UP Senate Conference 2026 focuses on shaping impact for resilient futures
Members of the University of Pretoria (UP) Senate recently gathered for the 2026 Senate Conference, a two-day meeting centred on the theme ‘Shaping Impact for Resilient Futures’. The conference was held at Future Africa, UP’s pan-African platform for collaborative research, and provided a forum for reflection, dialogue and strategic alignment as the University prepares for the implementation of its revised institutional strategy, Thrive UP 2038.
In keeping with the conference theme, Day 1 focused on framing impact, while Day 2 centred on leveraging and sustaining impact.
On each day, proceedings began with a keynote address that set the scene, followed by a panel or fireside conversation. Participants then joined parallel focused impact discussions designed to clarify key issues, establish a shared language and develop recommendations for implementation across the institution.
Opening the conference, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen emphasised the significance of placing impact at the centre of the University’s academic and institutional agenda.
“We are implementing our strategy at a time of geopolitical instability, climate crises, rapid technological change and economic volatility,” he said. “This is a moment of uncertainty, but also one of immense potential. Universities have a responsibility not only to respond to change, but to actively shape the future while addressing society’s urgent needs.”
He underscored the importance of developing a shared understanding of impact within the University community. “Impact must be understood not as an abstract concept, but as something that is visible, measurable and meaningful in the lives of people and communities. Educating and empowering young people is, in itself, impact. At UP, no student is left behind or denied a quality education because of socio-economic circumstances.”
Discussions throughout the conference explored how the University can strengthen its contribution through research, teaching, innovation and engagement, with particular emphasis on transdisciplinary collaboration and institutional coherence. “The impact we pursue must be experienced beyond the University. It must be inclusive, human-centred and responsive to the challenges facing our country, continent and the world,” Prof Petersen said.
Closing the conference, he reflected on the event’s depth and reach. “We set out to ask why impact matters and how we lead with impact and purpose. Over these two days, we have gone a long way towards generating aligned and actionable recommendations,” he said. “Impact requires institutional agility, collaboration and sustained leadership. It is an essential shift and central to Thrive UP 2038.”
Conference participants emphasised the importance of the engagement for shaping institutional direction.
Professor Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education, said the conference reinforced the evolving role of universities. “The Senate Conference reaffirmed the importance of connecting our academic work to societal realities. Impact is a defining feature of how universities remain relevant and responsive.”
Professor Loretta Feris, Vice-Principal: Academic, highlighted the value of collective reflection and academic alignment. “These conversations are essential for strengthening shared understanding across disciplines and faculties. Impact requires alignment, collaboration and a clear sense of purpose.”
The 2026 Senate Conference forms part of UP’s broader efforts to embed Thrive UP 2038 across the institution, ensuring that its teaching, research and engagement continue to contribute meaningfully to society.