Tomorrow Today in Research 2026 – South Africa
Exploring the future of research in an AI-driven world
TTIR South Africa will convene senior academic leaders, researchers, and external stakeholders to explore the future of research within an increasingly AI-driven environment.
Tomorrow Today in Research, South Africa
Tomorrow Today in Research (TTIR) is Elsevier’s flagship event series, delivered as a localized global program. It brings together academic leaders, research directors, librarians, and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies are shaping research and higher education, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact.
In 2026, TTIR will take place across South Africa:
Cape Town – 1 June 2026, University of Cape Town, 43 Stanley Road Middle Campus, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
Durban – 3 June 2026, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Conference Room at the E G Malherbe (Main) Library at the Howard College Campus at UKZN. (Mazisi Kunene Road, Glenwood, Durban).
Johannesburg – 5 June 2026, University of Johannesburg, University of Johannesburg Library, Corner Kingsway & University Road, Level 6, Chinua Achebe
Each event delivers a consistent core program, complemented by local speakers and perspectives relevant to the regional research landscape.
What to expect
The program is designed to support institutions in:
Strengthening research growth and performance
Enhancing global visibility and impact
Ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape
Adopting AI responsibly while maintaining academic integrity
During this event, you can expect:
A multistakeholder discussion on the future of research in an AI-enabled world
Insights into how AI is reshaping research capacity and productivity
Institutional perspectives on emerging technologies and research systems
Presentations on research management platforms and global best practices
Who should attend
University leadership and research directors
Researchers and faculty
Librarians and research support professionals
Government and policy stakeholders
Why attend
Engage with peers, gain strategic insights, and contribute to shaping the future of research in South Africa. TTIR provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across the research ecosystem.
Agenda
Cape Town
Programme
Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
9:00 - 9:25 | Registration | |
9:25 - 9:35 | Opening & Welcome Remarks | Prof Thokozani Majozi — Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, University of Cape Town |
9:35 – 10:50 | Panel Multistakeholder discussion: Faster, Smarter, Better? Discussing the Future of South African Research Output in the Age of AI | Moderator: Daneshree Moodley — Customer Success Manager, Elsevier Panellists: Emeritus Prof Kevin Winter — Senior Lecturer / Lead Researcher, Department of Environmental & Geographical Science, Future Water Institute, University of Cape Town Shirlene Neerputh — Library Director, University of the Western Cape John Sterley — Account Manager, Research Sales, Elsevier Diaa Medhat — Solutions manager, Research Intelligence, Elsevier |
10:50 – 12:05 | Plenary presentations From Capacity Constraints to Research Acceleration: The Strategic Role of AI in Universities | Prof Daniela Gachago — Associate Professor, Centre for Innovation for Learning and Teaching, University of Cape Town Charon Duermeijer — Regional Director, Customer Success, Elsevier |
12:05 – 12:30 | Tea Break | |
12:30 – 13:30 | Plenary presentations Harnessing Research Data for Strategic Impact | Dr Palesa Natasha Mothapo — Nelson Mandela University Kaveh Samadi — Solution Engineer, Elsevier |
13:30 – 14:30 | Lunch | |
14:30 – 15:30 | University as orchestrator of Research & Innovation regional ecosystem | Anne Catherine Rota — EMEA Strategic Engagement Manager, Elsevier |
15:30 – 15:45 | Closing Remarks | John Sterley — Account Manager, Research Sales, Elsevier Diaa Medhat — Solutions manager, Research Intelligence, Elsevier |
Durban
Programme
Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
9:00 - 9:25 | Registration | |
9:25 - 9:35 | Opening & Welcome Remarks | Dr Roshini Pather — Portfolio Head: Client Services, University Library, University of KwaZulu-Natal |
