Advancing Early Career Researchers and Scholars - AECRS

13/08/2026

[New Job Opportunity]

CALLING ALL MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS!

Are you passionate about higher education, research, storytelling and digital engagement?
Universities South Africa (USAf) is inviting proposals for a Marketing and Communications Consultant to support the Advancing Early Career Researchers and Scholars (AECRS) Programme.

The role will focus on strengthening AECRS’s visibility and engagement through strategic communications, social media, digital campaigns, stakeholder engagement, content development and analytics.

📅 Closing date: 24 August 2026
📩 Submit proposals:[email protected]

Subject: RFP: AECRS Marketing and Communications Consultant

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this opportunity!



Universities South Africa

09/08/2026

Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo!

Seventy years after the march on the Union Buildings, we want to fill in a blank.

Nobody builds an academic career alone.

There was a supervisor who read the difficult draft twice. A senior colleague who put your name forward in a room you weren't in. A mentor who told you what you needed to hear rather than what that was easy to say.

Most of that work is invisible. It appears in no research output count and on no promotion form.

So this Women's Month, we're asking one question. Who is she?

Name the woman who shaped your academic career and tell us what she did.

We'll be reading every one.



Universities South Africa
Janet van Rhyn

10/07/2026

Yesterday, the Advancing Early Career Researchers and Scholars - AECRS Programme, had the privilege of participating in Day 4 of the 3rd Annual Research Winter School hosted by the Centre for Diversity in Higher Education Research at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), Free State.

Our session focused on the opportunities available to emerging researchers and scholars through the AECRS Programme. Prof Stephanie Burton, as the Programme Leader, reflected on the origins of AECRS, highlighting the vision behind the programme and the critical need to intentionally invest in the capacity building, support, and empowerment of early career researchers. She emphasised that strengthening researchers at the beginning of their careers is fundamental to building a vibrant, innovative and sustainable higher education and research system.

The session introduced participants to the wide range of opportunities available through AECRS, which include:
🔹 National capacity development initiatives
🔹 Mentorship and networking opportunities through Thuso Connect: https://thusoconnect.mywisdomshare.com/Wisdom-Share-Login?returnurl=%2f
🔹 Curated learning resources via Thuso Resources: https://thusoresources.usaf.ac.za/
🔹 A community of practice and collaborative platforms that strengthen research careers

It was encouraging to engage with emerging scholars who are committed to advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to research and society. We thank the Central University of Technology for the invitation and for creating a platform that fosters collaboration, learning and academic excellence.

Together, we continue to invest in researchers who will shape the future of South African scholarship and beyond.

Universities South Africa
Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA

08/07/2026

Calling all emerging African researchers 🙌🏼

The future of research is being shaped by those who are willing to learn, collaborate, and innovate. If you're a Master's student, PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, lecturer, research intern, or early-career scholar, this is your opportunity to sharpen your skills and grow your research network.

Join the 7th Annual Emerging African Researchers Training Academy 2026, a free virtual capacity-building programme designed to equip researchers with practical tools in research design, data analysis, academic writing, scientific communication, and navigating an AI-driven research landscape. This year's theme, "Leading with African knowledge. Advancing with AI," highlights the importance of combining Africa's rich knowledge systems with emerging technologies to drive impactful research across the continent.

📅 27–31 July 2026
🕘 09:00–16:00 daily
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Whether you're just beginning your research journey or looking to strengthen your expertise, this Academy offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced researchers, connect with peers across Africa, and contribute to shaping the future of African scholarship.

Find out more and register here:
https://hsrc.ac.za/seventh-annual-emerging-african-researchers-training-academy-2026-2027/

Let's continue building a stronger, more connected African research community... one that leads with knowledge, embraces innovation, and creates lasting impact.

04/05/2026

Supporting early career researchers is a long-term commitment 👏🏼

Dr Mbulelo Ncango, Executive Manager: Next Generation and Emerging Research at the National Research Foundation, reflects on advisory leadership, collaboration, and shaping a stronger future for emerging scholars through AECRS.

This is stewardship in action.

🎥 Watch till the end

28/04/2026

Collaboration is not optional — it’s essential 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽

Dr Jayrusha Ramasamy Gurayah, Lecturer and Postgrad Coordinator at University of KwaZulu-Natal, reflects on her role in the Community of Practice for Postgraduate Education and Scholarship (CoP PGES) and the power of shared learning across institutions.

When we collaborate, postgraduate education thrives.

Watch till the end 🎥

22/04/2026

Closing Soon ⏰️⏰️⏰️... ⤵️

2026 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA)

There’s still time to apply for the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) — but not for long.

Led by the Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA (DSTI), SAWISA recognises women researchers and scientists whose work is driving excellence, innovation, and impact across South Africa.

🏆 Categories include:

Humanities & Social Sciences

Natural & Engineering Sciences

Public Engagement with Science

Special Category: Innovation for Impact: Women Leading Change

📅 Application deadline: 31 May 2026
📩 Submit applications to: [email protected]
🚫 No late applications will be accepted.

If you are eligible — or know someone who is — now is the time to apply and be recognised.

20/04/2026

“Mentorship is about walking alongside someone — not ahead of them.”

Dr Chuene Semono, Project Specialist at Nelson Mandela University Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator, reflects on what it means to mentor early career researchers through Thuso Connect and why giving back is essential to building strong academic communities.

Because mentorship is impact in motion.

Watch till the end 📽

16/04/2026

What does postgraduate readiness really look like in South Africa today?

As postgraduate enrolments continue to grow, important conversations are emerging about how we prepare the next generation of researchers — not just to graduate, but to thrive.

In this article, Dr Kwezi Mzilikazi, DVC: Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Rhodes University, reflects on the evolving postgraduate landscape and the kinds of support, supervision, and research exposure that help early career researchers develop with confidence and purpose.

Rather than offering simple answers, the piece invites us to pause and consider:

✅️How readiness is shaped long before postgraduate level

✅️The role of institutions, supervisors, and systems

✅️What it truly means to build a sustainable research pipeline

A valuable read for anyone invested in postgraduate education, research development, and the future of South Africa’s knowledge economy.

Read the full article here👇🏼

More degrees, less readiness: Inside South Africa’s postgraduate dilemma: https://share.google/RWrT3AeQaVEPemfYe



Universities South Africa

13/04/2026