Posted on October 24, 2025
Research Synergy Seminar Summary – forging research collaborations
The Interdisciplinary School of Psychology at the University of Pretoria hosted a Research Synergy Seminar on 25 September 2025 at the Groenkloof Campus, bringing together Faculty from educational psychology, industrial psychology, and general psychology. The event, running from 09:00 to 12:00, aimed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance research impact through joint initiatives among the three departments.
Dr Daphne Pillay-Naidoo, who chaired the seminar, opened the proceedings by emphasising the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. She employed the metaphor of a rope, explaining that while individual strands are strong, intertwining them creates something more resilient, powerful, and useful. Prof. Alewyn Nel welcomed attendees and introduced the establishment of the Interdisciplinary School of Psychology, which was approved in May 2021, along with plans for a groundbreaking research institute.
Prof. Irma Eloff presented findings from the student well-being project at the University of Victoria, operational since 2018. The research revealed a concerning decline in student well-being throughout the academic year, highlighting the impact of campus environments and passionate educators on student outcomes. The project emphasises identifying supportive factors rather than merely addressing problems.
Prof. Linda Theron presented research on resilience through a multi-system lens encompassing personal, relational, and environmental factors. She detailed the Planet4Health initiative, which explores how physical environments impact well-being, and the R-NEET study targeting young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training. Both studies emphasised collaboration and data availability for future research.
Prof. Nicoleen Coetzee from the Department of Psychology presented collaborative research with Boise State University examining how students' cultural backgrounds impact their well-being. She also discussed ongoing work exploring health-seeking behaviours among undergraduate students and a developing study on mindfulness and resilience pending institutional approval.
Prof. Alewyn Nel presented research from the Department of Industrial Psychology, highlighting various projects including studies on entrepreneurial career competence, leadership and talent management, the impact of cognitive enhancement technologies in the workplace, and research examining the experiences of employed black women regarding career advancement. The department's work emphasised alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on health and quality education.
Prof. Ruth Mampane presented the proposal for establishing the African Psychological Science Research Institute, a pioneering initiative unique in South Africa, which aims to unify all five fields of psychology. The institute's vision centres on advancing indigenous knowledge with an interdisciplinary focus benefiting African communities. Its four main objectives include undertaking interdisciplinary research, contributing to knowledge development, providing educational impact through curriculum advice, and fostering leadership development. The institute aims to create a unified platform for increased funding opportunities and enhanced collaboration with leading international scholars, with the proposal awaiting Faculty Board approval.
Throughout the seminar, participants discussed the need for tailored research methodologies and the importance of aligning projects with Sustainable Development Goals. The event concluded with acknowledgements and a vote of thanks from Prof David Maree, the Head of ISOP. The chair emphasised the potential for future collaborations among participants. Attendees were encouraged to continue building upon the synergies established, representing a significant step toward strengthening African psychological research through unified, interdisciplinary efforts.
- Author Prof David Maree (HOD: ISOP)
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