Skip to main content
Supplied

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.

Inaugural lectures S side
Image by: Designed by SU

2025 Inaugural lectures

Prof Bertie Fielding
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Bertie Fielding

Africa Writes the World From pandemic to pandemic,  and everything in between 
22 April 2025 
Faculty of Science
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Robbie Pott
Image by: Unknown

Prof Robbie Pott

From laboratory to lecture hall: developing bioprocesses and students 
5 June 2025
Faculty of Engineering
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Tobi Louw
Image by: Unknow

Prof Tobi Louw

A critique on the application of machine learning in chemical engineering
19 August 2025
Faculty of Engineering
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Babette Rabie
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Babette Rabie

Nudging evidence use practice in the public sector   
2 September 2025
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Ryno Laubscher
Image by: Unknown

Prof Ryno Laubscher

Harnessing deep learning for thermal-fluid systems  
2 October 2025  
Faculty of Engineering
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Herman Kamper
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Herman Kamper

The science and engineering of language acquisition in humans and machines 
21 October 2025 
Faculty of Engineering
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Karl Storbeck
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Karl Storbeck

Beyond testosterone: redefining androgen biology in human health and disease 
20 May 2025  
Faculty of Science
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof James Warwick
Image by: Unknown

Prof James Warwick

From the multicounter to theranostics: a story of nuclear medicine  
10 June 2025 
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Neill Goosen
Image by: Unknown

Prof Neill Goosen

From Elands Height to Stellenbosch: the journey of an accidental professor
19 August 2025 
Faculty of Engineering
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Philip Bosman
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Philip Bosman

The Greeks and us: ancient texts in the academic quest   
18 September 2025 
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Regan Solomons
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

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
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Arnold Rix
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

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
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

 Prof Florian Luca
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Florian Luca

The Skolem landscape 
27 May 2025  
Faculty of Science
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Louise du Toit
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Louise du Toit

Of flesh and ore and the death of birth 
14 August 2025 
Faculty of Arts and Social Science
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Soraya Bardien
Image by: Unknown

Prof Soraya Bardien

My journey with genes, genetics and inherited disorders  
28 August 2025 
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Cris Lana
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

Prof Cris Lana

Unlocking Earth’s past: stories written in isotopes  
23 September 2025
Faculty of Science 
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof John Babafemi
Image by: Unknown

Prof John Babafemi

Sustainable concrete: exploring its breadth, length, depth and height
14 October 2025 
Faculty of Engineering | Department of Civil Engineering
Watch the Inaugural Lecture

Prof Bernard Bekker
Image by: Photo by Stefan Els

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
Watch the Inaugural Lecture