The roadshow aimed to expand awareness, participation, and partnerships among institutions of higher learning across the Indian Ocean region, while also strengthening engagement with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) network.
The event provided a platform for dialogue on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive academic engagement, with a particular focus on supporting emerging scholars and Early Career Researchers (ECRs).
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, said the Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group plays an important role in advancing academic collaboration and strategic partnerships across the region.
UMP DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel speaking during the event.
He highlighted the importance of multilateral engagement, innovation, and supporting the development of ECRs, adding that African scholarship should remain central to conversations shaping the future of the Indian Ocean region.
“The strategic conversations we are having today are about access, representation, innovation, and the future of African scholarship within the Indian Ocean region,” said Professor Stroebel, stressing the importance of strengthening engagement networks for postgraduate students and ECRs, while supporting initiatives such as the Africa Australia University Network’s formal ECR network.
"UMP’s research focus areas align closely with the objectives of IORA, particularly in sustainability, climate resilience, food systems, innovation, blue economy development, and inclusive knowledge production," he said.
Expanding participation beyond coastal centres
Hosted as part of UMP’s growing research and internationalisation agenda, the roadshow also explored how institutions outside South Africa’s traditional coastal and metropolitan centres can contribute meaningfully to global conversations on sustainability, indigenous knowledge systems, agriculture, food security, climate adaptation, entrepreneurship, maritime economies, and community-centred innovation.
Discussions created opportunities for networking and collaboration among emerging scholars, postgraduate students and future leaders.
Key focus areas included opportunities for academics, researchers, and students to participate in projects related to marine safety and security, fisheries management, disaster risk management, and the blue economy.
The event reaffirmed UMP’s growing role as an emerging intellectual hub in the region, contributing perspectives from Mpumalanga to international academic discourse while creating opportunities for young researchers to participate in regional and global knowledge networks.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.