The Pre-SASEC (Southern African Sustainable Energy Conference) workshops, held on 11-12 November 2024, gathered 66 participants across two crucial sessions:
Academic Writing & Publishing and Entrepreneurship and Commercialization. The two sessions brought together experts from academia, industry, and government, and explored the intersections of innovation, technology transfer, sustainability, and the commercialization of research.
The pre-workshop attendees at STIAS
Day 1: Academic Writing & Publishing
The workshop began with a focused session on academic writing, aimed at helping researchers improve their publication skills. A group of 28 participants, mostly postgraduate students and early career researchers, engaged in detailed discussions on strategies for publishing impactful research. Experts provided guidance on navigating academic journals, enhancing the visibility of research, and effectively disseminating knowledge to global audiences. The session was an invaluable opportunity for attendees to refine their academic writing skills and understand the processes that drive scholarly communication.
Day 2: Entrepreneurship and Commercialization
The second day shifted focus to entrepreneurship and the commercialization of academic research. A larger group of 66 participants attended, excited to explore how to transition scientific discoveries into viable market solutions. Jetane Charsley, head of the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), kicked off the day providing insight to the country’s innovation ecosystem. Ian van Zyl from Stellenbosch University led a session on the commercialization of intellectual property, sharing best practices for bringing academic research to market. Mashudu Nxumalo, also from Stellenbosch University, highlighted the importance of technology transfer across sectors, including nuclear energy and agriculture, emphasizing its role in bridging the gap between research and real-world application.
The day’s discussions were enriched by contributions from leading figures in energy and sustainability. Prof. Lorenzo Squintani from the University of Groningen explored the legal frameworks that support the green energy transition, while Prof. Michel De Paepe and Dr Arne De Keyser of Ghent University led an interactive session on research to reality showcasing EnerGhentIC, an interdisciplinary community innovating energy future partnership with industry and policy makers.
A particularly timely segment featured Prof. Sampson Mamphweli from SANEDI, who spoke on South Africa’s key energy innovation program. Their talks underscored the urgency of innovation in addressing South Africa’s energy challenges and advancing sustainability across the African continent.
International Collaboration
In addition to energy, the workshop also went into the broader theme of sustainability, Prof. Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, during a keynote address emphasized the need for greater institutional support for student entrepreneurship and innovation. Her call for strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem resonated with the attendees, reinforcing the importance of supporting young researchers and entrepreneurs to drive the continent’s future growth.
Finally, the workshop ended with an panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities in Commercialising Renewable Energy Research: An African and Global Perspective chaired by Dr. Nico Elema, Director of the Centre for Collaboration in Africa. While conversation was multifaceted, the main take away from the engaging session was that immense opportunities exist in the sector, particularly in innovation, as current energy challenges reveal gaps that need filling. However, solving these issues requires collaboration. This was excellently summed up by Prof Moyo quoting the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The pre-SASEC workshops were a successful platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and addressing key challenges in the realms of energy, sustainability, and innovation. With over 90 participants, the event offered valuable insights into the commercialization of research and the importance of bridging academia with industry.
Total Number of Participants: 66
- Academic Writing & Publishing (Day 1): 28
- Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (Day 2): 66
