The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently hosted the Universitas21 (U21) Global Research and Senior Leaders Meeting 2025 at Auckland Park Bunting Road campus. The event marked the gathering of U21 Senior Leaders with the Global Research collaborative groups. The meeting provided the platform to discuss pressing issues in higher education and research.
UJ is the sole African institution within the global network of research-intensive universities that compose Universitas 21.
Professor Jenny Dixon, Provost of Universitas21, chaired the meeting.
In his opening address, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, the Vice-Chancellor of UJ, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating, “We gather under the theme ‘Around the world, universities are called to lead and serve in shaping more inclusive environments.’ The work we do together is more vital than ever. We educate future leaders, and we tackle challenges in research problems by collaborating for stronger partnerships.”
The meeting featured various sessions, including discussions on responsible research, research collaboration, and ways to support researchers in the era of AI. Professor Kathy Belov from the University of Sydney, Chair of the Research Leaders program, highlighted the importance of these sessions, saying, “It is a very good platform to share research. We have two sessions: Research impact and public perception people & Processes: Pragmatic approaches for embedding equity in international research collaboration.”
Dr. Alison Butt from the University of New South Wales(UNSW), Chair of the Research Collaboration Group, representing the Senior Researchers Group (SRG), noted that the group brings together senior researchers to strengthen the network and give impactful global research. “By working together, we can find ways to support research, support inclusive environments, and improve research funding,” he said.
Professor Hanna Snellman from the University of Helsinki emphasized the importance of international collaboration, stating, “We want to be globally impactful by 2030 and be strongly connected. In today’s world, we believe it is critical to boost our international collaboration.” She added that their research focuses on areas such as Future Technologies, Learning and Evolving Societies, Precision Medicine, and Sustainable Planet, concluding with “#weareHelsinkiuni.”
Professor Ahmed Bawa from the University’s Johannesburg Business School (JBS) delivered a keynote address, highlighting the complexities universities face in navigating societal expectations, funding challenges, and governance issues.
He emphasized the need for universities to evolve, prioritise inclusivity, and address pressing global challenges. By fostering critical thinking, promoting research, and engaging in co-created problem-solving, “universities can play a vital role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a call for universities to work together to address global challenges and promote inclusive research.
