Our first keynote speaker is Prof Johann Mouton, Director of the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy and Professor at CREST, Stellenbosch University. His address is titled: The changing ethos of science: from autonomy to performative excellence. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo officially welcomed all attendees to the CPUT Research Festival and said: “Today we gather to honour the extraordinary achievements that define our institution's vibrant academic landscape. At CPUT, research and innovation carry a unique weight and responsibility. We don't simply theorise about the future, we build the mechanisms, we code the systems and engineer solutions that will define it”. #2026ResearchFestival #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

In her introductory remarks at the CPUT Research Festival, Prof Marshall Sheldon – Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said that while research excellence remains essential, excellence cannot be measured only by what we publish, how often we get cited and how much funding we attract. She said that increasingly we also have to ask: what has changed because of our research? Who has benefited? What problems have we helped to solve? What opportunities have been created and are we preparing the next generation of researchers? #2026ResearchFestival #WeAreCPUT #CPUTInnovation #CreatingFutures

The CPUT Research Festival kicks off today! Hosted at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), the event centres around the theme: Research with Impact: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Responsible Scholarship and Enabling Future Researchers. #2026ResearchFestival #WeAreCPUT

The annual CPUT Research Festival 2026 will commence on Monday, 26 October, highlighting the institution’s commitment to driving societal change through localised innovation. Full story here bit.ly/47HJIEf

Dr Belinda Verster, a senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, has once again been recognised for her outstanding work – this time with a national award from the South African Planning Institute (SAPI). Full story here: bit.ly/4kf5gj0

The CPUT Cancer Awareness Campaign aimed to promote early detection and employee wellness and encouraged staff to take a proactive approach to their health. Full story here: bit.ly/48bBVPa

Go for Gold recently brought vibrant energy to the Bellville Campus with its annual Awards Ceremony, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Grade 12 learners who have shown unwavering dedication and excellence in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and the Educational Development Programme. Full story here bit.ly/4jx45eG

About 400 staff members participated in the CPUT Run/Walk for Cancer, demonstrating their commitment to promoting cancer awareness and building a culture of support within the university community. Full story here: bit.ly/4i5XqHf

A group of Emergency Medical Sciences students hope to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) by raising funds and collecting donations for The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children. Full story here: bit.ly/4juBFlq