Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reaffirmed its position as a leading institution for health sciences research and innovation as it hosted the 2026 SMU Research Days from 19 to 21 August under the theme, “Artificial Intelligence Frontiers and Technology in Health Sciences: Transforming Science, Healthcare and Education.”
The three-day programme brought together researchers, academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students, postdoctoral research fellows and independent researchers to showcase work addressing critical challenges in science, healthcare and education. The event reflected SMU’s commitment to using research and innovation to advance knowledge and contribute meaningful solutions to society.
Officially opening the programme, Professor Douglas Maleka, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, highlighted the central role of research and innovation in advancing SMU’s academic mandate and strengthening its contribution to society.
A key highlight was the keynote address by Professor Joshua Oluwole Olowoyo, an environmental health scientist specialising in environmental toxicology, exposure assessment and human health risk assessment. His presentation, “Navigating the New Frontier: Artificial Intelligence Utilisation, Ethics, and Competency in Science and Health Sciences,” examined the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in science and healthcare.
Prof Olowoyo stressed that the adoption of AI must be matched by appropriate competencies, ethical safeguards and responsible use. His message aligned closely with the Research Days theme, demonstrating how emerging technologies can support scientific discovery, healthcare delivery and education when implemented with rigour and accountability.
Research presentations spanned Medicine, Health Care Sciences, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Science and Technology, showcasing the breadth of scholarship within SMU. The diversity of projects demonstrated the university’s contribution to research addressing both local and global health challenges while providing opportunities for emerging researchers to develop and share their work.
The programme culminated in the SMU Research Days Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on 21 August at Batter Boys in Montana, Pretoria. Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dini Mawela joined university leadership, researchers, academics and guests in celebrating the achievements of the research community. Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Honourable Faith Mazibuko, attended as a guest speaker and underscored the importance of research and innovation in strengthening healthcare systems and improving health outcomes.
The evening also recognised the 2026 Research Days winners. Eliyah Sischy won the Poster Presentations category for “Kaposiform Haemangioendothelioma Complicated by Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon”. Jasmine Ntokozo Sizani took first place among Undergraduate Students for “The Influence and Impact of Job Shadowing and Early Exposure to Student-Led Research”, while Tukiso Magomane Matlakala won the Postgraduate Students category for “Knowledge of South African Audiologists on the Management of Tinnitus”.
Among Postdoctoral Research Fellows, Refilwe Matshitse ranked first for research on the green synthesis of graphene quantum dots and carbon dots with potential antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. Candice Van Wyk won the Independent Researchers category for her study on the association between self-reported harmful oral habits and temporomandibular joint disorders among oral hygiene students.
The awards were presented by members of the judging panel and university leadership, including Professor Gloria Selabe, Professor Mapaseka Seheri and Professor Maleka.
The successful conclusion of SMU Research Days 2026 reaffirmed the university’s role in cultivating a vibrant research culture and developing researchers equipped to address complex health challenges. As AI continues to reshape the health sciences, SMU remains committed to advancing excellence, innovation and ethical responsibility in research, education and healthcare.
By Dimakatso Modise
