Building Bridges: Unleashing the Potential of Scholarship

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September

The Centre for Postgraduate Studies invites you to participate in the highlight of the postgraduate calendar at Barratt Lecture Theatre, Rhodes University in Makhanda to share your research with a wide audience.

13-14 September 2024

You are invited to participate in the highlight of the postgraduate calendar and share your research with a wide audience.

This year's theme, "Building Bridges: Unleashing the Potential of Scholarship," emphasizes the global need for fostering connections and collaboration in various sectors such as scholarship, politics, policy engagement, practice, and partnerships. As a research-intensive university marking its 120th anniversary in 2024, we are reflecting on our institution's history of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Building bridges involves engaging in challenging conversations about the direction of our research, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and integrating interdisciplinary approaches to facilitate free exchange of ideas, critical thinking, and research endeavors.

The timing of this conference is significant as South Africa is undergoing a political transition following recent election results, underscoring the imperative for all citizens to leverage the potential of scholarship to bridge gaps between interdisciplinary research, politics, and community engagement. The conference aims to promote research in action by fostering a culture of trust, commitment, ownership, partnership, transparency, diversity appreciation, open dialogue, and constructive feedback within a multidisciplinary framework.

We cordially invite you to contribute to this scholarly discourse by presenting your research, as we commemorate 120 years of research excellence at Rhodes University. Join us in exploring the importance of building bridges, unlocking the potential of scholarship, fostering collaboration, and expanding learning opportunities beyond traditional academic boundaries. Together, let us redefine the essence of research, uphold ethical standards in academia, and enhance knowledge dissemination for societal advancement.

Join us for two days of intellectual engagement and social networking.

Important Dates:

12 July 2024 - Submissions of abstracts opens

20 August 2024 - Submissions of abstracts closes

TBC - Notice of Acceptances

13 & 14 September 2024 - Conference.