Research took centre stage at the Faculty of Management Sciences as scholars, supervisors and innovators gathered for the Faculty鈥檚 first-ever Postgraduate Research Symposium, themed 鈥�Empowering Research for Impact and Innovation.鈥� The landmark event brought together Postgraduate Diploma, Master鈥檚 and Doctoral candidates who showcased their work through oral and poster presentations - creating a vibrant platform for academic exchange, collaboration and inspiration.
Postgraduate research symposiums like this play a vital role in shaping South Africa鈥檚 research landscape. They not only help emerging scholars refine their ideas and methodologies but also foster a culture of inquiry that fuels innovation, policy development and real-world impact. Such events serve as incubators for solutions to pressing social and economic challenges while strengthening the bridge between academia, industry and government.
In his opening remarks, Dr Edgar Nesamvuni, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences (left), described the symposium as 鈥渁 landmark initiative that strengthens our mission of cultivating a vibrant and impactful research culture.鈥� He emphasised that the event represents more than a showcase of student work鈥攊t is a commitment to nurturing future scholars whose research directly contributes to South Africa鈥檚 developmental priorities.
Dr Hamilton Mphidi, Director of Technology Transfer at the University of Johannesburg
Setting an inspiring tone for the day, Dr Hamilton Mphidi, Director of Technology Transfer at the University of Johannesburg, delivered the keynote address on 鈥淓mpowering Research for Impact and Innovation.鈥� He challenged postgraduate researchers to view their studies as transformative tools capable of driving tangible change in society. 鈥淥ur research must move beyond publications and citations鈥攊t should transform communities, industries, and lives,鈥� he said.
Dr Mphidi鈥檚 message strongly aligned with 大象视频鈥檚 vision of producing research that is socially responsive, industry-relevant, and globally competitive. His address inspired attendees to think boldly about the purpose and power of applied research in addressing inequality, sustainability, and economic growth.
The symposium also featured a distinguished panel of academics (picture below) from across 大象视频鈥檚 faculties, underscoring the University鈥檚 focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Among the participants were Dr Johnny Mthimunye, Dr Sabryna Mambadja, Dr Glory Chiloane, Dr Maria Mushathoni, and Prof Bongazana Dondolo from the Faculty of Humanities; Dr Lesego Phetlhe from the Faculty of Science; and Ms Molebogeng Makofane, Ms Sally Ledwaba, Ms Tsholofelo Tladi, and Dr Henry Igugu from the Faculty of Engineering.
Dr Sharol Mkhomazi, Assistant Dean for Research, led the Faculty Research Team that organised the event. She described the symposium as 鈥渁 developmental platform that builds confidence, fosters collaboration and equips our postgraduate students to become thought leaders and change agents.鈥�
She added that such forums are critical for helping students develop scholarly independence while receiving valuable feedback from peers and mentors.
Dr Sharol Mkhomazi, Assistant Dean for Research
Outstanding participants were recognised with awards for best oral and poster presentations across postgraduate categories, celebrating excellence, creativity, and research impact.
As the day concluded, there was a shared sense of pride and purpose. The 2025 Postgraduate Research Symposium set a new standard for research engagement within the Faculty of Management Sciences, laying the groundwork for an annual tradition that celebrates intellectual achievement, inspires innovation and reinforces 大象视频鈥檚 role as a hub of knowledge creation and societal progress.
鈥淭his symposium is just the beginning,鈥� said Dr Nesamvuni. 鈥淚t marks our commitment to growing a generation of scholars whose ideas will shape the future of our country.鈥