Research and Innovation

91��Ƭ�� Research Hub We use our abundance of knowledge, talent, and innovation to find solutions to the challenges of the 21st Century. #ResearchForGood

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Research newsLatest

Whose brain, whose data, whose say? The neurotechnology stream of the Darkroom project asks: how might neurotechnology move responsibly from the lab into industry and the community? 30 October 2026

Using machine learning to build safer cities In eThekwini, researchers have harnessed machine learning and satellite data to spot the city’s most landslide-prone zones. 29 October 2026

SA's HPV vaccination drive to protect girls is working South Africa’s school-based HPV vaccination programme is delivering measurable population-level benefits. 29 October 2026

Can SA’s ever live in harmony with migrants? Xenophobia is not an accident of poverty or frustration. It’s political and rooted in distrust of economic and political systems. 28 October 2026

91��Ƭ�� Innovation Centre (WIC)

The 91��Ƭ�� Innovation Centre (WIC) lies at the heart of the University’s innovation ecosystem that seeks to develop an ‘innovation mindset’ across all disciplines and boundaries. This is where brilliant minds come together to create, collaborate, and drive multidisciplinary innovation that leads to impactful solutions. #91��Ƭ��Innovation | #InnovationForGood

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Discover our research

91��Ƭ�� was the first South African university to have a nuclear accelerator, to test radar, to have a computer, to study building materials, to produce a systematic climatological atlas of southern Africa, to achieve a successful graft of plastic cornea, and the first African university to have access to a quantum computer. These are just some of our 'firsts'.

Discover Our Research

Inaugural and Senate lectures. The rite of passage to become a professor in a university has for hundreds of years included the test of having to profess your knowledge to a lay audience and fellow academics. Indeed, the origin of the title 'professor' comes from the need to profess, or declare publicly, one’s knowledge. Explore the Inaugural lectures →

Our strategic priorities

91��Ƭ�� is pursuing eight priority areas that will have a major impact on our society. For Good.

Driving digital transformation

We seek to develop new inter-, trans- and multidisciplinary technologies in education, science, engineering, digital arts and game design, media innovation and digital journalism, among others.
Catalysing innovation and entrepreneurship

91��Ƭ�� is establishing an ecosystem to drive research-led innovation that will solve some of Africa’s greatest challenges in sectors such as health, urbanisation, education, environmental protection and more.
Ensuring better health for all

We understand the interconnections between infectious and communicable diseases, bioinformatics and molecular biosciences, and the future of precision medicine.
Solving global challenges

By exploring new ideas across a range of disciplines, we aim to address future challenges at the intersection of sustainable development and digital innovation, and study its impact.
Advancing society, governance and justice

Researchers at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, the 91��Ƭ�� Centre for Diversity Studies, and the African Centre for Migration and Society seek to find ways to create a more equal society.
Future-proofing our national treasures

Objects are evidence of our human existence and tell a myriad of stories about our past, present and future. At 91��Ƭ�� we aim to protect and share our extraordinary resources.
Developing the next generation of leaders

Talented postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows are vital to the creation of the next generation of scientific professionals that will allow us to remain competitive in the future.
Energising alumni support

Harnessing the support of our alumni will play a critical role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the University by contributing to a broadening of the University’s donor base.