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
