Mid-career researchers who attended the PEEP Leadership Programme, committed to advancing research excellence and fostering impactful leadership.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing research excellence and leadership development. From 23 to 25 June 2025, CUT, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), hosted the PEEP (Purpose, Equipping, Environment, and People) Leadership Programme Workshop, tailored for mid-career researchers seeking to amplify their leadership capabilities and drive high-impact research.

The intensive workshop is designed for PhD-holding academics ready to take their research leadership journey to the next level. Delivered by UWC’s distinguished team, Professor Josè Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation; Ms Pearl Erasmus; and Mr Leigh Frantz, the programme is purposefully structured to align with the demands of busy academic professionals.

In her welcome address, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, CUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Engagement, emphasised the importance of initiatives like PEEP in strengthening institutional research capacity.

“We are here to support and empower early- and mid-career researchers, academic support staff, and other nominated participants through targeted developmental interventions. The workshop forms a critical component of our broader strategy to create a pipeline of competent, confident, and impactful researchers who are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to our institution’s research agenda and societal impact.”

Prof. Setlalentoa further highlighted CUT’s broader research development strategy, which includes national initiatives such as the Thuthuka funding programme and mentorship platforms like PEEP. "Through these initiatives, we are creating structured development pathways that help transform promise into performance and potential into impactful research leadership," she concluded.