Invitation to presenters to submit full papers

admin September 15, 2025 No Comments

Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society

We are inviting all our accepted speakers and poster presenters to please prepare their manuscripts in preparation for submission by 17 October 2025.
 
We would like to thank you once again for your valuable contribution to the Engaged Research Conference. We are pleased to invite you to submit a full paper based on your accepted abstract for consideration in Policy Design and Practice, a Taylor & Francis journal.
 
Please prepare your manuscript in line with the journal’s author guidelines and upload your paper through the HSRC submission portal.
We look forward to receiving your submission.
 
Kind regards,
Engaged Research Team

Meet our keynote speakers

admin September 9, 2025 No Comments


Engaged Research as a Pathway to Bridging Knowledge and Society

Dr Martina Jordaan

The practicalities of community-engaged research: what works (Keynote speaker, Day 2, Panel 1)

Dr Jordaan is the Head of Community-Based Research at the University of Pretoria (UP), Mamelodi campus. She holds a PhD in History from UP and a Master’s in Development Studies from the University of the Free State. Her research centres on community engagement and service learning, including a recent project with the Historical Society of Mamelodi to digitally preserve the township’s history.
She has experience at the Gauteng Department of Education in the Tshwane South District, supporting early childhood practitioners and school staff. Since 2004, she has coordinated the compulsory Community-Based Project Module for undergraduates in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and IT at UP and later served as Head of Community-Based Research at the Mamelodi campus.
Dr Jordaan is senior editor of the Journal for Applied Research in Higher Education, editor of HETL Frontiers magazine, and country director for the Higher Education and Teaching and Learning Association. She has published widely on community engagement and service learning and has been recognised with multiple awards at institutional, national, and international levels.

Prof Edmore Marinda

Measuring what matters: Evaluating the impact of engaged research  (Keynote address, Day 3 morning)

Prof Marinda is Professor of Biostatistics and co-director of the South African Medical Research Council and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Pan African Centre for Epidemic Research (PACER). The Centre conducts research on human epidemics with local and international partners and hosts 15 PhD candidates and one post-doctoral fellow.
With over 30 years of academic teaching and research experience, Prof Marinda’s work spans clinical trials, national health surveys, and evaluation of health programmes. Key projects include co-principal investigator of the South African National HIV sero-behavioural surveys (SABSSM V & VI), co-principal investigator of the South African National COVID-19 sero-prevalence survey, and senior biostatistician on the Zimbabwe Vitamin A for Mothers and Babies (ZVITAMBO) clinical trial. His expertise includes biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, health economics, policy, systems strengthening, and impact evaluation.
Before joining UJ, he served as acting Divisional Executive/Research Director at the Human Sciences Research Council’s Impact Centre, Research Evaluation & Monitoring Team Leader at Mott MacDonald, and senior biostatistician at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He holds a PhD in Biostatistics from the Wits, an MSc in Medical Statistics from the University of Newcastle, Australia, and Master’s and Honours degrees from the University of Zimbabwe.

Chenai Chair

Engaged research in the age of technology (Keynote address, Day 2)

Ms Chair is Director of the Masakhane African Languages Hub. She is an internationally recognised research and policy specialist whose work bridges digital rights, AI ethics, and feminist approaches to technology.
She holds a Master of Social Science in Global Studies (University of Cape Town, 2014). Her expertise lies at the intersection of gender, technology, and social justice, with a focus on digital rights, data governance, and the ethical implications of AI through feminist and decolonial lenses.
Ms Chair’s contributions include leading the Masakhane African Languages Hub as a global leader in African language AI. She has led flagship initiatives at  Research ICT Africa, the World Wide Web Foundation, and most recently Mozilla Foundation where she led the Africa Mradi – Mozilla’s strategic interventions of supporting innovation on the continent. She also led the East African Languages work under Mozilla Common Voice. She founded – My Data Rights (Africa) –  a project that centers feminist perspectives in data governance and AI ethics. Through My Data Rights, she is leading efforts in network-building, knowledge curation, and collective action. 
Chenai has authored numerous influential research papers, policy briefs, and thought leadership articles. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, she continues to shape inclusive, feminist approaches to AI and digital governance.

