Image:Supplied

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) hosted another successful Research Week from Monday, 8 September, until Wednesday, 10 September 2025 - three days dedicated to celebrating innovation, collaboration, and the power of research to change the world.

This year’s Research Week theme, "Building Research Ecosystems for Global Collaboration," set the tone for an inspiring programme. From keynote addresses to dynamic parallel sessions, participants experienced a showcase of groundbreaking discoveries, thought-provoking debates and cross-disciplinary connections that reflect UWC’s vision of research without borders.

In the welcome address and opening remarks by Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, he said: “Research is what we are all about in higher education. And it's research that breaks the boundary of knowledge. It's research that integrates in the classroom. It's research that UWC, particularly, makes a difference in our communities. And all in the way of impact, changing lives, transforming the future. It is the reason why we exist as an institution.” 

Image: Supplied

Prof José Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, highlighted UWC’s journey since 2017 in creating spaces for dialogue, innovation, and impact, reminding us that research is a bridge connecting disciplines, society, South Africa and the global community. The week’s programme showcased how UWC research aligns with national priorities such as health, social justice, education and climate change, while also contributing to global conversations on ethical AI, digital futures and indigenous knowledge. Prof Frantz called on researchers to share ideas, engage across disciplines, and build lasting partnerships, affirming UWC’s role as a community that discovers boldly, collaborates deeply and impacts globally.

Throughout the week, researchers, students and partners engaged with diverse themes ranging from health innovation and sustainability, to technology, social transformation and global partnerships.

Highlights of Research Week 2025

Day One, Guest Speaker, Prof Priscila Baker, Natural Sciences: A powerful opening session that set the stage for dialogue on building inclusive, collaborative research ecosystems by “Wearable sensors for early detection of lifestyle diseases: Concepts and constructs.” 

Day Two, Women in Research Keynote address, Prof Liezel Ennion, Community and Health Sciences: A thought-provoking reflection on the future of research and innovation in a rapidly changing world. Title: “What If Your What If Works? - Stronger Together”

Day Three, Keynote address by Prof Marieta Du Plessis, Economic and Management Sciences: “A case study evaluation of the PEEP Programme’s Multi-modal Approach to Academic Leadership” 

Winners of the 3MT competition: E Koeras, C Petinger and Y Mayman (left to right). Image:Supplied

The 3 MINUTES THESIS (3MT) COMPETITION celebrated the exciting research conducted by UWC PhD students. Developed by The University of Queensland, the exercise cultivates students’ academic, presentation and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. 3MT seeks to enhance the PhD profile within universities and the wider community.

Always a crowd favourite, this year’s contest showcased the brilliance of UWC PhD students who translated complex research into engaging three-minute presentations for a general audience.

Congratulations to the two-tie winners, Ms Yolanda Mayman, whose title: ‘Impact of Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine roll out on treatment experiences and mental well-being of adolescents on HIV treatment in Western Cape, South Africa, and Mrs Eurinah Koeras whose research title was: “From Roots to Remedies: Plant-Derived Strategies Against Prostate Disease”, and to the third winner: Ms Charné Petinger, titled: “Transition experiences of adolescents on HIV treatment in public healthcare services in the Cape Town Metropole, South Africa”, whose research captivated judges and peers alike. 

In her closing remarks, Prof Jesika Singh said: “We have witnessed the breadth and depth of research being conducted here at UWC, and we can take great pride in how far we have come as a university. Our work is not only cutting-edge and relevant, but also stands among the best, earning recognition on an international stage. Research Week 2025 highlighted UWC’s commitment to impactful, transdisciplinary research that addresses both local and global challenges. Over three days, the University showcased innovative, solution-driven work across diverse fields, reflecting its growing role as a leader in research excellence. The event demonstrated the strength, competitiveness and dedication of UWC’s researchers, underscoring the University’s vision of becoming a leading research institution. Thank you to all for your participation, hard work and dedication in making Research Week 2025 a success. It is therefore with deep appreciation and immense satisfaction that I officially bring Research Week 2025 to a close on a note of pride and inspiration for the future.”

UWC extends heartfelt thanks to all presenters, participants and partners who made the event a success. As Research Week 2025 comes to a close, one message rings clear: through collaboration, creativity and courage, we are indeed building bridges of knowledge that connect possibilities across the globe.

The research week abstract booklet with the programme can be found HERE.