Tomorrow Today in Research 2026 – South Africa
Exploring the future of research in an AI-driven world
TTIR South Africa will convene senior academic leaders, researchers, and external stakeholders to explore the future of research within an increasingly AI-driven environment.
Tomorrow Today in Research, South Africa
Tomorrow Today in Research (TTIR) is Elsevier’s flagship event series, delivered as a localized global program. It brings together academic leaders, research directors, librarians, and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies are shaping research and higher education, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact.
In 2026, TTIR will take place across South Africa:
Cape Town – 1 June 2026, University of Cape Town, 43 Stanley Road Middle Campus, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
Durban – 3 June 2026, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Conference Room at the E G Malherbe (Main) Library at the Howard College Campus at UKZN. (Mazisi Kunene Road, Glenwood, Durban).
Johannesburg – 5 June 2026, University of Johannesburg, University of Johannesburg Library, Corner Kingsway & University Road, Level 6, Chinua Achebe
Each event delivers a consistent core program, complemented by local speakers and perspectives relevant to the regional research landscape.
What to expect
The program is designed to support institutions in:
Strengthening research growth and performance
Enhancing global visibility and impact
Ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape
Adopting AI responsibly while maintaining academic integrity
During this event, you can expect:
A multistakeholder discussion on the future of research in an AI-enabled world
Insights into how AI is reshaping research capacity and productivity
Institutional perspectives on emerging technologies and research systems
Presentations on research management platforms and global best practices
Who should attend
University leadership and research directors
Researchers and faculty
Librarians and research support professionals
Government and policy stakeholders
Why attend
Engage with peers, gain strategic insights, and contribute to shaping the future of research in South Africa. TTIR provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across the research ecosystem.
Agenda
Time | Session Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
9:00 - 9:25 | Registration and Morning Tea | Guests arrive, register, and enjoy refreshments while networking with peers. |
9:25 - 9:35 | Welcome and Opening | Opening remarks from the Host University and Elsevier, setting the vision and objectives for the day. |
9:35 – 10:50 | Panel Multistakeholder Discussion: The Future of Research in South Africa in an AI World | University research leaders, Elsevier, and library leaders explore growth, visibility, and global competitiveness in an AI-driven landscape. The moderator will guide debate on responsible AI adoption and its implications for collaboration, speed, and research integrity. |
10:50 – 12:05 | Plenary presentations From Capacity Constraints to Research Acceleration: The Strategic Role of AI in Universities | University leaders and Elsevier share perspectives on current AI applications in research. Presentations will examine disruptions in publishing, automation of tasks such as literature reviews, and the risks posed by unregulated AI. |
12:05 – 12:30 | Tea Break | A short pause for refreshments and informal discussions. |
12:30 – 13:30 | Plenary presentations Unlocking Research Data Management Potential | A university perspective on best practices in research data management, followed by Elsevier’s presentation of successful use cases and implementation strategies. |
13:30 – 14:30 | Lunch | Time to recharge and connect with colleagues over a meal. |
14:30 – 15:30 | Plenary presentations Research Impact and 4GU | Highlight strategies for measuring research impact and demonstrates the role of 4GU in shaping future academic excellence. |