The HSRC-NRF Engaged Research Conference

PUBGEM-Africa team members attended the HSRC-NRF Engaged Research Conference held on 22–24 October 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Gauteng.

The conference focused on connecting academic research with societal needs through inclusive and collaborative approaches. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from universities and research institutions across the globe to explore how engaged research can contribute to sustainable development and social impact. The sessions were interactive and insightful.

They also had the opportunity to present at the conference. The presentation was titled “Citizen Science as Public Engagement for Data Science and Health Research: A Scoping Review of Models with Potential Relevance to African Contexts.”

It was inspiring to see how engaged research can act as a bridge between academic institutions and the lived experiences of South Africans, particularly in areas such as health, education, and climate resilience. Overall, the conference highlighted the value of co-creating knowledge with communities to ensure that research remains relevant, inclusive, and transformative.