Mainstreaming engaged research through the National System of Innovation
• Mainstreaming engaged research through the National System of InnovationWelcome to the Mainstreaming Engaged Research through the National System of Innovation (NSI) Project! Engaged research is gaining recognition as a valuable framework that bridges the gap between knowledge creators and users. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF), is committed to enhancing engaged research within the NSI. Despite its importance, engaged research initiatives have been somewhat isolated. To address this, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is embarking on a project to develop a cohesive approach to engaged research within the NSI.
Project approach
Our project comprises two interconnected streams of work:
- Knowledge Expansion: This stream involves reviewing local and international policy and research related to engaged research (ER). An annual conference will also be held to gather insights and experiences from stakeholders.
- Practical Engagement: Concurrently, we will build working relationships and practical experience in ER activities. This includes fostering collaborations, sharing knowledge, and facilitating mentorship opportunities.
Phases of the Project
- Knowledge Exploration: This phase includes comprehensive reviews and analyses to identify theoretical models, methodologies, and knowledge-sharing approaches in ER. Initial stakeholder engagements will also be initiated.
- Conference and Knowledge Dissemination: We will host a hybrid conference to showcase ER work and discuss its value across various domains. The outcomes will be shared through reputable journals and other communication platforms.
- Promoting ER Studies: This final phase focuses on identifying and scaling ER projects. We will support the NRF in funding projects aligned with ER principles and provide learning seminars to potential applicants.
Expected outcomes
By the project’s end, we aim to achieve coordinated and impactful ER projects within the NSI. This includes a strengthened knowledge base, enhanced learning opportunities, and informed science, technology, and innovation strategies that address societal challenges.
The following document provides more information about ER
Engaged Research Project Outputs
POLICY BRIEFS
HSRC REVIEW
Mainstreaming engaged research as a response to South Africa’s developmental challenges
Engaged Research Conference 2025
DAY 1 | Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society
DAY 2 | Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society
DAY 3 | Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society
The team behind the success of the Engaged Research Conference
What are your highlights?
One of the standout highlights was witnessing the depth and diversity of engaged research showcased throughout the programme. Seeing researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engage so openly with one another affirmed the value of creating spaces where evidence is not only shared, but actively interrogated. The Minister’s keynote added an important layer of national relevance, grounding our work within broader developmental priorities and validating the collective effort of the organising team.
How hectic or “easy” were the preparations behind the scenes?
The preparations were a careful blend of intensity and strategy. Behind the scenes, it was certainly demanding, especially when navigating tight timelines, coordinating multiple partners, and ensuring all programme elements aligned. At the same time, the process was made easier by strong internal systems, support from colleagues, and a shared commitment to excellence. It was hectic, yes, but never chaotic.
Collaborative spirit amongst your team and partners?
The collaboration within the HSRC was genuinely solid. Different units stepped in where needed, shared information openly, and helped troubleshoot issues quickly. What made the biggest difference was the willingness of colleagues to assist even when tasks fell outside their usual scope. It wasn’t about big moments, it was the day-to-day coordination, quick check-ins, and practical support that kept everything moving. The cross-unit teamwork made the process smoother and showed that collaboration at the HSRC is not just possible, but effective when everyone is committed to the same goal.
What are the lessons learned?
A key lesson was the importance of building in buffer time for approvals, communication flows, and last-minute programme adjustments. We also learned that hybrid events require a dedicated technical lead to streamline interfaces between in-person and virtual participants. Most importantly, we were reminded that clear, early delegation of responsibilities prevents unnecessary pressure in the final stretch.
Areas of improvement?
We can strengthen pre-event communication with participants, especially around expectations, logistics, and requirements for speakers. There is also room to refine our documentation process so that we capture insights, decisions, and materials more systematically. A tighter integration of monitoring and evaluation tools from the onset would also enhance post-event reporting and impact assessment.
Rate the success of the event with an emoji
🏌️♀️- we hit it out the park
Parting shots? This event reminded us that successful work is built on consistent effort, clear communication, and teams who are willing to support one another. Nothing about the process was perfect, but the commitment from everyone involved made a real difference. We walk away with a better sense of what works, where we can improve, and how we can make future engagements run even smoother. Most importantly, we appreciate the time, patience, and flexibility shown by colleagues across the HSRC. Their willingness to step in, adjust plans, and keep the momentum going is what carried the event through. We’re taking these lessons with us as we prepare for the next phase of work.
HSRC at the CREATE 2025 Conference
HSRC colleagues Dr Lwando Mdleleni and Akhona Gumede were invited to attend the CREATE 2025 Conference hosted by Stellenbosch University – The Creative and Engaged Research for Health Equity in Africa – hosted at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town.
This groundbreaking conference brought together scholars, creatives, and community leaders to challenge conventional research practices and celebrate Indigenous and creative ways of knowing. Through storytelling, immersive arts, and co-creation labs, participants explored innovative approaches to advancing social and health equity across Africa.
Akhona Gumede chaired a civil society mobilisation session on “Ethics in Community Engagement: Who determines what constitutes ethical engagement in research?” and “Civil Society Mobilisation as the Backbone of a Transformative HIV Response in South Africa.”
Dr Lwando Mdleleni chaired a focused academic and policy session titled “What does it mean to do community-engaged research? What are the rules, and who is making them?” A critical dialogue examining power, legitimacy, and accountability in the co-production of knowledge.
He also presented during the plenary session, “Responding to Manifestos – Where to from here? Where do creativity and research meet for health equity in Africa?” The discussion drew out key priorities and practical pathways for building research ecosystems that amplify community voices, foster equity, and embrace transdisciplinary approaches.
In addition to these contributions, Akhona and Dr Mdleleni shared insights on the Engaged Research (ER) Conference, underscoring HSRC’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, participatory, and socially responsive research.
Annual Cape Winelands Knowledge Sharing Festival, March 2026
The HSRC participated in the third annual Cape Winelands Knowledge Sharing Festival at Paarl City Hall, organised by Radio KC 107.7, a community broadcaster, in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Drakenstein Municipality, community organisations, and local leadership, including the Mayor, Stephen Korabie.
The festival brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to address youth unemployment through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based approaches, while advancing the principles of engaged research and strengthening research visibility and impact. The presence of the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks further underscored the importance of linking research to policy and highlighted the HSRC’s role in informing decision-making.
As part of the programme, Dr Konosoang Sobane (Chief Research Specialist, RID) delivered a keynote on science communication and public engagement, emphasising the need to make research accessible and relevant to communities, while the Science and Society Dialogue and panel discussions, facilitated by Akhona Gumede (Project Manager, RID), provided a platform for meaningful exchange among researchers, government officials, civil society, and young people. The programme also included the soft launch of the Evidence Map of Engaged Research Across Low- and Middle-Income Countries, led by Dr Lorenza Fluks (Senior Research Specialist, RDSI), with support from Nonkululeko Dlamini (Research Assistant, RID), contributing to broader engagement activities throughout the festival.
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