Mainstreaming engaged research as a response to South Africa’s developmental challenges

How can research move beyond reports and citations to create meaningful change in people’s lives? And how can researchers reimagine their relationships with communities as collaborative partnerships rather than top-down, mostly researcher-driven engagements? In October 2025, the HSRC and the National Research Foundation (NRF) convened researchers, policymakers and community partners at the Engaged Research Conference in Gauteng. Supported by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the conference explored how collaboration, co-creation and public participation can reshape South Africa’s research system for greater social impact.