New date: Launch of the Engaged Research Evidence Map

admin August 26, 2025 1 Comment

Co-hosted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) & the Pan-African Collective for Evidence (PACE)!

Join us for the official launch of the Engaged Research Evidence Map – a groundbreaking digital resource that brings together a wealth of research on engaged scholarship from across disciplines and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This event is one of the precursors  of the HSRC/NRF conference on  Engaged Research  to be held on the 21st-24th October, at the Birchwood Hotel. The evidence map has been co-developed as part  of an HSRC/NRF project titled Mainstreaming ER in the NSI. The map, done in collaboration with the Pan African Collective for Evidence (PACE), is aimed at supporting knowledge sharing, informing policy, and strengthening engaged research practices across South Africa’s National System of Innovation.

What to Expect:

  • Welcome and Project Overview
    Learn about the goals, partnerships, and impact of the Engaged Research Project.
  • Understanding the Evidence Mapping Process
    Explore the participatory and systematic approach used to co-create the map.
  • Live Demonstration
    See how to navigate and use the evidence map to find research papers, spot trends, and identify gaps in the field of engaged research across LMICs.
  • Interactive Q&A
    Engage directly with the development team and share your feedback.

Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, practitioner, or evidence enthusiast, this workshop will equip you with a powerful tool to support and grow your work in the field of engaged research.

Date: 10 October 2025

Time: 10:00 – 15:30

Hybrid event: Pretoria, Venue TBC

Platform: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/x-2my33xQdW_8VISg2VlPg

Feedback timeline for abstract submissions

admin July 23, 2025 No Comments
Thank you for your submissions!

Thank you to all the scholars and practitioners who submitted abstracts for the Engaged Research Conference 2025. We’re encouraged by the enthusiastic response — with nearly 300 submissions received across a wide range of disciplines.

Due to the volume and quality of abstracts, our Scientific Committee is taking additional time to ensure each submission receives careful review and constructive feedback.

Feedback will be provided by 11 September 2025. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing a dynamic, inclusive conference programme that reflects the richness of engaged research in Africa.

Sponsorship opportunity: Attend the Engaged Research Conference 2025!

admin June 11, 2025 No Comments

Are you an early career researcher passionate about making an impact through engaged and collaborative research?

The Engaged Research Conference (22-24 October 2025, Birchwood Hotel, Johannesburg) is offering a limited number of sponsorships to support exceptional emerging to mid-career scholars based at African institutions outside South Africa.

Connect with like-minded researchers, showcase your work and help shape the future of engaged research on the continent.

The sponsorship will be competitive, and it will cover:

  • Visa costs (if applicable)
  • Flights and accommodation
  • Road travel in Johannesburg
  • All meals during the conference

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be based at an African university or organization (excluding South Africa)
  • Be nearing completion of a PhD or have completed a PhD within the past 2 years
  • Have submitted an abstract that has been accepted for presentation at the conference
  • Commit to developing your presentation into a full article for submission to the special issue journal on engaged research

Applications will be assessed based on the quality and relevance of the submitted abstract, alignment with conference themes, and potential for contribution to the journal special issue. Applications close on 12 September 2025.

Download

Sponsorship Application Form

Meet our Scientific Committee

admin May 27, 2025 No Comments

The Engaged Research Conference 2025 is guided by a diverse and accomplished Scientific Committee composed of leading scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders from across the African continent and beyond. This multidisciplinary team brings together expertise spanning public health, social sciences, community development, science communication, education, economics, environmental studies, ethics, and policy engagement.
Members of the committee represent universities, research councils, and civil society organisations, and many have extensive experience in both academic research and applied work with communities, governments, and international development partners. Collectively, they bring decades of experience in advancing socially responsive, participatory, and impactful research.

