Article | UCT News

UCT brings global legal leaders together to shape the future of constitutional democracy As South Africa marks three decades of constitutional democracy, the University of Cape Town (UCT) will host leading judges, legal scholars and practitioners from around the world to examine the future of public law and democratic governance. 30 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT-led study finds planting trees in savannas can do more harm than good A University of Cape Town (UCT)-led study has found that planting trees in African savannas may undermine biodiversity without delivering the expected gain in carbon storage. The study, led by Dr Heidi-Jayne Hawkins of UCT’s Department of Biological Sciences and Conservation South Africa , found that grasses, not trees, are responsible for most of the carbon stored in a sandy African savanna soil. The findings challenge the common belief that increasing tree cover will always lead to more carbon being locked away underground. 30 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT public health experts join national call to protect refugees and migrants A group of South African public health workers, academics, researchers, healthcare practitioners – including some from the University of Cape Town (UCT) – and concerned individuals has called upon government to protect refugees and migrants from violence, intimidation and harassment – including the full and visible enforcement of existing court orders and the law in a petition with over 460 signatories released on Monday, 29 June 2026. 30 Jun 2026 Media release

Babies exposed to polluted air before birth face greater risk of breathing problems Pregnant women exposed to indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke may be putting their babies at greater risk of poor growth and breathing difficulties at birth, according to research by pediatricians at the University of Cape Town (UCT). 24 Jun 2026 Media release

Six hours in pain: Cape Town study highlights opportunities to improve trauma pain management For thousands of South Africans arriving at emergency centres after experiencing violence and severe injuries, surviving the trauma is only the beginning. Trauma remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with South Africa alone witnessing over 60 000 trauma-related deaths annually. Up to 70% of trauma patients in the prehospital setting and 91% in the emergency centres setting experience pain, making it a significant public health concern. 24 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT hosts global mental health symposium The University of Cape Town (UCT), in collaboration with the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and the ASEAN University Network (AUN), is hosting the WUN Global Mental Health Symposium 2026 . 23 Jun 2026 Media release

Four UCT rowers selected for national camp Four University of Cape Town (UCT) student-athletes have been selected for South Africa's first Coastal and Beach Sprint Rowing national testing and selection camp, placing them on the pathway to international representation in 2026. 22 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT study finds painkillers, pesticides and metals in False Bay waters False Bay’s waters and sediments contain a cocktail of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and metals linked to urban development, wastewater discharges and harbour activities, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT). 22 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT-hosted institute celebrates a decade at the forefront of South Africa’s astronomy revolution The Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) , hosted at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has marked its tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade of building the infrastructure, expertise and partnerships that are enabling South Africa to play a leading role in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) era of data-intensive astronomy. 22 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT lecture to explore ethics as a tool for worldmaking At a time when technological innovation is reshaping society at unprecedented speed, University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Jantina de Vries will, during her upcoming UCT Inaugural Lecture, make the case for ethics as a practical tool for worldmaking, one that can help guide scholarship towards more just and inclusive outcomes. 19 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT researcher maps out blueprint for greener industrial future What if one of the world’s most influential yet least visible scientific processes could help solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity? A University of Cape Town (UCT) lecture by Professor Nico Fischer explored how advances in catalysis could drive cleaner industries, alternative energy systems and a transition away from fossil resources while supporting economic inclusion and sustainable development. 17 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT researcher committed to developing first human lung challenge model of its kind University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Keertan Dheda regards the Order of Mapungubwe recently bestowed on him as recognition for his commitment to developing the world’s first human lung challenge model for tuberculosis (TB) using live Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) directly in the human lung. 11 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT invites African architects to design living memorial to Nelson Mandela The University of Cape Town (UCT) invites members of the media to the launch of the UCT Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance Architectural Design Competition. 11 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT-led study links violence and chronic stress to elevated suicide risk A new study led by researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has examined the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours among adults attending public-sector primary healthcare facilities in Cape Town. 11 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT study reveals bodies recovered from Cape Town waters are difficult to identify Cape Town oceans and waterways may be central to the city’s beauty, but a landmark study from the University of Cape Town (UCT) showed they can also make forensic investigations far more difficult. The findings are published in the journal Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology . 10 Jun 2026 Media release

World’s first biodiversity heat warning system predicts risks months in advance A global team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) , has developed the world’s first early warning system capable of predicting unprecedented heat exposure for species up to nine months in advance. 10 Jun 2026 Media release

South Africa’s breast cancer care system is failing too many women – UCT study A study by the Department of Surgery at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Groote Schuur Hospital has revealed deep systemic inequities in breast cancer care across South Africa, including critical shortages of surgical services, specialist staff and diagnostic capacity, leaving many women without access to life-saving treatment. 10 Jun 2026 Media release

Gun violence is South Africa’s neglected public health emergency – experts Gun violence should no longer be viewed primarily as a criminal justice issue but as a sustained public health problem requiring urgent intervention across South Africa’s health system, according to a new editorial published in the South African Medical Journal . 09 Jun 2026 Media release

Load More

TOP