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Research & innovation

Research & innovation

"E-walleting the sun": Challenges of affordability and justice for South Africa’s energy transition At UCT's final Collective Conversations event of the year, experts examined whether load shedding truly is over and what trials remain on South Africa and the continent’s path to a just energy transition. 03 Sep 2026 - 9 min read

"E-walleting the sun": Challenges of affordability and justice for South Africa’s energy transition

At UCT's final Collective Conversations event of the year, experts examined whether load shedding truly is over and what trials remain on South Africa and the continent’s path to a just energy transition. 03 Sep 2026 - 9 min read

From discovery to impact: UCT showcase reimagines the postdoctoral journey

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT)’s recent Postdoctoral Research Showcase highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration and practical applications of "real-world" research while affirming the postdoctoral identity through professional development. 30 Jul 2026 - 9 min read

Rethinking water and waste

The fifth instalment of UCT’S Collective Conversations on Science for Society was held on Monday, 27 July. 29 Jul 2026 - 9 min read

And the ‘Science Oscar’ goes to? 29 Jul 2026

Waar besoedelde riviere weer nuwe lewe laat ontkiem 13 Jul 2026 Afrikaans

Apho imilambo engcolisekileyo idibana khona 13 Jul 2026 isiXhosa

Focusing on the future of constitutional democracy 08 Jul 2026

UCT study finds traces of banned toxic chemicals in children’s products 08 Jul 2026

‘Constitutional democracies are under stress’ 06 Jul 2026

UCT ranks eighth in the world for SDG 17 03 Jul 2026

Putting communities at the centre of technology 01 Jul 2026

Living ethically in an unethical world 29 Jun 2026

UCT hosts global conference on digital mental health 26 Jun 2026

Prenatal air pollution raises babies’ breathing risks 24 Jun 2026

UCT remains Africa's leading university and among top 5% globally 23 Jun 2026

UCT study finds toxic pollutants in False Bay waters Researchers discover widespread contamination in one of South Africa’s most important marine ecosystems, but immediate risks to marine life appear low. 22 Jun 2026

Beyond the telescope: Leading the global radio astronomy revolution IDIA’s first decade has shown that South Africa can build and sustain the data-intensive capability required for frontier astronomy. 22 Jun 2026

SA scientists decode cancer’s key survival tactic UCT-led researchers decoded how cancer rewires the MUC1 protein’s sugar coating to evade immune detection, paving the way for new cancer vaccines, biomarkers and precision therapies. 19 Jun 2026 Republished

UCT’s status as Africa’s highest-ranked university reinforced UCT has reaffirmed its dominance in global rankings and solidified its status as the continent’s leading university. 18 Jun 2026

‘Source of profound national pride’ “Prof Liesl Zühlke’s research is testament to the exceptionally high quality of science that is being conducted by South Africa’s public science institutions,” said the minister. 15 Jun 2026

The power of collaborative genomic discovery For many patients living with suspected genetic disorders, the search for a diagnosis can be long, complex and emotionally exhausting. The Neuroscience Institute’s Clinical Omics and Informatics Unit believe that solving these cases requires collaboration. 15 Jun 2026

How catalysis could power a cleaner future Prof Nico Fischer, director of the UCT Catalysis Institute, delivered his inaugural lecture on 9 June, titled “Catalysis as key enabler of a just and sustainable transition”. 15 Jun 2026

UCT celebrates nine ‘Science Oscars’ finalists Several UCT academics across and research teams from various disciplines have been named finalists in the 2025/2026 NSTF-South32 Awards. 11 Jun 2026

SA’s breast cancer care system is failing too many women A UCT study has revealed deep systemic inequities in breast cancer care across South Africa. 11 Jun 2026

Renowned TB researcher recognised with prestigious national honour Prof Keertan Dheda is one of two UCT academics who received the Order of Mapungubwe from President Cyril Ramaphosa. 11 Jun 2026

Cities as contested sites: A conversation navigating urban land use This UCT conversation series explores the urgent complexities of urban land use, specifically through the lenses of justice, ecology and climate resilience. 10 Jun 2026

Safe sport – the only sport that matters Researchers, policy makers, athletes and sport administrators from 65 countries recently gathered at UCT’s Neville Alexander for the Safe Sport International Global Conference 2026. 08 Jun 2026

Tackling transformation in research at UCT Executive, academic and professional staff gathered on 27 May to discuss how UCT’s structures, systems and practices can enable more just and inclusive research. 05 Jun 2026

Putting UCT Global Surgery on the world stage At the end of May, dignitaries and students gathered to celebrate the trailblazing contribution of Prof Salome Maswime, as she looks to her new role as head of Wits School of Clinical Medicine. 05 Jun 2026

Imported gunshot detection systems can marginalise communities A research paper revealed that when technologies like ShotSpotter travel from the Global North to Global South countries they arrive not simply as tools, but as governance scripts that shape how problems are understood. 03 Jun 2026

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