The University of South Africa (Unisa) invites researchers, postgraduate students, industry leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations and innovation partners to participate in the 2026 Catalytic Niche Area (CNA) Research Symposium. (The catalytic niche areas are Unisa’s strategic research areas.)
The symposium is Unisa’s flagship platform for showcasing and advancing scholarship within its 10 CNAs. It provides a space for interdisciplinary engagement, strategic dialogue and collaborative action aimed at addressing South Africa’s most complex and persistent challenges while contributing to continental and global development priorities.
Bringing together academia, industry, government and civil society, the symposium promotes research that is responsive, innovative and impactful. It ensures that knowledge creation extends beyond the academy to inform policy, drive innovation and improve lives.
Commissioner: National Planning Commission, The Presidency.
Chief of Section:Technology and AI in Education (UNESCO)
Industrial Psychologist and Organisational Development Practitioner
Distinguished Professor ,College of Education, University of South Africa
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Directorate for Education and Skills Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Control Environmental Officer: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Chief Executive Officer: Isondo Precious Metals
Chief Strategist: Office of the Chief Executive Officer National Research Foundation (NRF)
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, College of Graduate Studies, Roundtable Session Chair
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow: College of Graduate Studies
DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Biomedical Engineering and Innovation University of Cape Town
Ambassador Ruby Marks: Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Working Group, Beijing+30 African Women's Movement
Dr Mzulungile Nodikida: Chief Executive Officer of the South African Medical Association (SAMA)
Professor of Communications at the University of South Africa (UNISA) School of Business Leadership and Adjunct Professor of Media Studies at the University of Botswana.