The Free State Department of Health, in partnership with the University of the Free State and Central University of Technology, invites you to participate in the 13th Annual Provincial Health Research Day, taking place virtually on 21 November 2025. This event continues to serve as a cornerstone for sharing research insights and fostering dialogue among health professionals, researchers, and policymakers across the province.

As the health sector navigates complex challenges, the role of digital innovation has become increasingly critical. This year’s Research Day places a spotlight on how digital technologies are transforming healthcare delivery, improving system efficiency, and expanding access to services. The platform offers a valuable opportunity to explore how research – particularly in the realm of digital health – can inform policy, strengthen health systems, and drive equitable, evidence-based solutions.

In alignment with national goals to promote health equity, resilience, and innovation, the theme for 2025 is: “Advancing Health in South Africa Together: Tackling Challenges, Strengthening Systems, and Embracing Digital Innovation.”

The primary tracks – as applicable to both the public and private healthcare sectors – include (but may not be limited to) the following:

• Clinical Medicine
• Communicable Diseases
• Digitalisation of Healthcare for Service Delivery Continuity
• Disease Surveillance
• District Health Systems and Primary Health Care Strengthening
• Health and Healthcare Inequalities and Inequities
• Health Communication Promotion
• Health Financing and Austerity Budgets
• Human Resources for Health, Education and Training
• Ideal Health Clinics and Hospitals
• Leadership and Governance
• Maternal, Child and Women’s Health
• Non-Communicable Diseases
• Quality of Health Care and Service Delivery
• Social Determinants of Health
• Specialist Care
• Violence and Injury

Individuals, teams and organisations that are interested in presenting their research are welcome to submit published or unpublished abstracts to the Free State Department of Health, serving as host for the Abstract Committee.

Send abstracts to: Researchday@fshealth.gov.za. For any further information, please contact Mrs. Moroesi Litheko, Mr. Tebello Ntene or Mr. Lehlohonolo Koekoe at telephone no. (051) 408-1387/1458/1704 respectively.

Abstract format (300 words, excluding title, author/s and affiliation/s)

• Title
• Author/s
• Author/s’ affiliation/s
• Introduction/background
• Aim/s and objective/s
• Design and methods
• Findings/results
• Conclusions/recommendations

Abstracts are to be sent in MS Word not in PDF format.
Please indicate your preference for an oral or a poster presentation. Poster presentations will also be presented orally. Both oral and poster presentations should be prepared as PowerPoint slides using the same format as outlined in the abstract format above. Technical details and time allocations for all presentations will be communicated in the acceptance notifications.

Each abstract will be considered by three reviewers. Both experienced and inexperienced researchers are welcome to submit abstracts.

Key dates:

• Abstract submission deadline: Wednesday 1st of October 2025
• Notification of decision: Wednesday 29th October 2025
• Final submission of oral and poster presentations for pre-uploading: 14th November 2025
• Free State Provincial Health Research Day: 21st November 2025

Download the Call for Abstracts (PDF) | 21/08/2025