Strategies 2030: Research and internationalisation

Dear research community

Two important institutional processes are currently underway: the development of strategies that will shape the direction of research and internationalisation at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for the next planning cycle. I write to update the university community on these two processes.

The Research Strategy 2030 and the Internationalisation Strategy 2030 are both being formulated to align closely with, and give practical expression to, our institutional Strategy 2030.

Background and purpose
Strategy 2030 sets out UCT's ambitions as a leading African university with global reach and impact. Research and internationalisation are two of the central pillars through which this ambition is being realised. The development of these strategies builds on many of the qualities that already distinguish UCT, including a strong culture of research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with partners across Africa and the world. The intention is not to replace what is working well, but to build on these strengths and position the university for even greater impact in a rapidly changing higher education environment.

It is therefore essential that we develop clear, coherent and forward-looking strategies in the areas of research and internationalisation. These strategies will be owned by the university community, responsive to our current context, and capable of guiding decision-making and resource allocation through to 2030 and beyond.

Progress to date
Two sessions were held to initiate this work:

• Research Strategy 2030 kick-off session on 2 June 2026.
• Internationalisation Strategy 2030 kick-off session on 2 July 2026.

Both sessions brought together a broad and representative group of colleagues from across the institution, including directors of institutes; deputy deans responsible for research and postgraduate studies from all faculties; representatives of the Development and Alumni Department (DAD), the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO), the Research Office (RO), Research Contracts and Innovation (RC&I) and eResearch; as well as executive directors and managers within the Research and Internationalisation portfolio.

The deliberation sessions were rich and constructive and have resulted in draft strategy documents for both the Research Strategy 2030 and the Internationalisation Strategy 2030. A recurring emerging theme has been the importance of strengthening the connections between research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, talent development and international engagement. These insights will continue to shape the next phase of strategy development.

The draft documents represent an important first milestone, but they are by no means final. They are the foundation upon which a much broader process of engagement will now be built.

What happens next: University-wide consultation
We will now move into a consultative phase involving the broader university community. This is a critical stage in the process, and I would like to encourage every member of staff and every student to engage with it actively. Your insights, questions and constructive challenge will help ensure that both strategies are relevant, credible and genuinely reflective of the institution we are and the institution we aspire to become.

Another key consideration, surfaced from my brief tenure, is how UCT can leverage internationalisation to advance our research agenda in deliberate support of institutional priorities. In particular, the consultation process will explore how international engagement can continue to strengthen research excellence, partnerships, capacity development and societal impact.

Following the consultative phase, the revised strategies will be taken through the university's formal approval structures, in keeping with UCT's governance processes.

Timeline

• Consultative phase: to follow shortly, engaging the broader university population.
• Finalisation and approval: both strategies are targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
• Implementation: scheduled to commence in January 2027.

A call to participate
The strength of these strategies will ultimately depend on the extent to which they are shaped by, and collectively speak to, the whole university community. This is your opportunity to help define how UCT approaches research and internationalisation over the coming years. Further communication in this regard will follow via deans and heads of departments.

I wish to thank all those who participated in the two kick-off sessions for their valuable contributions. The quality of the discussions reaffirmed one of UCT's greatest strengths: a deeply committed community of scholars, professional staff and students who care about the future direction of this institution.

I look forward to the continued engagement of the broader university community as we collectively shape strategies that will guide UCT's research and internationalisation ambitions into the next decade.

Warm regards

Professor Thokozani Majozi
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements