Webinars

6 May 2026 - Whose Knowledge? Whose Voice? Academic Writing in the Era of Gen AI

This ADA Master Class is designed for PhD students and researchers across Africa and it explores the evolving relationship between academic writing and generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). Grounded in the South African and broader African higher education context, the session explores academic voice, integrity, originality, knowledge production and ethical authorship, while offering practical guidance on how AI can support — rather than replace rigorous scholarly thinking and writing. The Master Class will provide critical perspectives and practical strategies for using Gen AI as a tool to strengthen scholarly thinking, argumentation, and writing, while safeguarding the integrity and authenticity of their academic work.

- Prof Nereshnee Govender (Durban University of Technology) | View Video

22 April 2026 - Having something worth saying: Publication before, during and after the PhD

The over-arching aim of doctoral studies is that they make a knowledge contribution to the field within which the studies are undertaken. Central to making this contribution is that the work is subjected to peer review and available in published form. This ADA Master Class Webinar will explore some of the ways in which you as a researcher and/or doctoral scholar can best position your work such that you have 'something worth saying' that will enable a pathway towards successful publication.

- Prof Susan van Schalkwyk (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

25 February 2026 - Microsoft Power BI for Data Visualisation

This ADA Master Class introduces the main components of Microsoft Power BI and explains how they work together to support the creation and sharing of data visualisations. The session focuses on the workflow between Power BI Desktop and the Power BI Service. You will observe demonstrations of how to design visual reports in Power BI Desktop, publish these reports to the Power BI Service, and organise content into dashboards within the online environment. The session is intended to provide a clear understanding of the basic processes involved in producing and distributing visual reports using Power BI.

- Ms Marié Roux (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

10 September 2025 - Mastering Online Qualitative Data Collection: Tools and Techniques

In today's digital era, online platforms offer powerful tools for qualitative data collection, enabling researchers to access diverse populations, gather in-depth insights, and adapt to evolving research landscapes. This ADA Master Class will help you gain an overview of the methods, tools, and best practices essential for conducting qualitative online research.

- Ms Magda Barnard & Ms Maryke Geldenhuys (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

20 August 2025 - Finding and Selecting Appropriate Research Funding Sources

Looking for the right funding can be overwhelming, but knowing where to search and how to choose the best fit can make all the difference. This ADA Master Class offered practical, insider strategies to help you navigate the complex world of research funding and position your proposals for success.

- Ms Riana Coetsee (Research Management & Skills Training Consultant, SA) | View Video

28 May 2025 - Introducing the Foundations of Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research is an increasingly common approach to address research questions through the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches. This ADA Master Class reviews the foundational characteristics of mixed methods research, including major designs and strategies for integration.

- Prof. Timothy C. Guetterman (University of Michigan) | View Video

05 March 2025 - From Idea to Impact: Tackling Grand Challenges

This ADA Master Class helps you to understand the concept of value in general and specifically, how innovation can create value for customers, the firm, and society. This Master Class introduces the concept of value and shows how novel technological solutions (i.e., innovations) affect customers, the innovating firm, as well as the broader society. You will develop an awareness of the reciprocal relationship between technologies and society as well as an understanding of value creation mechanisms that ensure sustainable development.

- Prof. Sebastian Gurtner (Bern University of Applied Sciences) | View Video

26 November 2024 - Mapping Academic Mindsets in the Age of Generative AI

This Master Class is hosted by the African Doctoral Academy (ADA) in collaboration with PERIPERI U. The Master Class explores the fascinating intersection of personal epistemology and Generative AI in academia. By navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, understanding our own beliefs and approaches to knowledge creation has never been more crucial. Through the lens of cognitive cartography, the Master Class examines how different paradigms – ranging from possibility-focused to democratising perspectives – shape our engagement with Generative AI tools and influence our academic practices.

