Empowering Tomorrow: UNIVEN’s 2025 Research Open Day Sparks Bold Ideas and Collaboration

On 25-26 June 2025, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted its annual Research Open Day to acknowledge and award researchers for their hard work. The 2025 Research Open Day took place at the University’s Research Conference Centre. This two-day event brought together a vibrant and diverse group, including academics, postgraduate students, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and strategic stakeholders from government departments, municipalities, research institutions, and national agencies such as the National Research Foundation (NRF), Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), Water Research Commission (WRC), the Limpopo Office of the Premier including Vhembe TVET College, and a community-based organisation Dzomo La Mupo (DLM).

The gathering served as a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, reaffirming UNIVEN’s mission to drive innovation-led, impactful research that addresses societal challenges and contributes meaningfully to regional and global development.
Prof Jabulani Makhubele formally opened the event by welcoming delegates and emphasis-ing its strategic importance in showcasing the university’s journey towards becoming an inno-vation-led, socially responsive African university. He underscored UNIVEN’s commitment to themes such as African heritage, Indigenous knowledge systems, health, environment, and in-clusive innovation, urging researchers to focus on real-world impact and ethical engagement.

Dr Sinah Sekhula reflected on the history and evolution of the Research Open Day Awards that began in 2014 and introduced formal recognition in 2022. She emphasised the non-mon-etary nature of the awards, designed to build institutional pride and cultivate a robust re-search culture, particularly among postgraduate students. She also addressed participation trends across faculties, highlighting the importance of fair competition, collaboration, and alignment with global research agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Day one was marked by the poster viewing and exhibitions where students were allowed to present their research projects to an adjudication panel, showcas-ing their academic creativity and practical innovation across all faculties. The day allowed judges and attendees to witness UNIVEN’s research footprint in ac-tion, highlighting not only scientific breakthroughs but also social innovations.
Day two commenced with engaging information sessions led by UNIVEN’s spon-sors and partners, who provided valuable insights into the research funding appli-cation process. Presenters outlined key requirements, evaluation criteria, and con-siderations for securing financial support. Importantly, they also offered inspiring messages, assuring students that with the right mindset and determination, opportu-nities are within reach, regardless of their background. Sessions also touched on en-trepreneurship and how research could open doors to innovative career pathways.
This session sparked meaningful dialogue, with students active-ly engaging in a question-and-answer segment, seeking clarity on funding
procedures and exploring how to translate research into real-world impact.
The day culminated in an Awards Ceremony celebrating excellence in research posters and experimental designs. Students from honours to doctoral levels, representing various faculties at the University of Venda were rec-ognised for their outstanding contributions. Award recipients were presented with certificates and prizes as rewards for their hard work, creativity, and dedication.

Prof Sylvester Mpandeli (on the left picture above) UNIVEN alumnus, an Adjunct Pro-fessor at the University of Venda, and Senior Research Manager: Water Use – Water Research Commission, encouraged researchers to work collaboratively and make a significant impact, stating that “publishing a paper alone is not a good thing, but if you do it as a team, you make a huge impact.” He also emphasised the importance of focus and collaboration, noting that “as long as you are focused, you can make it.”
Dr Mmboneni Muofhe (on the right picture above), Deputy Director General (DDG) of the National Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, emphasised the need for researchers to shift their mindset from traditional scientific research to solving re-al-life problems. He encouraged researchers to focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, highlighting initiatives like the Secular Economy Demonstration Fund and High-er Education Innovation Fund to support commercial products and practical solutions.

Bringing the event to a light-hearted but impactful conclusion, Prof Joseph Fran-cis’s closing remarks challenged researchers to rethink their approach to com-munity engagement. He asked pointed questions about the role of intended ben-eficiaries in research, highlighting the need for more inclusive and participatory approaches. By reframing research as a covariance that honours both human and sa-cred perspectives, Prof Francis encouraged researchers to prioritise societal impact over mere citations. His call to action urged the next generation of scholars to be bold, speak truth to power, and conduct research that truly benefits communities.
The 2025 Research Open Day not only celebrated research excel-lence but also underscored UNIVEN’s unwavering dedication to shap-ing a better future through knowledge, innovation, and collaborative action.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811