PROFILE UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA
UMP Research Day:
Innovate, discover, and transform
The University of Mpumalanga( UMP) hosted its third Research and Innovation Day, celebrating the achievements of researchers, postgraduate students, and faculty collaborators.
UMP’ s Research and Innovation Day builds on the University’ s strong and steadily growing research trajectory and aims to encourage academic staff and emerging researchers to remain research-active. It also seeks to position UMP’ s work for both internal and external stakeholders, with particular emphasis on the Institutional Research Themes.
The theme for 2025 – Innovate. Discover. Transform. – reflects UMP’ s commitment to advancing knowledge, inspiring solutions and contributing to meaningful societal change. It also captures the core purpose of research and innovation in the contemporary academic and social landscape.
UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, described the day as a rich gathering of ideas, debate and intellectual exchange, and encouraged participants to embrace the spirit of the theme.
“ Our Research and Innovation is an important platform for key conversations, presentations, and ideas to inspire new collaborations and open pathways to a more sustainable, equitable, and knowledge-rich future,” he said.
UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa emphasised the University’ s mission to advance innovation, discovery and transformation across all areas of its work.
“ Innovation at UMP is not just a slogan; it is a way of life. We innovate to discover, and we discover so that we may transform. This speaks to who we are and who we are becoming as a futurefocused university,” she said, highlighting the importance of research grounded in context and lived experience.
“ Our researchers must not detach themselves from the communities we seek to uplift. Research must breathe; it must walk with people, respond to their realities, and help us reimagine what a truly inclusive and prosperous future looks like.”
Professor Meyiwa also reflected on the importance of integrity and empathy in research.“ High-quality research is not only about output; it is about character. Integrity, good governance, compassion and collaboration must anchor the work we do. Research that lacks empathy cannot transform communities.”
Looking ahead, she encouraged the UMP community to remain bold, curious and forward-thinking.
Panel discussions and exhibitions
Two central discussion sessions anchored the day’ s programme:
• Transforming learning through analytics, AI and pedagogical innovation: focusing on the use of learning analytics, artificial intelligence( AI) and pedagogical innovation to support evidence-based, technologyenhanced and student-centred practices.
• Innovation for sustainability and community empowerment: exploring how innovative research and practice can contribute to inclusive growth, sustainability and resilience in local and regional communities. The session highlighted the intersections between scientific advancement, social impact and community engagement, demonstrating how innovation can support and empower communities.
The programme featured panel discussions, research exhibitions and engagements that showcased UMP’ s dedication to excellence and societal contribution. Key projects and conversations demonstrated the University’ s dedication to the kind of research that strengthens communities and promotes long-term societal wellbeing.
Honouring research excellence
The day concluded with the annual UMP Excellence Awards for Research & Innovation, Community Engagement and Teaching & Learning, bringing together staff, students and partners for an evening acknowledging outstanding achievement.
16 SA PROFILE www. saprofilemagazine. co. za