Reimagining Research Futures Ten Years After #MustFall- Local and Global Shifts

Friday 12 and Saturday 13 September

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

Reimagining Research Futures Ten Years After #MustFall -Local and Global Shifts

12 - 13 September 2025.

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

This conference is a collaboration between the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Global

Engagement Office, Postgraduate Liaison Committee and Post-Doctoral Forum at

Rhodes University

The 2025 Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Conference at Rhodes University takes place

during a moment of significant reflection and opportunity in South African higher

education and the global research landscape. This annual platform - now expanded to

formally include postdoctoral research fellows alongside postgraduate students is an

opportunity to engage across disciplines, faculties, and research methodologies in ways

that reflect on the ten-year anniversary of the #MustFall movements, the evolving global

political terrain, and the strategic imperative to advance inclusive, responsive, and

impactful research. The #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall movements fundamentally

disrupted dominant academic narratives, institutional cultures, and funding models. A

decade later, these events continue to resonate, shaping our understanding of justice,

access, and epistemic transformation. They challenged universities to centre African

knowledge systems, dismantle exclusions, and reimagine their role in society.

Concurrently, global dynamics ranging from the climate crisis and war, to digital

disruption and migration demand new, bold approaches to research. Universities are

navigating increased internationalisation, politicisation of knowledge, anti-

intellectualism, and emerging geopolitical alliances. Research must now contend with

growing inequalities and rapid technological change, while responding meaningfully to

community and environmental needs. It is in this dynamic context that the conference for

this year opens the platform for all Postgraduate Students and Postdoc Fellows to share

their insights responding to the question of “What is then the role of postgraduate

students and postdoctoral fellows in responding to the current issues that threaten Higher

Education?

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

To submit your abstract, please click here

Important Dates:

 30 May 2025 - Submissions of abstracts opens

30 June 2025 - Submissions of abstracts closes

25 July 2025 - Notice of Acceptances

            12 & 13 September 2025 - Conference.