Prof Elisha Chiware, Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, delivered a keynote on South Africa’s new National Open Science Policy. He noted that in December 2025, the government approved this policy, marking a major milestone. The framework, developed by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation along with the National Research Foundation, the Academy of Science of South Africa, universities, and the African Open Science Forum, is tailored to South Africa’s unique socio-economic context. “This landmark framework, aligned with UNESCO's Recommendations on Open Science, the Berlin Declaration, and other international frameworks, constitutes the first comprehensive government-backed National Open Science Policy on the African continent. By embedding openness, transparency, and equity directly into how knowledge is produced, shared, and evaluated, this policy serves as a democratizing force. It seeks to dismantle structural inequalities, reduce barriers facing historically disadvantaged institutions, advance gender equity, and integrate Indigenous Knowledge Systems into mainstream scientific discourse.” #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

Prof Penelope Engel-Hills captivated the audience with her keynote address, "Navigating Change and Complexity: Research Ethics Governance in Universities of Technology". She emphasised that ethics is an ongoing responsibility woven through every stage, not just a box to tick at a single approval event. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

As the second day of the Research Festival began, Prof Marshall Sheldon welcomed guests by revisiting the conference theme of research impact. She outlined its three pillars: celebrating excellence, which energised yesterday; advancing responsible scholarship, the heart of today; and empowering future researchers, tomorrow’s focus. Sheldon emphasised the significance of this progression, noting that at CPUT, research cannot proceed without ethics approval. Sheldon promised that the importance of this principle would become clear through the day’s discussions. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

The second day of the CPUT Research Festival 2026 bursts into action this morning, shining a spotlight on Research Ethics, Open Science, and National Policy Engagement. From 09:00, the venue buzzes with registration and vibrant exhibitions. Prof Marshall Sheldon, DVC: (RTIP), will open the day and spark anticipation for what lies ahead. Dr Hester Burger, CPUT Manager, RTI Capacity Development: DRD, invites everyone to join an interactive Live Poll on Emerging Research Ethics Challenges using Mentimeter. The excitement continues as Prof Penelope Engel-Hills takes the stage with her keynote, "Navigating Change and Complexity: Research Ethics Governance in Universities of Technology." The session promises lively discussion with a Q&A and a guided reflection on practical changes in research. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

To unite the Council around a shared foundation—understanding the institution, embracing its mandate, and guiding oversight to champion the University’s long-term vision—the Office of the Registrar recently brought members together for a memorable Council Induction and Dinner at Bellville Campus and the Southern Sun Hotel in Cape Town, respectively. Full story here bit.ly/4zdPBVZ

Day 1 of the CPUT Research Festival is ending on a high note – the presentation of the Research Excellence Awards. The platinum winners were: Research Excellence Award – Research Publications - Prof Tiko Iyamu Research Excellence Award – Postgraduate Supervision – Dr Boniface Kabaso (absent) Research Excellence Award for External Funding – Rory Pentz #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

At the Research Festival, excitement filled the Chemical Building as the New NRF NEP Equipment was unveiled and celebrated. Prof Mahabubur Chowdhury, head of the Functional Materials Research Unit (FMRU), captivated the audience with an insightful profile of the cutting-edge equipment. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

First Runner-Up in the Distinguished Woman Researchers: Humanities and Social Sciences Category at the 23rd South African Women in Science Awards and winner in the Digital Skills Sovereignty Award Category at the SITA GovTech Digital Sovereignty Public Service Awards 202, Prof. Agnes Chigona, who is also the SARChI Tier 1 Chair in Teacher Education Director: Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society, reflected on two recognitions that have been particularly meaningful in her academic journey. "Although these awards come from different platforms, I do not see them as separate achievements. Rather, they represent one journey. A journey centred on the role of research in improving education, preparing teachers for a digital world, and contributing to society in meaningful ways."

During the new NRF National Equipment Programme (NEP) Equipment Launch, Nathan Sassman, NRF Manager: NIs, CoE and Research Infrastructures, and Mpai Motsei, NRF Research Management Specialist: NIs, CoE and Research Infrastructures, delivered a keynote address providing an overview of the NRF National Equipment Programme. Motsei said the programme is there to ensure that our researchers have access to world-class equipment, and that training and the sharing of knowledge are involved. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

This morning CPUT marked the internal launch of our three new DSTI/NRF Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs. We congratulate: Prof Jennifer Case (Research Chair: Engineering Education), Prof Tiko Iyamu (Research Chair in ICT for Development: Innovation for Smart and Sustainable Development) and Prof Zayd Waghid (Research Chair in Transformative Education, Social Justice and Innovation). Dr Gugu Moche, NRF Deputy CEO: Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement and Acting Group Executive: Digital Transformation, delivered a keynote address, which centred around the initiative. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

Our first keynote speaker is Prof Johann Mouton, Director of the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy and Professor at CREST, Stellenbosch University. His address is titled: The changing ethos of science: from autonomy to performative excellence. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo officially welcomed all attendees to the CPUT Research Festival and said: “Today we gather to honour the extraordinary achievements that define our institution's vibrant academic landscape. At CPUT, research and innovation carry a unique weight and responsibility. We don't simply theorise about the future, we build the mechanisms, we code the systems and engineer solutions that will define it”. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

In her introductory remarks at the CPUT Research Festival, Prof Marshall Sheldon – Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said that while research excellence remains essential, excellence cannot be measured only by what we publish, how often we get cited and how much funding we attract. She said that increasingly we also have to ask: what has changed because of our research? Who has benefited? What problems have we helped to solve? What opportunities have been created and are we preparing the next generation of researchers? #2026ResearchFestival #WeAreCPUT #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

The CPUT Research Festival kicks off today! Hosted at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), the event centres around the theme: Research with Impact: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Responsible Scholarship and Enabling Future Researchers. #2026ResearchFestival #WeAreCPUT

The annual CPUT Research Festival 2026 will commence on Monday, 26 October, highlighting the institution’s commitment to driving societal change through localised innovation. Full story here bit.ly/47HJIEf

Dr Belinda Verster, a senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, has once again been recognised for her outstanding work – this time with a national award from the South African Planning Institute (SAPI). Full story here: bit.ly/4kf5gj0

The CPUT Cancer Awareness Campaign aimed to promote early detection and employee wellness and encouraged staff to take a proactive approach to their health. Full story here: bit.ly/48bBVPa

Go for Gold recently brought vibrant energy to the Bellville Campus with its annual Awards Ceremony, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Grade 12 learners who have shown unwavering dedication and excellence in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and the Educational Development Programme. Full story here bit.ly/4jx45eG

About 400 staff members participated in the CPUT Run/Walk for Cancer, demonstrating their commitment to promoting cancer awareness and building a culture of support within the university community. Full story here: bit.ly/4i5XqHf

A group of Emergency Medical Sciences students hope to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) by raising funds and collecting donations for The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children. Full story here: bit.ly/4juBFlq