The African Doctoral Academy (ADA), based at Stellenbosch University International, recently concluded its highly successful 2025 Hybrid Summer School, which took place from 22 January to 7 February. Hosted both virtually and in person at the Wallenberg Research Centre within the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), the event brought together over 100 participants from across the continent.
Delegates joined from countries including Kenya, Namibia, Mauritius, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, reflecting the ADA’s continued commitment to advancing doctoral education and research capacity throughout Africa.
This year’s programme featured 10 expertly designed courses aimed at equipping doctoral candidates, emerging researchers, and early-career academics with critical academic and research skills. The sessions were facilitated by an outstanding lineup of local and international academics from institutions such as Stellenbosch University, Durban University of Technology, the University of Michigan (USA), the University of Bath (UK), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), and KU Leuven (Belgium).
Beyond coursework, the Summer School also created space for meaningful engagement. A series of networking events fostered valuable connections and encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration. A highlight of the event was the official in-person welcome by Prof. Sam Tshehla, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs at Stellenbosch University. He underscored the vital role the ADA plays in strengthening doctoral education systems across Africa.
Distinguished guest speakers added further depth to the programme. Prof. dr. John Creemers (KU Leuven, Belgium) delivered a forward-looking address on "Emerging Trends in Doctoral Capacity Development," while Prof. dr. Sebastian Gurtner (Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland) gave a thought-provoking talk on the power and value of ideas in research and innovation.
In addition to the Summer and Winter Schools, the ADA continues to offer its free year-round Master Class webinar series, designed to support pre-doctoral, doctoral, postdoctoral researchers, and academics seeking to expand their skill sets. The next session, "Introducing the Foundations of Mixed Methods Research," will be presented by Prof. Timothy C. Guetterman (University of Michigan, USA) on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30 (GMT+2). Participation is free with prior registration.
Recordings of past Master Classes, as well as information on upcoming training opportunities, are available on the ADA website. To register for the upcoming Master Class, click here.
The ADA extends its heartfelt thanks to all facilitators, guest speakers, and participants who made the 2025 Hybrid Summer School a resounding success. Together, we are building stronger doctoral and research ecosystems across the African continent.
