Radio 786 was among the media outlets invited to the University of Pretoria (UP) for a two-day media tour showcasing how the institution’s research, technological innovation and community development initiatives are addressing challenges in South Africa and beyond.
The tour highlighted the university’s efforts to translate academic research and innovation into practical solutions that benefit society, a priority emphasised by UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen.
Petersen said the university’s mandate extends beyond teaching and research to ensuring that their outcomes have a positive impact on society. He highlighted UP’s vision of becoming an “impact-driven, research-intensive university”, placing societal impact at the centre of its institutional strategy.
The programme began at Future Africa, a research campus that brings together researchers to collaborate on complex global challenges. Media representatives attended research pitches, where UP academics presented their ongoing work and shared potential story ideas with journalists, opening opportunities for further media coverage.
The focus then shifted to engineering and infrastructure at Engineering 4.0, where journalists explored innovations in smart cities and future infrastructure. At the university’s sports science facilities, the Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI) demonstrated how sports science contributes to rehabilitation, injury prevention and healthier lifestyles.
Technology and practical innovation took centre stage at the Digital Technologies Hub and MakerSpace, where students and researchers use specialised tools and equipment to design, build, scan, print and develop prototypes.
Petersen also highlighted the university’s research capacity and academic excellence, pointing to its researchers and doctoral qualifications as indicators of its strength. He said the challenge was to build on this foundation by ensuring that the university’s research, teaching and innovation translate into meaningful societal outcomes.
Beyond research and technology, the tour highlighted UP’s commitment to the arts and student support. Journalists attended the 2026 Principal’s Concert featuring Mzansi Ballet at the Aula. The performance supported the university’s Degrees Delivered campaign, which aims to help historically indebted graduates access their degree certificates by addressing outstanding student debt.
The tour concluded at UP’s Mamelodi Campus, where media representatives met with Petersen over breakfast before visiting community-focused initiatives. These included the Animal Clinic, Early Childhood Development Centre, Sensory Garden, sewing project and Business Hub, showcasing the university’s engagement with communities beyond its main campus.
For Radio 786, the visit provided an opportunity to explore stories beyond the lecture halls and examine how research, innovation and community-based initiatives can contribute to practical solutions that improve people’s lives.
