UNIVEN-UL Mathematical and Computational Sciences symposium promotes innovation and collaboration

On 23 and 24 June 2025, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the University of Limpopo (UL) co-hosted a two-day Symposium on the Regional Promotion of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at UNIVEN Research Conference Centre. The symposium’s objective was to promote mathematical and computational sciences in the province by developing high-quality research and strengthening scientific collaboration between the two institutions. When welcoming attendees of the symposium, the Acting Deputy Dean Teach-ing and Learning in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, Dr Odesh-nee Naicker, extended a heartfelt welcome to all staff members, postgraduate stu-dents, esteemed affiliates from both universities who were there to explore, discuss and advance the fields of mathematical and computational sciences.
Dr Naicker expressed gratitude to the Executive Dean, Prof Natasha Potgieter, for her sup-port, quoting her support for this symposium. “She wishes all of us a productive and en-riching experience.” She wrapped up her address by wishing participants an enjoyable and memorable symposium, encouraging them to embrace this opportunity to learn from each other. “Share from our experiences, and forge pathways for future collaborations.”

Dr Simiso Moyo and Prof Farai Mhlanga, Heads of Department of Mathematical and Computa-tional Sciences from the University of Venda and the University of Limpopo, welcomed partic-ipants to the symposium on regional promotion of mathematical and computational scienc-es. Dr Mhlanga highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that “together we can find innovative solutions to global problems that require methodical insights.” Dr Moyo raised crit-ical questions about the relationship between mathematics, statistics, and computer sci-ence, asking, “Are we one?” and “Are our coordinated efforts and goals envisioned in our mis-sion statements?” Both speakers encouraged participants to share knowledge, forge new connections, and establish collaborations with Dr Mhlanga, urging participants to embark on this mathematical and computer science journey with open hearts and eager minds.

During the symposium plenary address, both Prof Wen-Xiu Ma from the University of South Flori-da, who joined the symposium virtually, and Dr Motlokwe Thobejane from the University of South Africa highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing complex prob-lems. Prof Wen-Xiu Ma presented solving nonlinear partial differential equations, stating that “we need new mathematics” and highlighting the need for new ideas and techniques to tackle complex problems in mathematical sciences. Dr Thobejane stressed the need for a robust cloud strategy, asking “Where is our cloud?” and highlighting the importance of standardisation, iden-tity management, and shared responsibility in multi-cloud environments. He noted that “70% of organisations consider security a major challenge in implementing a multi-cloud environment.”

With the symposium’s aim to foster collaboration and innovation, over 50 presentations were delivered, ranging from talks by postgraduate students in the introductory phase of research apprenticeship to those of advanced postgraduate students, up to talks deliv-ered by well-established researchers from both the University of Venda and the Univer-sity of Limpopo. The best students with high scores, based on their presentations, were awarded, with the top three PhD candidates receiving R1,500 each, the top three master’s candidates receiving R1,000 each, and the top three honours students receiving R500 each.

With one voice, the University of Venda and University of Limpopo panelists agreed that they will strengthen their partnership through collaborative efforts, including research projects, stu-dent exchange programmes, and joint funding applications. They highlighted existing collabo-rations in external examination, moderation, and research, and identified potential areas for future collaboration in predictive modeling, data science, machine learning, and cybersecuri-ty. Regular symposiums and periodic curriculum reviews were suggested to facilitate knowl-edge sharing and mutual benefit. Effective communication and coordination between the two institutions were deemed crucial to achieve common goals and drive collaboration forward.

The Symposium was marked by the presence in-person of Prof Hlengani Si-weya, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture of the Univer-sity of Limpopo and a mathematician himself, who was keen to show his satisfac-tion and his support for the Scientific collaboration between the two institutions.

In her closing remarks, Lecturer in the UNIVEN Department of Mathemati-cal and Computational Sciences, Dr Rosinah Mukhodobwane expressed grat-itude and appreciation, thanking the committee, staff, and students for their hard work and collaboration. She acknowledged and praised the students’ excel-lent presentations and encouraged them to work closely with their supervisors.

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