Stellenbosch University’s Library and Information Service hosted its annual Library Research Week from May 12th to 16th. Under the overarching theme, “Let’s partner for research impact,” the week-long event delved into the intricacies of the research lifecycle, offering a diverse array of sessions designed to empower and inspire academics. Observations highlight a week brimming with intellectual exchange, practical insights, and a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

The week commenced on a high note on Monday, 12 May, with Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, officially opening the event. Professor Moyo underscored the critical role of Library Research Week in strengthening the University’s research ecosystem. Following Professor Moyo’s opening, the audience was given a powerful guest lecture by the esteemed Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, the 2024 Templeton Prize winner and Research Chair for Historical Trauma and Transformation. Professor Gobodo-Madikizela offered a penetrating reflection on the concept of encounters as vital sites of knowledge production. Sharing personal anecdotes of both positive and negative experiences, she illustrated how these everyday interactions have profoundly shaped her research and worldview. She concluded her impactful address with a poignant statement: “The failure to recognise humanity at all – is evil. As embodied beings, we are exposed to others. And while this allows for connection and desire, it also raises the potential for cruelty. It is within this space that our work, our research, and our humanity must reside.”

From left to right: Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Dr Siviwe Bangani, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Ellen Tise

Tuesday, 13 May featured four insightful sessions on decoloniality as a research method, the impact of copyright and trademark use throughout the research process, literature reviews and systematic reviews.

Wednesday, 15 May, had five sessions dedicated to the transformative power of AI and other technological advancements. The interest in these sessions was prevalent through the high number of registrations and attendance. The webinars included presentations from Wiley, Elsevier and WWIS and also from two SU experts. The generative AI-centred webinars differentiated between traditional and generative AI, showcasing tools like Google Gemini and Copilot, and stressing ethical considerations such as copyright and disclosure.  The day also featured a session on the potential benefits and applications of using generative AI opportunities in research.

Thursday, 16 May focused on four sessions offering practical strategies and services available to SU staff, researchers and students, including the benefits of open access publishing, SU opportunities for global academic engagement, enhancing research impact and developing a data management plan using SunDMP.  The week closed off on Friday, 16 May, focusing on webinars that support researcher and societal wellbeing.

The Library Research Week working group, led by Dr Siviwe Bangani, wants to thank everyone who attended. A huge thank you also to all of the presenters, especially to Professor Moyo and Professor Gobodo-Madikizela for opening what was another successful week.

Some of the recordings are restricted to SU staff and students. If you would like to view these, you may email Kirchner van Deventer for access. The majority of the recordings, including the Launch, can be viewed on the library’s YouTube channel.

Author: Kirchner van Deventer

Below is more information about the content and attendance of the event. Please click on the image to read.
(Infographic created by Marié Roux)