The Institute for Water Research (IWR) at Rhodes University played an active role in the 2025 Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Conference, hosted by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies. Held under the theme “Reimagining Research Futures Ten Years After #MustFall – Local and Global Shifts,” the conference marked a milestone in promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and advancing inclusive research at a time of significant global and local change.
IWR postdoctoral fellows and students made strong contributions to the programme. Dr Thendo Mutshekwa presented on “Plastic Particles in Pristine Waters? Investigating Microplastic Contamination in Natural Springs of South Africa,” while Dr Tumwesigye Edgar explored the “In-situ assessment of microplastic adsorption of selected pharmaceutical and endocrine disrupting compounds in a small urban river system.” Masters student Fulufhelo Mulaudzi shared her research on microplastic pollution in the Sunday’s River Valley, while fellow Masters student Lungelihle S. Dlamini impressed the audience with her Three Minute Thesis presentation “Can bugs live on plastics?” securing third place in the competition.
Beyond research presentations, IWR students Esther Seriki (PhD) and Onke Mabhula (Masters) contributed to the organisation of the conference, serving on the planning team and convening presentation venues.
The IWR’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing urgent water-related challenges in South Africa and beyond.