Library Research Week 2026

Score Big! Elevate Your Research

Library Research Week takes place during the week of May 11-15, 2026. Each day will cover theme-specific aspects related to the research process. These webinars will be presented by Library staff, experts from other SUN divisions and vendors from well-known research databases.

Score Big! Elevate Your Research 


The annual Library Research Week will take place during the week of 11 - 15 May 2026. 

Research Week 2026 will be launched on the 11th of May 2026. This year's theme is Score Big! Elevate Your Research and there will be several webinars based on the themes: Kick-Off Strong, Play with Purpose, Power Your Performance and finally, Lift the Trophy.

Join us for a series of insightful sessions and workshops designed to enhance your research capabilities, foster scholarly collaboration, and showcase the innovative resources available to our academic community.

To register for these webinars, browse the programmes on the left to view the available sessions.
 

Launch of Library Research Week 


Time:  15:30 – 16:30
Guest Speaker:  Prof. Francesco Petruccione, Professor of Quantum Computing and Pro Vice-Chancellor: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies

The New Scientific Method: Navigating Research in the Age of AI and Quantum Technologies

The practice of research is undergoing a structural transformation. Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how we formulate hypotheses, analyse data, and communicate results, while quantum technologies promise to extend the computational frontier beyond classical limits. For emerging researchers, this shift is not merely technical—it is conceptual. It challenges long-standing assumptions about creativity, authorship, and the nature of discovery itself.

In this lecture, I will argue that we are witnessing the emergence of a “new scientific method,” in which human insight and machine intelligence form an integrated research system. I will discuss how early-career researchers can position themselves within this evolving landscape: how to think critically about AI-generated knowledge, how to leverage advanced computational tools responsibly, and how to maintain scientific rigour in an era of accelerated discovery.

Drawing on examples from quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and pan-African research initiatives, I will outline both the opportunities and the risks. The aim is not only to inform, but to provide a framework for navigating a research career in a world where the boundaries between disciplines—and between human and machine reasoning—are rapidly dissolving.                                                                                                                                                                                 

Registration:

 

Tuesday, 12 May

From Prompts to Publications: Using AI Ethically for Literature Reviews


Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Presenter: Kirchner van Deventer

Description:
This webinar explores the ethical and effective integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the traditional literature review process. Tailored for Stellenbosch University researchers, this session will demonstrate how to enhance the various steps of a literature review - from refining research questions and building search strategies to synthesising findings - using generative AI tools. The webinar strongly emphasises responsible AI use in academia, covering effective prompting techniques, data protection, and the critical evaluation of AI-generated content to combat hallucinations and maintain academic integrity. 

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Writing a research proposal: Purpose and planning


Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Presenter: Selene Delport

Description:
This interactive session will provide participants with some practical tips and strategies to get started with a research proposal. These strategies can be used as a way to (re)focus your ideas or as a basis for producing and organising information in your proposal..

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From Thesis or Dissertation to Publication: Getting your ideas out to the world or Killing your darlings?


Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Presenter: Prof Leslie Swartz

Description:
This informal session focuses on some practical tips on how to extract publication(s) from theses and dissertations.  It is important to make your work known, but there are important key differences between being examined as a student and having an article considered for publication.  When publishing, the general principle is that less is more, and it is important to decide what is key in your thesis/dissertation and to focus on this. There are also tips and tricks in terms of how to deal with reviewers..

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A Brief Introduction to EndNote


Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Presenter: Letlao Seloma and Bronwyn Bruton

Description:
EndNote provides a suite of tools to support the research lifecycle, including reference management, citation, and the organisation of references. This session will give participants an overview of the essential aspects of EndNote: downloading and installing EndNote, configuring a user account, getting some references into a Library and citing the references. By the conclusion of the session, participants will have a basic understanding to:

  • Manage references within an EndNote library
  • Insert and format citations in academic texts
  • Generate a bibliography in accordance with a citation style.

