Cutting-edge AI specialist to address formal opening of R&I Week 2026

During the formal opening of the Unisa Research and Innovation Week on 25 May, Professor Vukosi Marivate, a pioneering AI researcher and leading voice in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing, will explore how these technologies are reshaping Africa’s future – by turning data into insight, and insight into social change.

Not to be missed

The week of 25–29 May will feature a vibrant programme of insightful conversations, research showcases, and collaborative exchanges. Driven by Unisa’s eight colleges and business units, the programme has been designed to connect ideas with real-world impact.

Held under the theme “Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Areas: Powering Change”, the programme activities will span the Muckleneuk, Science, and Midrand campuses.

About the speaker

Professor Vukosi Marivate

Marivate is a Professor of Computer Science and holds the ABSA UP Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria. He specialises in developing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to extract insights from data, with a particular focus on the intersection of ML, AI, and natural language processing (NLP).

His research is dedicated to improving methods, tools, and access to data for local and low-resource languages. As leader of the Data Science for Social Impact research group, he focuses on applying data science to address societal challenges across sectors, including science, energy, public safety, and utilities.

Marivate is a co-founder of Lelapa AI, an African startup focused on building AI for Africans, by Africans. He is also a chief investigator at the Masakhane Research Foundation, which advances NLP technologies for African languages, and a co-founder of the Deep Learning Indaba, the continent’s leading grassroots machine learning and AI community initiative.

Click here to reserve your space for the formal opening

Click here for the programme and more information

* Compiled by Virginia McManus, Manager: PR and Communication, Directorate of Research Support, Unisa