The University of South Africa (Unisa) invites researchers, postgraduate students, industry leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations and innovation partners to participate in the 2026 Catalytic Niche Area (CNA) Research Symposium. (The catalytic niche areas are Unisa’s strategic research areas.)

The symposium is Unisa’s flagship platform for showcasing and advancing scholarship within its 10 CNAs. It provides a space for interdisciplinary engagement, strategic dialogue and collaborative action aimed at addressing South Africa’s most complex and persistent challenges while contributing to continental and global development priorities.

Bringing together academia, industry, government and civil society, the symposium promotes research that is responsive, innovative and impactful. It ensures that knowledge creation extends beyond the academy to inform policy, drive innovation and improve lives.