15 March 2024

Twenty-two (22) Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Information Technology (IT) students and seven (7) lecturers, mostly Ph.D. candidates attended the Computer Science Postgraduate Research Career (CS-PGRC) Workshop held at the University of Pretoria, recently.

The two-day workshop aimed to support students from disadvantaged communities in succeeding in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in computing.

Sponsored by Google and the University of Pretoria, with support from other organisations and universities, the workshop focused on key research areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, bioinformatics, Geographic Information System (GIS), cybersecurity, and IT law. These areas offer significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the industry.

Mentorship was highlighted as crucial, with each student being paired with a mentor to guide them through their academic journey. Regular networking events and workshops were also proposed to foster peer communities and provide ongoing support.

Notably, the workshop featured keynote speakers from various institutions and companies, covering topics ranging from research opportunities to industry insights. Practical sessions on research tools and methodologies were also conducted.

Supported by a range of organisations, the workshop provided valuable networking and learning opportunities for students, inspiring them to pursue further research in the field. Plans for future events, including career talks, were discussed to continue supporting students in their academic and professional journeys.