Events

In this CoP, we present the final findings and the many open questions that we generated during our research on Societally Impactful Research in SADC. This webinar explores how research can be more relevant, impactful and responsive to societal needs. Through interactive, standalone sessions, participants will engage in dialogue on the co-production of knowledge and the role of research in driving meaningful change.

This high-level roundtable will bring together leading voices in science, research and policy to explore the evolving role of women in advancing science and driving inclusive innovation across Africa. The discussion will reflect on the structural challenges women face, highlight strategies for inclusion in STEM fields and spotlight success stories where women are shaping transformative agendas, from climate action to green economies. The event is part of a broader commitment to gender equity in science and knowledge systems towards sustainability.

The Dialogue Series for Vice-Chancellors across SADC higher education institutions aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and alignment on regional priorities. It addresses challenges, shares best practices and explores innovative strategies to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education across the region.

SADC faces two pressing challenges: rising youth unemployment and the growing impacts of climate change. But these also create opportunities – a green economy can open new pathways for youth if they have the right skills and support. This roundtable will explore how climate, youth empowerment, and economic transformation intersect, spotlighting innovative education models, research, and policies that create climate-responsive employment opportunities for the next generation.

This workshop explores the evolving landscape of research, emphasising impactful knowledge production, collaboration, participatory approaches and effective science communication. Participants will engage deeply with contemporary models and practical strategies designed to maximise the societal, environmental and academic value of research.

It is often maintained that QA is everyone's business; however, the reality is that the development of a quality culture in an HEI cannot be attained overnight. It cannot be imposed. Quality culture is context-bound and can only be encouraged and nurtured. At this webinar, participants will engage in discussion on quality culture, the associated challenges and strategies for influencing mindsets in the institution. A few participants from HEIs in the SADC will be invited to verbally share their experiences of promoting a quality culture.

This webinar examines how benchmarking can help higher education institutions compare performance, learn from proven solutions, and address common challenges. It will focus on building a shared understanding, clarifying outcomes, and sharing lessons and case studies.

To build practical grant-writing capacity by guiding participants through the full funding pipeline, i.e. from idea refinement and call analysis to proposal structuring, budgeting logic and reviewer expectations, so that proposals are fundable, credible and competitive.

To strengthen ethical awareness and practical decision-making among researchers, supervisors and postgraduate students by unpacking core research ethics principles, emerging ethical dilemmas and institutional responsibilities across the research lifecycle.

The HERizon Africa Leadership Programme is a dynamic 10-session online experience designed to empower senior, middle and emerging leaders with future-ready capabilities for an evolving higher education landscape and driving Africa's higher education success. 

This programme equips deans and deputy deans across the SADC region to navigate the evolving demands of higher education leadership. Rooted in African contexts and aligned with global development goals, the programme builds capacity for reflective, adaptive and inclusive leadership.

As climate change intensifies, universities are called to integrate sustainability into teaching, research, campus operations, and community engagement. QA can play a transformative role by ensuring that sustainability becomes an institutional quality dimension.