    Register Here

Wednesday, 13 May

From Paper to Platform: An Introduction to REDCap                                                                  

Time: 08:45 – 10:15
Presenter: Kim Stanley

Description:
This session provides an introduction to REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), a secure, web-based application designed to support the creation and management of research databases, surveys, and mobile data collection instruments. The overview includes guidance on the process for account registration by Stellenbosch University (SU) staff and students, as well as an examination of the key benefits of REDCap, such as enhanced data security, auditability, and compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements.

The session further explores the contexts in which REDCap is most appropriately utilised, with a comparative discussion of its primary project modalities, including traditional databases, online surveys, mobile and offline data capture, and MyCap for participant-facing data collection via mobile applications. Core REDCap features and functionality relevant to novice users are introduced, encompassing project setup, instrument design, and basic data management workflows. Selected advanced functionalities are also highlighted for experienced users.

Participants are directed to available learning resources and tutorials, and the session concludes with an overview of REDCap support services at SU, including information on how and where to access user assistance.   

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Developing and Implementing a Search Strategy For Scoping and Systematic Reviews
 

Time: 10:30 – 13:00
Presenter: Elizabeth Moll-Willard

Description:
Developing a search strategy for scoping and systematic reviews involves defining the research question, identifying key concepts, and translating them into appropriate search terms and strategies. This process includes identifying relevant databases, refining search terms, and adapting search strategies for different databases.

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Introduction to ATLAS.ti
 

Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Presenter: Bronwyne Coetzee

Description:
The use of qualitative data analysis software is important for researchers. Recently, Stellenbosch University subscribed to a campus license to have ATLAS.ti. freely available for use by researchers. This introductory workshop will guide researchers on the use of ATLAS.ti.

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Thursday, 14 May

AI in Research 
 

Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Presenter: Wouter Klapwijk

Description:
The speaker will explore assessment strategies for ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot in academic contexts when conducting research, by first looking at the foundations on which Large Language Models rests.

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Mastering Your Research Data: An Introduction to Research Data Management 
 

Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Presenter: Kirchner van Deventer

Description:
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the Research Data Management (RDM) landscape at Stellenbosch University. We will explore the necessity of RDM in the modern research ecosystem and deconstruct the SU RDM Regulation to ensure institutional compliance. Attendees will be introduced to SunDMP for robust data management planning and SUNScholarData for the secure curation and sharing of research outputs, ensuring your data remains a valuable, FAIR-compliant asset.

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Academic Writing Integrity in the Age of AI
 

Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Presenter: Cristan MacLeod

Description:
This session will explore how to use AI with integrity in your academic writing, structured around the concepts of why, what, how, and when. The rationale for why we approach all research activities and writing with integrity centres on the authorship contract we maintain with our readers as creators of knowledge. 

What guides our conduct is the Policy on Academic Writing Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism, along with the AI Position Statement. However, to be successful academic writers, it is first important to understand the basics of how we approach academic writing. A helpful technique is identifying knowledge claims in academic writing and, in turn, being able to develop your own claims. We then need to examine when AI can be utilized in academic writing while maintaining the essential human-centeredness integral to the research and learning process.

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Enhancing your research impact and visibility through open access publishing Publishing
 

Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Presenter: Sizwe Ngcobo

Description:
This presentation explores how open access publishing can significantly boost the visibility, accessibility, and impact of your research. Learn about the different open access models, how to identify reputable journals, and how institutional support and transformative agreements can help you publish more openly. Ideal for researchers looking to expand their reach and make their work more discoverable to a global audience.

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Friday, 15 May

Introduction to Sage Research Methods                                                                                                                                   

Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Presenter: Sage

Description:
Mastering research methodology is often the most challenging hurdle for any researcher. This session provides a comprehensive look at Sage Research Methods (SRM), a premier tool designed to guide researchers through every step of the research process—from initial literature review to final write-up.

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Crash course on brain-body connection for better focus and less stress
 

Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Presenter: Nadja Snegireva

Description:
This presentation explains that academic burnout and anxiety often stem from an "Interoceptive Mismatch", a neurological conflict between a highly stressed, active brain and a completely static, desk-bound body. To resolve this neuro-mechanical error, she introduces a series of simple, desk-based movements and postural shifts designed to update the nervous system, reduce stress, and restore cognitive bandwidth.

Register Here