9:35 – 10:50 | Panel Multistakeholder discussion: Faster, Smarter, Better? Discussing the Future of South African Research Output in the Age of AI | Moderator: Daneshree Moodley — Customer Success Manager, Elsevier Panellists: Zanele Mathe — Library Director, University of Zululand Prof. Randhir Rawatlal — Director, WASH R&D Centre; Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal Prof. Upasana Gitanjali Singh — Associate Professor and Academic Leader, Information Systems and Technology, University of KwaZulu-Natal John Sterley — Account Manager, Research Sales, Elsevier Diaa Medhat — Solutions manager, Research Intelligence, Elsevier |
10:50 – 12:05 | Plenary presentations From Capacity Constraints to Research Acceleration: The Strategic Role of AI in Universities | Prof Nyna Amin — Professor of Curriculum Studies; Interim Director of Teaching and Learning, University of KwaZulu-Natal Charon Duermeijer — Regional Director, Customer Success, Elsevier |
12:05 – 12:30 | Tea Break | |
12:30 – 13:30 | Plenary presentations Harnessing Research Data for Strategic Impact | Dr Louis Du Plessis — Quality Specialist, DVC: Research, Innovation & Engagement, Durban University of Technology Kaveh Samadi — Solution Engineer, Elsevier |
13:30 – 14:30 | Lunch | |
14:30 – 15:30 | University as orchestrator of Research & Innovation regional ecosystem | Anne Catherine Rota — EMEA Strategic Engagement Manager, Elsevier |
15:30 – 15:45 | Closing Remarks | John Sterley — Account Manager, Research Sales, Elsevier Diaa Medhat — Solutions manager, Research Intelligence, Elsevier |
Johannesburg
Programme
Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
9:00 - 9:25 | Registration | |
9:25 - 9:35 | Opening & Welcome Remarks | Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya — Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Johannesburg |
9:35 – 10:50 | Panel Multistakeholder discussion: Faster, Smarter, Better? Discussing the Future of South African Research Output in the Age of AI | Moderator: Daneshree Moodley — Customer Success Manager, Elsevier Panellists: Dr Nkhenso Sibuyi — Executive Director of Libraries, University of Johannesburg Marguerite Nel — Manager: Library Technical Services, University of Pretoria John Sterley — Account Manager, Research Sales, Elsevier Diaa Medhat — Solutions manager, Research Intelligence, Elsevier |
10:50 – 12:05 | Plenary presentations From Capacity Constraints to Research Acceleration: The Strategic Role of AI in Universities | Lazarus Gallant Matizirofa — Associate Director: Research, Scholarly Communication, Digital Systems & Services, Wits Libraries, University of the Witwatersrand Charon Duermeijer — Regional Director, Customer Success, Elsevier |
12:05 – 12:30 | Tea Break | |
12:30 – 13:30 | Leveraging Pure for continued excellence in research and societal impact at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Dale Towert — Director, Research Intelligence unit, Research Development & Support Division, University of Johannesburg Kaveh Samadi — Solution Engineer, Elsevier |
13:30 – 14:30 | Lunch | |
14:30 – 15:30 | University as orchestrator of Research & Innovation regional ecosystem | Anne Catherine Rota — EMEA Strategic Engagement Manager, Elsevier |
15:30 – 15:45 | Closing Remarks | John Sterley — Account Manager, Research Sales, Elsevier Diaa Medhat — Solutions manager, Research Intelligence, Elsevier |
Speakers
Lazarus Gallant Matizirofa
Associate Director Research, Scholarly Communications, Digital Systems & Services
University of the Witwatersrand Libraries
Dr Louis du Plessis
Senior Lecturer and registered professional architect
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Read more about Dr Louis du Plessis
Marguerite Nel
Manager of Library Technical Services
University of Pretoria (UP)
Read more about Marguerite Nel
Dr. Nkhenso Sibuyi
Executive Director of the Library and Information Centre (LIC)
University of Johannesburg
Read more about Dr. Nkhenso Sibuyi
Nyna Amin
Professor of Curriculum Studies and Interim Director of Teaching and Learning
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Read more about Nyna Amin
Dr. Palesa Mothapo
Director: Research Support and Management
Nelson Mandela University
Read more about Dr. Palesa Mothapo
Prof. Upasana Gitanjali Singh
Associate Professor and Academic Leader in the Discipline of Information Systems and Technology
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Read more about Prof. Upasana Gitanjali Singh
Prof. Randhir Rawatlal
Director, WASH R&D Centre & Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus
Read more about Prof. Randhir Rawatlal
Shirlene Neerputh
Library Director of the University of the Western Cape and Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Library and Information Consortium(SANLIC)
Read more about Shirlene Neerputh
Zanele Mathe
Library Director
University of Zululand