Research Focus Areas

At the heart of UP’s research strategy is the commitment to pursue “research that matters”, i.e. research that addresses complex societal challenges and, in particular, the challenges that are faced by developing regions in the world. Such issues include the environment, climate change, food security, poverty alleviation, health, education, and evidence-based policies for development, among others.

In order to maximise the international and national impact of our research, resources are concentrated, in the first instance, in a selected number of areas or Institutional Research Themes (IRTs). This enables critical mass and synergies to be achieved.  The following Institutional Research Themes (IRTs) are identified in our 2025 Strategic Plan:

INSTUTIONAL RESEARCH THEMES

KNOWLEDGE FIELDS

Energy

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Physics

Chemistry

Food Nutrition and Well-being

Health Sciences

Food Sciences

Veterinary Sciences

Education

Microbiology

Biological Sciences

Agricultural Sciences

Genomics Research

Immunology

Genetics

Biochemistry

Microbiology

Bioinformatics

Health Sciences

Veterinary Sciences

Zoonotic Diseases

Veterinary Tropical Diseases

Biochemistry

Genetics

Immunology

Public Health

Microbiology

Human Rights & Diversity

Economics

Law

Political Science

Sociology

Psychology

Genetics

Gender Studies

Ecosystem Services and Livelihoods

Meteorology

Biological Sciences

Sociology

Geography

Education

Humanities

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences