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THE 3RD INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CONFERENCE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

THE 3RD INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CONFERENCE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

The annual Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation Conference which ended on the 20th of September was a huge success.

Hosted by the Durban University of Technology’s Postgraduate Support Directorate, the annual three day conference held between the 18th and 20th September 2018 at Coastlands Hotel on the Ridge, was attended by delegates from South Africa and beyond. The conference which had over 100 people in attendance had delegates from the Durban University of Technology inclusive of students and members of staff, as well as delegates from different universities in South Africa.

The conference was declared opened by the DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Sibusiso Moyo who created a background for an interdisciplinary approach in the current trends of research and innovation. Her opening remarks were  further corroborated by the Acting Director: Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate at DUT, Professor Carin Napier stressing how important interdisciplinarity is in the current era of research.

The two keynote speakers, Prof. Tennyson Mgutshini (University of South Africa) and Prof. Shirley Motaung, provided interesting views supported with facts on the theme of the conference – ‘Sustaining Interdisciplinary Trends in Research and Innovation’.

Professor Megandren Govender, who was the plenary presenter for the conference, offered practical ways to innovation and research through his works which earned him the description – “the modern day reincarnation of Albert Einstein”.

The conference also had a panel discussion on different sub-themes which include: Promoting interdisciplinarity and crossdisciplinarity in research activities”, “Supporting innovation in research”, and “Combining innovation with sustainability”. The panel discussion involved experienced and recognized researchers such as Prof Nokuthula Sibiya, the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as Prof Michael Chapman and Prof Innocent Davidson who are all from DUT. The session which was facilitated by Dr. George Kehdinga ended in multiple of thoughts and questions.

The Executive President, Postgraduate Association, Ms Relebohile Ramakatsa, declared the conference officially closed on the 20th of September and delegates were taken on a tour around the city of Durban before departing for their various destinations.

Pictured: Some of the delegates who attended the annual Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation Conference (Picture Credit: Moses Bariki).

Theophilus Adedokun and Kunle Oparinde

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