The 2026 UNIVEN Research Open Day Showcases Research Excellence, Innovation and Collaborative Partnerships

The University of Venda’s Research and Innovation Directorate recently hosted its 2026 Research Open Day at the Research Conference Centre. The event gathered various researchers, postgraduate students, funding agencies, government representatives, industry partners and members of the university community to celebrate research excellence, innovation and knowledge production at the University.

On Photo: Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Netswera, welcomed delegates, researchers, sponsors and guests to the annual Research Open Day. He described research as the cornerstone of every leading university and emphasised that the University of Venda continues to position itself as a research-intensive institution committed to generating knowledge that responds to local, national and global challenges.

On Photo: Dr Sinah Sekhula

Providing an overview of the research poster adjudication process, Research Officer, Dr Sekhula outlined how the 2026 Research Open Day Awards would be conducted. She emphasised the importance of providing accurate presenter information to ensure a smooth adjudication process and the correct issuance of certificates. Dr Sekhula encouraged researchers, particularly postgraduate students, to use the platform that has been made available to showcase impactful, solution-driven research that reflects the University’s identity and commitment to innovation, while urging all participants to engage confidently and make the most of the learning and networking opportunity.

Throughout the day, adjudication panels engaged presenters by evaluating their research outputs, asking questions and providing constructive academic feedback.
The poster exhibition created a scenic environment where all participants exchanged their ideas, discussed emerging research trends and explored opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

On Photo: Prof Jabulani Makhubele, Director: Research and Innovation

On the second day, Prof Makhubele encouraged participants to actively support research and the University’s research community by fully engaging in the various activities and opportunities offered. He emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment for postgraduate researchers, ensuring they are aware of and have access to the institutional support, resources, and guidance available to strengthen their research projects. Prof Makhubele urged supervisors, faculties, and support units to work collaboratively in empowering postgraduate students to succeed and contribute meaningful, impactful research that advances the University’s research and innovation agenda.

Furthermore, another important part was a focus on strengthening collaboration between the University and its strategic partners. Representatives from various funding organisations and government institutions, including the National Research Foundation (NRF), the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), the Limpopo Office of the Premier, Vhembe TVET College, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, University of Pretoria’s Department for Education Innovation-and Advanced Laboratory Solutions delivered presentations highlighting funding opportunities, research support programmes and collaborative initiatives available to researchers.

Sponsors encouraged researchers to develop innovative projects that address pressing societal challenges while aligning with national development priorities.
The session concluded with the announcement of the Research Open Day Awards, recognising outstanding research presentations across different faculties. Representatives from the adjudication panel, faculty deputy deans responsible for research and postgraduate studies, together with the Director of Research and Innovation, commended participants for the quality of research displayed throughout the exhibition.

On Photo: Dr Prins Nevhutalu

In his closing remarks, Dr Nevhutalu commended the exceptional quality of the postgraduate research presentations, describing many as publication-ready and praising the collaborative spirit demonstrated across disciplines. He encouraged researchers to strengthen the societal relevance of their work by linking their findings to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Nevhutalu applauded the organising team and reiterated the University’s ambitious research vision, highlighting its goal of ensuring that every postgraduate student graduates with at least one publication. He further noted that the University aims to increase the proportion of academic staff holding PhDs from the current 46% to 75% by 2030, positioning the institution for significant transformation through strengthened research capacity, innovation, and postgraduate development.
The two-day Research Open Day was a clear demonstration that the University of Venda’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant research culture, promoting innovation and strengthening partnerships that advance sustainable development through knowledge creation.

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