This year's eagerly anticipated Faculty of Health Sciences Research Day at the University of Pretoria (UP) was an eclectic mix of research and innovation. Faculty Research Day is a key component of the Faculty's research development strategy, aiming to nurture young and emerging researchers and give recognition to established researchers. Participants presented their research in the form of oral and poster presentations as well as poster displays. This year's theme was 'Women in science'.

The one-and-a-half-day event comprised 90 oral presentations, 46 poster presentations, as well as a total of 160 posters on display. On postgraduate level - MSc and higher - prizes were awarded for the best contributions in clinical and pre-clinical research, while undergraduate students and students up to honours level competed for undergraduate prizes.

Distinguished speakers from both in and outside the Faculty were invited to take part in the proceedings and participants were able to earn continued professional development (CPD) points through their attendance. The opening address was delivered by Dr Romilla Maharaj, Executive Director of Human and Infrastructure Capacity Development at the National Research Foundation (NRF). In her presentation entitled 'Women in science: building the future research leaders', Dr Maharaj provided valuable insights on building the capacity of women in science, collaborations and funding opportunities.

Other speakers highlighted opportunities for collaboration, expanding research through innovation and building a bridge between basic and clinical research. The academic programme concluded with a session on ethical issues related to gender stereotypes in research.

The event concluded with the resoundingly cheerful and well-attended awards and social function. Congratulations to all the prize winners!  Faculty Research Day 2016 was a resounding success and contributed greatly to the learning and innovation of all who attended as well as stimulating interesting debates.