Showcasing postgraduate research and innovation with global impact

About 26 master’s and doctoral students rose to the challenge at the 2025 Unisa Research and Innovation Postgraduate Student Showcase Competition, held on 18 November 2025 at the university’s Muckleneuk campus.

Click here to see the list of winners.

The showcase competition was part of the 2025 Unisa Innovation Festival that was themed “Proudly African, globally relevant”. Hence, the theme of the competition was “Relevant African innovation”. The event celebrated dynamic research aligned with Unisa’s 10 catalytic niche areas – work that not only advances knowledge but also makes a tangible difference in society.

The event further highlighted the latest academic research and innovative solutions produced by some of Unisa’s postgraduate cohorts. It aimed to develop multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research competencies for postgraduate students from all colleges within the university to showcase their groundbreaking research findings.

The showcase has become a highlight on Unisa’s academic calendar, offering a platform for emerging scholars to share their latest research and pioneering solutions that benefit various communities. Each presentation was judged on originality, alignment with the theme, scientific innovation, societal impact, and rigour of the research methodology. Recognition was given for outstanding research presentations, the most innovative solutions, and projects demonstrating exceptional interdisciplinary impact.

Twelve master’s and fourteen doctoral students competed across three disciplines of specialisation: Natural and Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Arts and Humanities. Panels of adjudicators, supported by observers and chairpersons, thoroughly evaluated the abstracts and presentations by students, utilising their extensive expertise and valuable experience as academics and scholars. The winners were awarded certificates and trophies.

Beyond the competition, the day offered valuable opportunities for research and innovation growth. The students were trained by an internationally recognised service provider in a presentation skills workshop. Additionally, they received advanced mentoring through practical sessions in preparation for the showcase competition. These activities reinforced the showcase’s objective, which was to create a space where postgraduate students could refine their skills, share new ideas, build networks with peers, industry leaders, community members and mentors, as well as prepare to make their mark on the global stage as future scholars and innovators.

* By Hanli Wolhuter, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Graduate Studies