- Dr Sonja Strydom (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

28 October 2024 - Dealing with the Challenges of Postgraduate Funding

This insightful session is hosted by the Postgraduate Forum for Southern Africa (PGFSA) with the support of the African Doctoral Academy (ADA). It features two distinguished experts who share their perspectives and practical strategies for navigating the complexities of postgraduate funding. This webinar is designed to offer valuable guidance on securing funding for your academic journey.

- Prof. Sibusiso Moyo (Stellenbosch University)
- Prof. Michael van Wyk (University of South Africa)
- Dr Henriette van den Berg (Postgraduate Forum for Southern Africa) | View Video

16 October 2024 - Streamlining your Research: Managing Sources with Open-Source Reference Tools

This ADA Master Class introduces a range of open-source reference management tools, with a focus on Mendeley. Participants learn how to install Mendeley, import references from various databases, attach PDFs to specific sources, edit references, collaborate using shared libraries, and generate in-text citations and reference lists in MS Word.

- Mr Kirchner van Deventer (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

18 September 2024 - Talk Shows and Dinner Parties: Writing a literature review

This ADA Master Class offers practical tips and insights into crafting a compelling literature review. Using the engaging analogy of a literature review being like a dinner party, the presenter guides participants through the essential aspects of writing a literature review, including how to organize information, integrate sources effectively, and develop a unique academic voice.

 - Ms Selene Delport (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

21 August 2024 - Mindsets for publishing: Moving from thesis/report to article

This Master Class was hosted by the Climate Adaptation Research Program (CARP) in collaboration with the African Doctoral Academy (ADA). The Master Class covers the essential considerations in the academic writing and publishing process. By the end of the webinar, participants will be aware of the ten mindsets necessary when preparing for publication.

- Prof. Ruth Albertyn (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

14 August 2024 - Research Design with the Idea Puzzle Software

This ADA Master Class guides participants through the Idea Puzzle software, a decision-making tool designed to help PhD candidates improve the coherence of a research proposal, article, or thesis in the light of Philosophy of Science (Morais & Brailsford, 2019). It also helps review the strengths and weaknesses of a research project in any field of knowledge (Parente & Ferro, 2016). To date, it has helped design more than 7000 research projects worldwide.

- Prof. Ricardo Morais (Assistant Professor of Management at Católica Porto Business School and Director of Idea Puzzle) | View Video

12 June 2024 - Practical Approaches to Developing Academic Writing

This ADA Master Class provides a range of strategies and techniques to develop your academic writing. Aimed at postgraduate students who are working on their research or academic articles, this webinar provides you with the opportunity to refine your research arguments, develop your own voice and use different reading and writing strategies to effectively convey information and arguments. This webinar focuses on understanding writing as a process and provides guidelines on building arguments throughout your thesis, integrating other voices and taking into consideration the reader.

- Dr. Nereshnee Govender (Durban University of Technology) | View Video

28 May 2024 - ADA-AMI Master Class: An Introduction to the Microbiome and the Importance of Multidisciplinary Microbiome Research in Africa

This Master Class, hosted by the African Doctoral Academy (ADA) in collaboration with the African Microbiome Institute (AMI), introduces basic microbiome concepts and key considerations for data analysis. The multidisciplinary nature of microbiome research is also explored, along with challenges that African microbiome researchers often face, such as the lack of laboratory and computational resources and infrastructure.

- Dr. Kristien Nel van Zyl (AMI, Stellenbosch University) | View Video

13 March 2024 - Principles and Practices of Qualitative Research with a Particular Focus on Ethnographic Research

The ADA Master Class provides a concise overview of the history, ethics, and epistemological underpinnings of qualitative research. This is followed by practical applications regarding research design and application including sampling strategies, writing purpose statements and research questions, data collection and analysis, and standards of validation.

