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Inaugural lectures
Discover the research, ideas and perspectives shaping the future of knowledge at Stellenbosch University.
An inaugural lecture marks an important milestone in the academic career of a professor who has recently been appointed or promoted to full professor. At Stellenbosch University, professors are invited to present their inaugural lecture within a year of their appointment or promotion.
These lectures are held throughout the year in a hybrid format, allowing audiences to attend both in person and online. In their lecture, professors share insights from their field of expertise, reflecting on their research journey, key discoveries and the impact of their work.
Inaugural lectures provide a unique opportunity for the University community and the public to engage with leading scholarship at Stellenbosch University. Colleagues, students, family members and other interested guests are warmly invited to attend and celebrate this significant academic milestone.
Upcoming Events
Attend our events for the opportunity to discover, grow, learn and engage with our community.
2025 Inaugural lectures
Prof Bertie Fielding
Africa Writes the World From pandemic to pandemic, and everything in between
22 April 2025
Faculty of Science
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Prof Robbie Pott
From laboratory to lecture hall: developing bioprocesses and students
5 June 2025
Faculty of Engineering
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Prof Tobi Louw
A critique on the application of machine learning in chemical engineering
19 August 2025
Faculty of Engineering
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Prof Babette Rabie
Nudging evidence use practice in the public sector
2 September 2025
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
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Prof Ryno Laubscher
Harnessing deep learning for thermal-fluid systems
2 October 2025
Faculty of Engineering
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Prof Herman Kamper
The science and engineering of language acquisition in humans and machines
21 October 2025
Faculty of Engineering
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Prof Karl Storbeck
Beyond testosterone: redefining androgen biology in human health and disease
20 May 2025
Faculty of Science
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Prof James Warwick
From the multicounter to theranostics: a story of nuclear medicine
10 June 2025
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Prof Neill Goosen
From Elands Height to Stellenbosch: the journey of an accidental professor
19 August 2025
Faculty of Engineering
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Prof Philip Bosman
The Greeks and us: ancient texts in the academic quest
18 September 2025
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
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Prof Regan Solomons
Understanding childhood tuberculous meningitis through a patchwork of experiences – searching for Neverland or Sugar Man?
7 October 2025
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Prof Arnold Rix
Creating stability through disruption with renewable energy: from challenges to opportunities
6 November 2025
Faculty of Engineering | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
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Prof Florian Luca
The Skolem landscape
27 May 2025
Faculty of Science
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Prof Louise du Toit
Of flesh and ore and the death of birth
14 August 2025
Faculty of Arts and Social Science
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Prof Soraya Bardien
My journey with genes, genetics and inherited disorders
28 August 2025
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Prof Cris Lana
Unlocking Earth’s past: stories written in isotopes
23 September 2025
Faculty of Science
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Prof John Babafemi
Sustainable concrete: exploring its breadth, length, depth and height
14 October 2025
Faculty of Engineering | Department of Civil Engineering
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Prof Bernard Bekker
‘It depends’: using models to support South Africa’s future electricity system
6 November 2025
Faculty of Engineering | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
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