Johannesburg, Tuesday, 21 October 2025 — Members of the media are invited to the official opening of the HSRC/NRF Engaged Research Conference,  taking place from 22 to 24 October 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Gauteng.

The conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders to explore how engaged research can help us find innovative solutions to South Africa’s and the world’s societal challenges.

The opening session will feature a keynote address by Honourable Minister Prof Blade Nzimande of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), with opening remarks from Dr Cassius Lubisi, Chairperson of the HSRC Board, and Prof Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), will deliver the conference address.

The opening programme will also include two plenary sessions, featuring speakers such as Mr Sy Mamabolo, Chief Electoral Officer and CEO of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), who will participate in the panel, The State and Democracy. Other panels will explore modalities of engaged research and co-creation as well as participatory approaches to health and well-being research.

Organised by the HSRC and the NRF under the theme “Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society”, the conference will provide a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and impactful discussions on research that makes a difference.

Read the full advisory here.