Elsevier, a global publisher in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), collaborated with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library and the Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate to convene the regional Future Research Symposium. The annual event aims to equip researchers with knowledge and skills to strengthen their work in a rapidly changing research and publishing environment. Participants included representatives from DUT, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Mangosuthu University of Technology, and the University of Zululand.
The event opened with an address from the DUT Library Director, outlining the Library’s SMART strategy and upcoming initiatives to enhance institutional research support. The address underscored the role of academic libraries in advancing social justice and equitable access to scholarly resources through measures such as transformational agreements with partners like Elsevier, which enable article publication without processing fees. The partnership between the Library, the Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate, and Elsevier forms part of a series of strategic initiatives designed to develop researcher capacity, expand the visibility of research outputs, and increase impact in priority areas that contribute to societal well-being.
The keynote presentation, delivered by the Interim Director of the Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate, examined the theme “Charting a Transformative Research Agenda: Building an Inclusive, Impact-Driven Knowledge Ecosystem in South Africa.” The session encouraged a re-evaluation of the role of research in addressing issues including poverty, water security, food resilience, youth development, and economic transformation, while advocating for a university model that is both locally relevant and globally competitive. Elsevier representatives presented an overview of South Africa’s scholarly trends and provided practical guidance on publication strategies.
A subsequent session by a UKZN academic, serving as Editor of the South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, offered perspectives from a journal editorial role, covering submission best practices and the application of artificial intelligence in research article preparation.
The programme concluded with a panel discussion on the implications of generative AI in postgraduate research. Moderated by a UKZN faculty member, the panel included representatives from DUT, UKZN, and Mangosuthu University of Technology. Discussion topics included the potential of generative AI tools, ethical considerations, supervisory responsibilities, and future developments in research methodologies.
The symposium facilitated engagement, knowledge exchange, and strategic dialogue among the regional academic community. It emphasized the value of inclusive, impact-oriented research and addressed the growing significance of AI in academic inquiry.
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