Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reaffirmed its commitment to research excellence and postgraduate development during National Science Month 2026 by hosting a Research Conceptualisation and Writing Symposium to equip honours, master’s, and doctoral students with advanced research skills to excel in academia and the broader scientific community.
Hosted by the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, the symposium brought together leading academics from SMU, Sol Plaatje University and Stellenbosch University to provide students with practical guidance on research conceptualisation, proposal development, scientific writing, funding opportunities and emerging research priorities. The initiative reflects SMU’s mission of advancing innovation, academic excellence and impactful research that contributes to national development.
Opening the programme, Dr Kazeem Aremu, Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at SMU, presented a session on Research Problem Identification and Proposal Development. He guided participants through the process of identifying meaningful research gaps, formulating clear research questions and developing rigorous research proposals capable of making valuable contributions to scientific knowledge.
“A well-defined research problem is the foundation of every successful study. Strong proposals begin with clear questions, sound methodology and a clear understanding of the contribution the research intends to make,” Dr Aremu told participants.
The symposium continued with a presentation by Dr Abass Hameed from Sol Plaatje University on Scientific Research Article Writing: A Step-by-Step Approach. He unpacked the process of producing publishable scientific manuscripts, taking students through every stage of academic writing, from structuring research articles and presenting findings effectively to selecting suitable journals and responding to peer-review feedback. The session underscored the importance of scientific publishing in advancing knowledge and building academic credibility.
SMU’s Head of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Professor Maggie Aphane, introduced participants to a range of national and international funding opportunities available to postgraduate researchers. She encouraged students to actively pursue scholarships, research grants and collaborative projects that would strengthen both their academic development and future careers.
“Funding opportunities open doors to research, collaboration and innovation. Students should position themselves to compete confidently for these opportunities and expand their academic horizons,” Professor Aphane said.
Professor Aphane also challenged participants to think strategically about the future of mathematical sciences during her presentation on Future Focus Area – Part 2. She encouraged students to become innovative researchers capable of addressing complex societal challenges through mathematics and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Complementing this discussion, Professor Zurab Janelidze from Stellenbosch University presented Future Focus Area – Part 1, highlighting emerging trends in mathematical sciences and the growing importance of interdisciplinary research. He encouraged postgraduate students to embrace innovation, continuous learning and collaboration to remain competitive in an evolving global research landscape.
A distinguishing feature of the symposium was its highly interactive format. Through group discussions, collaborative exercises and question-and-answer sessions, students exchanged ideas, refined research concepts and received constructive feedback from experienced academics. These engagements fostered peer learning, strengthened research networks and created an environment that encouraged critical thinking and scholarly growth.
The symposium demonstrated SMU’s ongoing investment in developing the next generation of researchers by providing postgraduate students with practical research skills, academic mentorship and exposure to funding opportunities. By bringing together experts from leading institutions, the University created a platform that promotes excellence in research, innovation and scientific collaboration.
As SMU continues to advance its vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation, initiatives such as the Research Conceptualisation and Writing Symposium strengthen the University’s research culture and prepare postgraduate students to make meaningful contributions to scientific discovery, sustainable development and the advancement of society.
By Dimakatso Modise