The Committee comprises: Prof. Elizabeth Lubinga (University of Johannesburg), Diana Hornby (Rhodes University, Community Engagement Division), Dr Palesa Sekhejane (Walter Sisulu University, Deputy Dean: Natural Sciences), Dr Marina Joubert (Stellenbosch University, CREST), Dr Tebogo Mabotha (ASSAF), Dr Plaxcedes Chiwire (Western Cape Department of Health), and Dr Timothy K. Stanton (Ravensong Associates); as well as Dr Konosoang Sobane, Prof. Charles Hongoro, Dr Wilfred Lunga, Diana Sanchez, Dr Lucky Ditaunyane, Dr Mokhantšo Makoae, Dr Sara Naicker, Dr Tholang Mokhele, Dr Lwando Mdleleni, Dr Mercy Ngungu, Dr Mmakotsedi Magampa, Dr Kwanele Qonono, Dr Mokhantšo Makoae, and Bongiwe Moni, all of the HSRC.

Scientific Committee Bios

Dr Mokhantšo Makoae

Research Director, HSRC

Dr Makoae has extensive experience leading qualitative research across the SADC region on topics including HIV vulnerability, climate change, gender, and disability. Her work, commissioned by governments, UN agencies, the EU, and philanthropic organisations, has informed policy development and evaluation.

Dr Plaxcedes Chiwire

Deputy Director: Health Intelligence, Western Cape Department of Health

With over 12 years of experience in health economics, Dr Chiwire has worked with international organisations such as the Global Fund, UNAIDS, USAID, GIZ, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, supporting African countries in strengthening health financing systems. She is Chairperson of the Costing Committee at the South African Council of Medical Schemes and has lectured at the University of Cape Town.

Dr Charles Hongoro

Senior Research Director, HSRC

Dr Hongoro is an Extraordinary Professor of health economics, systems, and policy at the School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria. His research interests include sustainable human security, climate change, public health, especially health economics, systems, and policy research, science translation, and impact evaluations. He has published widely over the years.

Ms Bongiwe Moni

Director for External Capacity Development & Internships, HSRC

Ms Moni leads the HSRC’s initiatives addressing youth and graduate unemployment through evidence-based interventions such as internships and capacity development programmes, contributing to its societal impact agenda. Her research focuses on youth labour market access, unemployment, poverty, inequality, and skills development, as well as moral regeneration, ethics, and governance.

Dr Marina Joubert

Associate professor, Stellenbosch University

Dr Joubert leads the Public Engagement Lab at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST). After two decades in science communication practice, she joined academia in 2015 to develop a teaching and research programme on public communication of science. Her research explores scientists’ roles in public engagement, science in the media, ethics of science communication, and online science-society interactions. She collaborates on international projects, serves as deputy editor of JCOM, and is an honorary lifetime member of the global PCST Network.

Dr Lucky Ditaunyane

Acting Chief Operating Officer, HSRC

Dr Ditaunyane is a seasoned corporate communications specialist with more than three decades of experience in the private and public sectors. He has served in various organisations at middle and senior management levels. With a career dedicated to corporate communications and public relations, his expertise spans a diverse range of domains: diverse sector experience, strategic communication, science communication, crisis communication, media liaison, stakeholder relations, digital marketing, and corporate branding.

Timothy K. Stanton, PhD

Senior Engaged Scholar with Ravensong Associates


Dr Stanton is a consultant in community-engaged scholarship across the US, Africa, and Asia. At Stanford University, he led the Bing Overseas Studies Programme in Cape Town, co-founded the Community Health concentration at the medical school, and directed the Haas Center for Public Service. He has served as a Fulbright Specialist with the HSRC and advised South Africa’s Community-Higher Education-Service Partnerships (CHESP) programme. He co-authored the Research University Engaged Scholarship Toolkit and has published widely on service-learning. He holds a PhD in human and organisation systems from Fielding Graduate University.