- Prof. Wayne A. Babchuk (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA) | View Video

29 November 2023 - How to Apply Project Management Tools to Successfully Implement Your Research Project

This Master Class was hosted by the Climate Adaptation Research Program (CARP) in collaboration with the African Doctoral Academy (ADA). It explores how to apply project management tools to successfully implement a research project with a particular focus on climate adaptation.

- Prof. René Pellissier (Head of the Southern African Regional University’s Association’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development programme) | View Video

18 October 2023 - How Important is it to Get Publications From Your PhD?

The ADA Master Class explores the importance of academic publications. Increasingly, there is the need for PhD candidates to build an academic profile before graduating. How is that done? One way is to complete the PhD by publication. Having peer-reviewed publications has verifiable influence on job applications, especially as a fresh academic. Prof Michael Graham discusses this option, the rewards and challenges, in this session.

- Prof. Michael Graham (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

20 September 2023 - Opportunities and Resources in Support of Early-career Researchers and Equitable Research Partnerships

The ADA Master Class explores opportunities for engagement with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), their work in access and inclusion, academic mobility and the SDGs, as well as international collaboration, including their newly launched equitable partnerships toolkit.

- Dr. Beate Knight, Head of Programmes and Dr. Juliana Bertazzo, Senior Membership Engagement Manager at the ACU | View Video

26 April 2023 - Including a Gender- and ‘Leaving No One Behind’ Principle in Research

The ADA Master Class Webinar focuses on including gender sensitive perspectives in the different phases of a research project.

- Prof. dr. Veerle Draulans (Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Belgium) | View Video

5 April 2023 - Research Ethics: Understanding the ethical decision-making process

The ADA Master Class Webinar offers advice on the subject of research ethics by covering the principles of ethical research practices from project design, execution, to the publication phase.

- Dr. Henriȅtte Van den Berg (University of the Free State) | View Video

21 September 2022 - Internationalize your PhD career

This webinar will offer advice on planning a research stay abroad, exploring funding opportunities (e.g. for a research stay in Germany) and building your own sustainable international networks.

- Dr. Kerstin Lange (Universität Hamburg, Hamburg Research Academy, Germany) and Dr Christine Hobden (University of the Witwatersrand) | View Video

15 June 2022 - Maximising your research impact

Awareness of your scholarly impact can help you strengthen your case when applying for promotion or funding and will also identify who is using your work and confirm that it is appropriately credited.

- Ms. Marie Roux (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

11 May 2022 - Online STACK-abilities: Navigating the online learning environment

A framework for designing effective courses online to support and enhance student learning.

- Ms. Elzette le Roux (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

13 April 2022 - Burning Bright and Burning Out - Burnout in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond

- Dr. Kerry-Ann Louw (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

09 March 2022 - Storytelling as a tool in science and science communication

- Dr. M​arina Joubert & Prof Leslie Swartz (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

09 February 2022 - Behind the scenes of a Qualitative PhD Dissertation: Tales and tips learned from process to product

- Dr. Deborah Skinstad (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

17 November 2021 - Reflections on using ATLAS.ti for data analysis: Strengths and limitations

- Ms. Priscalia Khosa (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

20 October 2021 - Mendeley referencing management software

- Mr. Kirchner van Deventer (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

15 September 2021 - Introduction to data visualisation

- Ms. Marie Roux (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

07 July 2021 - Tips on getting published in an academic journal

- Prof. Leslie Swartz (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

09 June 2021 - Digital tools for research

- Prof. Brigitte Smit (University of Alberta, Canada & University of Johannesburg) | View Video

12 May 2021 - Creating scenarios: A brief introduction

- Ms. Doris Viljoen (Stellenbosch University) | View Video

07 April 2021 - Design your home office: Survive, come alive and thrive working from home

- Prof. Sebastian Kernbach (University of St Gallen, Switzerland) | View Video

10 March 2021 - Why everyone should be harnessing Data Science: The importance and relevance of Data Science for us in Africa

- Prof. Kanshukan Rajaratnam (Stellenbosch University) | View Video