South African delegation visits Βι¶ΉΣ³» to strengthen collaboration on PhD research
Posted on behalf of: Βι¶ΉΣ³» Global Engagement
Last updated: Friday, 7 November 2025
A group of visitors being shown around the Jubilee Building
On 29 October, it was an honour to welcome South African colleagues to our campus as part of their UK engagement programme focused on developing research and training partnerships for the South African Presidential PhD Programme: a national initiative to create the next generation of South African researchers to work on themes that are vital to South Africa's future development. The programme will focus on: AI & Machine Learning, Advanced Biotechnology, The Just Energy Transition, the Water-Food-Health Sustainability Nexus, and Mining Transformation.
Following visits to the Βι¶ΉΣ³» Genome Centre, the Chichester Future Technologies Lab and SPRU, it became clear that these priority areas align strongly with ’s research strengths in AI, Sustainability, Health, Science Policy, Innovation & Technology for social good. Βι¶ΉΣ³» was also highlighted as an example of a UK university that has established meaningful partnerships with South African institutions, particularly with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), through collaborative research, staff exchange, and capacity-building initiatives.
During their visit the delegation also met our Vice Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil who said: “Our growing collaborations with South African institutions reflect the spirit of the Βι¶ΉΣ³» 2035 strategy, building equitable partnerships that strengthen research capacity and create shared opportunities for innovation. Through collaborative research, we aim to generate impactful knowledge that addresses societal needs and contributes to tackling the grand challenges facing both the UK and South Africa. These partnerships not only enrich our global engagement but also strengthen Βι¶ΉΣ³» as a university committed to inclusion, sustainability and meaningful global impact.”
Thank you to the delegation for sharing your knowledge, insights and time with Βι¶ΉΣ³»: Dr ; , Refilwe Mashigo from ; and from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation; and from the British High Commission in Pretoria; and from the .
Βι¶ΉΣ³» looks forward to working with our South African counterparts to help produce a new generation of PhD graduates equipped to tackle South Africa’s most pressing social and economic challenges.