Dr Tholang Mokhele

Manager, Geospatial Computing and Analytics, HSRC

Dr Mokhele manages the Geospatial Computing and Analytics Sub-unit of the eResearch Knowledge Unit at the HSRC. He holds PhD in Environmental Science (GIS) and MSc in Environmental Science (Remote Sensing) (Cum Laude) both from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is NRF Rated Researcher. Dr Mokhele has more than 15 years of experience in geospatial analytics and data analytics in social and health sciences research. Dr Mokhele’s publication record spans the authoring and co-authoring of more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, conference proceedings and policy briefs.

Conference structure and guidelines

admin May 13, 2025 1 Comment

As part of the Engaged Research Conference, we invite contributions across a variety of engaging and impactful presentation formats. Explore the options below and submit your abstract by 30 May 2025.

🔹 1. Keynote speakers (By invitation only)

Keynote sessions set the tone of the conference with high-level insights from leading academics, policymakers, and practitioners. These thought leaders will explore the evolving role of engaged research in addressing societal challenges.

  • Format: 45–60-minute plenary talk + moderated Q&A
  • Themes May Include:
    • Bridging knowledge and society through engaged research
    • Best practices in multi-sectoral research collaborations
    • Policy influence and social justice impacts of research

🔹 2. Panel discussions

Panels bring together diverse voices to explore practical challenges and opportunities in engaged research. These interactive discussions will highlight real-world applications and foster inclusive debate.

  • Format: 90-minute moderated session with 3–5 panellists
  • Themes may include:
    • Community-led knowledge production
    • Research and policymaking
    • Digital tools for inclusive research
    • Ethics and inclusivity in practice
  • Abstract Requirements:
    Up to 500 words, including topic, objectives, panellist bios, and key discussion questions.

🔹 3. Research papers & case study showcases

Share your latest findings, methodological innovations, or real-world case studies. These sessions offer a platform to contribute to the scholarly and practical knowledge base of engaged research.

  • Format: 20-minute presentation (incl. 5 minutes for Q&A)
  • Themes may include:
    • Community partnership case studies
    • Epistemic and social justice
    • Research translation and brokering
    • Evaluating the impact of engaged research
  • Abstract Requirements:
    Up to 500 words, covering background, methodology, key findings, and relevance.

🔹 4. Interactive workshops

Workshops are designed for experiential learning, skills development, and practical tool-sharing. These sessions should be interactive and promote collaborative problem-solving.

  • Format: 90-minute interactive session
  • Themes may include:
    • Tools for participatory research
    • Navigating ethics in institutional settings
    • Digital platforms for collaboration
    • Impact assessment strategies
  • Abstract requirements:
    Up to 500 words, including objectives, format, engagement methods, and outcomes.

🔹 5. Networking sessions

These facilitated sessions aim to spark new collaborations and knowledge exchange among engaged research stakeholders.

  • Duration: 60–90 minutes
  • Structure:
    • Intro (10–15 min)
    • Focused discussion (30–45 min)
    • Collaboration mapping (15–20 min)
    • Wrap-up (10 min)
  • Themes may include:
    • Cross-sector partnerships
    • Funding and grant collaboration
    • Regional and global networks
    • Early career researcher support
    • Sector-specific engagement (e.g., health, education, environment)
  • Abstract requirements:
    Up to 300 words, including:
    • Title
    • Facilitator(s) & affiliation
    • Objectives & target participants
    • Session format & outcomes
    • Any technical/logistical needs

📝 Abstract submission

All abstracts should be submitted via the conference website by 30 May 2025.
👉 Submit your abstract

For queries, contact:
📧 Akhona Mncadi: amncadi@hsrc.ac.za
📧 Marilyn Couch: MACouch@hsrc.ac.za