The University of Cape Town (UCT) hosted a significant research findings workshop on 3 March 2025, as part of the Transforming Knowledge for Just and Sustainable Futures research project. The event, held at the School of Education, marked the official launch of the project’s research findings, following an extensive exploration into the landscape of engaged research at the university.

The workshop featured an esteemed lineup of speakers, including UCT’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mosha Moshabela, who delivered the keynote address. Other prominent attendees included Professor Shose Kessi, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Associate Professor Divine Fuh, Director of the Institute for Humanities in Africa (HUMA); and Dr. Linda Mtwisha. Their presence underscored the importance of the project in shaping UCT’s approach to knowledge production and engagement.

Led by Professor Leon Tikly, UNESCO Chair in Inclusive, Good Quality Education and Global Chair in Education at the University of Bristol, and Associate Professor Lesley Powell from UCT’s School of Education, the research sought to examine how knowledge is co-produced within and beyond academic institutions. Through interviews with Deans, Centre Leads, and Project Leads across various faculties, the project aimed to understand how engaged research contributes to addressing societal challenges in a just and sustainable manner.
 

The findings workshop provided an opportunity for critical reflection and discussion on the role of engaged research in higher education. It highlighted how universities can foster collaborative, inclusive, and impactful research that extends beyond academia into broader communities. Attendees engaged in discussions on knowledge transformation and how research methodologies can be reimagined to better serve societal needs.

Professor Tikly and Associate Professor Powell emphasised the necessity of transdisciplinary research and collaborative partnerships between universities and communities. They highlighted how the project aligns with global efforts to decolonise and democratise knowledge production, ensuring that research remains relevant and responsive to contemporary global and local challenges.

With the presence of key academic leaders and scholars, the workshop reaffirmed UCT’s commitment to engaged research as a cornerstone of knowledge production. The outcomes of the project are expected to inform institutional strategies that support inclusive and impactful research practices.