“VUT Library’s 2026 Research Sprint Webinar equipped postgraduate students and researchers with practical tools, techniques and strategies for academic success.”
04 August 2026 | Story by: Staff Reporter | Picture: VUT
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Library hosted its annual Research Sprint Webinar from 28 to 30 July 2026, bringing together postgraduate students, emerging researchers, academic staff and supervisors under the theme, “Research Tools, Techniques and Strategies for Academic Success”.
The three-day programme equipped participants with practical guidance to strengthen their research journeys, while creating a platform for knowledge-sharing across the VUT community and beyond.
Presentations were structured around four sub-themes: Mastering Your Research Journey; Conducting Effective Literature Searches; Analysing Your Data and Managing References; and the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research.
In his opening address, Dr Musa Khomo, Manager: Client Services at VUT, said the annual webinar forms part of the Library’s efforts to strengthen research excellence across the University.
He thanked the presenters for sharing their expertise with the VUT research community and stressed that quality research requires reliable information resources, appropriate tools, relevant skills and continuous support.
Dr Khomo reaffirmed the Library’s role as an active research partner, supporting researchers throughout every stage of their academic journeys.
Prof Tumisang Seodigeng, Acting Director: Research, commended the Library and Information Services team for organising an initiative that advances research skills development across the institution.
“Research is therefore not simply an academic activity. It is a core human developmental and survival activity,” said Prof Seodigeng. “Research is a driver of development, not only in humans, but in everything we interact with in the environment.”
He said research enables universities such as VUT to contribute meaningfully to industry, government and communities.
“At VUT, we are committed to becoming a university that not only generates knowledge but also translates that research-generated knowledge into impact. Research is the starting point of innovation,” he said.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof Tranos Zuva, who focused on the importance of planning and structure in successful research.
“The cornerstone of successful research is a well-planned and structured process that promotes academic excellence,” said Prof Zuva.
He explained that a clear plan enables researchers to define their research problems accurately, select appropriate methodologies and produce credible, reliable findings.
“Every successful research project begins with a clear plan,” he said.
His message was particularly relevant to postgraduate students and emerging researchers navigating the process from identifying a research problem to collecting, analysing and presenting data.
Participants also explored the foundations of research through a presentation by Prof Tlou Masenya, Senior Lecturer: Information Systems at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), on the application of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in research and postgraduate studies.
Prof Masenya described theoretical and conceptual frameworks as “golden threads running through good research”, explaining their role in informing research questions, methodologies, data collection and analysis.
“These frameworks are important because they guide and inform the whole research process and give direction to the research study,” said Prof Masenya.
He added that the frameworks assist researchers in explaining social phenomena and contribute to the production of creative and transformative knowledge. The session also enabled participants to seek clarity on the use of theoretical and conceptual frameworks across qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
The importance of using library resources effectively was highlighted during the session on finding research articles.
Ms Sibongile Mtsweni from the VUT Library encouraged postgraduate students and researchers to make the Library a central part of their research journey.
“As a postgraduate student and a researcher, for you to enjoy your journey, you most definitely need to be friends with your library,” said Mtsweni.
She emphasised that researchers must be able to find and use credible academic resources if they are to complete dissertations, theses and publications within their planned timeframes.
The webinar reaffirmed the VUT Library’s commitment to empowering researchers through accessible support, meaningful collaboration and research-focused initiatives that advance academic excellence.
The Library thanked all presenters, participants, guest speakers and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the 2026 Research Sprint Webinar.