<br></p>