The National Research Foundation's Chief Strategist, Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli, will share her views on shaping the future of South African research at the Unisa Catalytic Niche Area Symposium, taking place from 29 to 30 July 2026.

Join Luruli as she shares strategic insights into the future of research, innovation and knowledge generation in South Africa.

As research and innovation become increasingly central to addressing society's most pressing challenges, Luruli's keynote will explore the critical role of collaboration, strategic investment and research excellence in driving national development.

Keynote speaker

Thursday 30 July 2026

Venue: Thamsanqua Kambule Auditorium, 1st floor, GJ Gerwel Building, Unisa Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg.

Broadcast: Senate Hall, 2nd floor, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Building, Unisa Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria

About Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli

Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli drives the alignment and execution of strategic priorities across the organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Corporate Executive Team. She also provides strategic advice and executive support to the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership.

Before joining the NRF, Luruli served as Executive Director: Research Development and Support at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she led the university's research and innovation agenda. She oversaw four departments responsible for mobilising research funding from national and international sources, managing research outputs and productivity, and facilitating technology transfer, including the commercialisation of innovations and entrepreneurial support.

Under her leadership, UJ strengthened its position as a leading research-intensive institution in South Africa and internationally, becoming the country’s largest producer of accredited research outputs – a position it sustained beyond her tenure. She also played a central role in shaping and advancing the university’s research strategy. She was instrumental in securing South Africa's first University Innovation Pod (UniPod), awarded to UJ by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its timbuktoo initiative.

Luruli holds a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) and an MSc (cum laude) in Conservation Ecology, both from Stellenbosch University. With nearly two decades of experience in research management and administration, she has held senior positions at the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). She has also worked as a research administration consultant for a private university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Her work is driven by a commitment to advancing research, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal impact. She is particularly passionate about fostering inclusive and diverse research environments, mentoring emerging scholars, and building capacity among the next generation of researchers, and she actively promotes collaboration across academia.

Be part of the conversation at the Unisa Catalytic Niche Area (CNA) Research Symposium.

Click here for more information and to register.

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* By Virginia McManus, Manager: PR, Communication and Marketing, Directorate Research Support