Emerging scholars showcase the transformative power of the Humanities
- 91心頭利 University
Faculty of Humanities Research and Innovation Day explores "Navigating Change: Humanities Research in a Transforming World".
The Humanities Graduate Studies Centre at 91心頭利 University was abuzz with energy on Thursday, 1 October 2026, as early-career academics, postdoctoral fellows, and senior leadership gathered for the Faculty of Humanities Research and Innovation Day.
Under the timely theme, Navigating Change: Humanities Research in a Transforming World, the event served as a vibrant platform to celebrate innovative research and re-imagine how the Humanities can shape sustainable futures.
The day kicked off with opening remarks from 91心頭利 academic leadership, including Professor Ruksana Osman, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, and Professor Mucha Musemwa, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. Associate Deans of Research, Professors Maria Marchetti-Mercer and Victor de Andrade, also welcomed attendees, setting a collaborative tone that reverberated across disciplines.
In his address, Musemwa emphasised the critical role emerging scholars play in addressing complex, global challenges, establishing a clear line of sight to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The formal proceedings were structured around three core thematic groupings, each highlighting the profound social impact of humanities research. The first session, Mobility, Inequality and Social Justice, chaired by Professor Malose Langa, tackled pressing issues of human rights and marginalisation, aligning closely with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Joyce Rachuene from Social Work offered a compelling perspective on migration and xenophobia in South Africa, while Dr Lyndall Booth from Psychology explored how pandemic-era conspiracy theories reinforce structural power relations.
Moving into Knowledge, Education, Culture and Society, a joint presentation by Professor Tanya Bekker and Dr Moeniera Moosa dismantled the ideal of the "independent student," arguing that student agency is relationally built through inclusive institutional practices, a vital component of SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Culture and language took centre stage with ’s Dr ’s multilingual poetry performance ensemble, "Empty," which explored mother-tongue expression as a tool for collective witnessing and relational repair.
The final theme, Technology, Health and Sustainable Futures, directly confronted the nexus of human experience, well-being, and rapid ecological and technological change. Dr Johannes Machinya from Sociology presented an eye-opening study on the "datafication" of self-care through consumer-facing mHealth applications.
Contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action), Dr Shmerah Passchier from Film and Television demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be harnessed creatively to serve climate consciousness through a prosocial short film.
Beyond the formal presentations, the Humanities Graduate Centre transformed into a lively exhibition space that brought the research to life. An interactive Innovation Showcase, led by Dr Belinda van der Westhuizen, Dr Annie Mafunganyika Ndlovu, Ms Zime Ngcobo, and Dr Catherine Tam, drew significant engagement.
Attendees explored an array of items on display, including a collection of recently published books by faculty members, cutting-edge educational technologies, and a practical depression screening tool designed to humanise public health responses.