The Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom Campus’s third annual Research Winter School has attracted a record number of participants this year, highlighting the growing demand for research collaboration, innovation and academic development.
The event brought together academics, postgraduate students and researchers from South Africa and abroad to strengthen research capacity, exchange ideas and build collaborative networks.
The programme has experienced significant growth since its launch and according to Professor Bekithemba Dube, custodian of the Research Winter School, attendance has increased from 120 delegates in 2025 to 220 participants in 2026, with representatives from both local and international institutions.
Full Professor of Circular Economy at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Professor Linganiso encouraged delegates to rethink the purpose of research in addressing societal challenges.
He emphasised that meaningful transformation requires research to be driven by innovation and inclusion. “For CUT to be above the best, social innovation and diversity must be the main engines for transformation.”
The Winter School offers participants an opportunity to engage with leading scholars, explore emerging research trends and develop skills that contribute to impactful academic work.
By investing in initiatives such as the Research Winter School, CUT continues to strengthen its research culture while preparing the next generation of scholars to tackle local and global challenges through collaborative, socially responsive research.
Compiled by Sibongile Selomane
