Research
Influence of the Global North on biotechnology research and innovation
A recent discussion at Unisa's Catalytic Niche Area Symposium centred on the influence of the Global North on biotechnology, indigenous knowledge-based innovative approaches in the development of medicine, and the role of universities in addressing the infusion of African-based medicine into the local supply chain. Read more
Astro-tourism, deep space exploration and extraterrestrial life: the future of humanity
Exciting deep space exploration ventures, signs of life on other planets, the development of the Square Kilometre Array project and astro-tourism were some of the topics discussed during Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Area Symposium. Read more
Unisa hosts major Indian Ocean research gathering
The 10th Annual South African Chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group brought together key stakeholders from government departments, universities and research institutions to advance regional cooperation. Read more
Higher education institutions urged to be intentional about academic technologies
Opening the panel discussion on Catalytic Niche Area 10: Student Support and Co-curricular Activities at Unisa's Catalytic Niche Area Research Symposium, Dr Denzil Chetty emphasised that institutions of higher learning must consider how they build their competencies and capacities to ensure that they produce competent and employable graduates. Read more
Promoting innovations that combat health and safety threats
Health experts speaking on the theme Technological applications and innovations in injury prevention and safety promotion at Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Areas Research Symposium shared information on innovations that help address community health and safety concerns. Read more
Ensuring transformation and development through Unisa's catalytic niche areas
Speaking on day two of Unisa's Catalytic Niche Area Research Symposium, Professor Godwell Nhamo affirmed that the niches are meant to transform societies for the better; therefore, research must be conducted for development and to enable innovation. Read more
Keeping our oceans sustainable: Marine Studies in the spotlight at Unisa conference
Unisa academics and specialists from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the South African Weather Services, and the South African Environmental Observation Network reconsidered the way the world interacts with ocean, marine, maritime and coastal resilience matters at the university’s Catalytic Niche Area Research Symposium. Read more
Escalating the operationalisation of Unisa's catalytic niche areas
Themed Innovating for the Future: Integrating Technology, Sustainability, and Humanity, Unisa held the official opening of the 2nd Catalytic Niche Area Research Symposium on 30 July 2025, bringing together academics, industry leaders and policymakers to discuss practical and research-driven solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. Read more
Computer scientist and ICT specialist to share 4IR insights at Unisa's CNA Research Symposium
Baxolile Mabinya believes the local ICT industry needs new institutions that will push the boundaries of African innovation and value creation. He will share this and other 4IR theories at Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Area Research Symposium on 30 and 31 July 2025. Read more
Leading heritage and legacy specialist to address Unisa CNA Symposium
Bernedette Muthien, a heritage and legacy expert from the Western Cape Cultural Commission and Co-founder of the Association of African Women for Peace and Development, will be part of the Feminist, Womanist, Bosadi Theorisations panel discussion during Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Area Research Symposium, held on 30 and 31 July 2025. Read more