Gauteng Environmental Research Symposium

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The Gauteng Environmental Research Symposium, hosted by the  Gauteng Department of Environment (GDEnv) and the University of Johannesburg’s Process, Energy & Environmental Technology Station (UJ PEETS), invites academia and local government, as well as industry, civil society and the general public to engage with what is at the cutting edge of environmental research in the Gauteng Province.

WATCH: A glimpse into what you can expect from the 6th Annual Gauteng Environmental Research Symposium. 

Theme: Sustainability: Translation From Policy to Practice. #RestoreOurEarth

Date: 22 October 2024

Venue: Hybrid event. Click here to register for online attendance.

Programme, available here. Get to know your GERS VI Speakers here.

 

The Purpose:

The Gauteng Environmental Research Symposium 2024 aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss and promote sustainable environmental practices in the Anthropocene epoch. This period is characterized by significant human impact on Earth’s geology and ecosystems. As Gauteng is the economic hub of South Africa, it is imperative to explore sustainable development pathways that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Click here to access the Concept Note.

This symposium aligns with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Environment Day 2024 theme, “Restore Our Earth: From Policy to Practice”, which emphasizes the importance of translating environmental policies into actionable practices. The theme underscores the urgent need to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable development in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The primary objectives of this year’s event are as follows:

  • Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Provide a platform for researchers to share their latest findings on sustainability.
  • Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage cross-sectoral partnerships among academia, industry, government, and civil society.
  • Influence Policy and Practice: Bridge the gap between research and policy to drive sustainable development initiatives.
  • Showcase Innovations: Highlight technological and social innovations that contribute to sustainability.

Structure of the symposium:

The Symposium is a hybrid event, accommodating an unlimited number of virtual participants, who will be able to take full advantage of the programme, including giving input into the discussion and participating in the parallel sessions that interest them.

The symposium begins with a plenary session for presentations to the entire audience which will be followed by a number of thematic Parallel Group Discussions or breakaway sessions.

Student Symposium: 2024 Research Competition now closed.

 

You are invited to submit an abstract towards participation in the Student Track of the Gauteng Environmental Research Symposium.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Participants must have completed or currently engaged in research studies / projects in-line with the theme
  • Can be individuals or a team
  • All entries must be submitted by the deadline: 16 September 2024
  • Projects and ideas must be original work

The top candidates will present their work in the GERS VI Symposium, giving them exposure to the environmental research sector and an opportunity to engage with professionals about their research. The winning student will also be granted a prize of financial support to contribute to publishing their research in an accredited journal.

Contact:

For queries email peets@uj.ac.za subject: ” GERS VI “.

About UJ PEETS

The main objective of the University of Johannesburg’s Process, Energy and Environmental Technology Station (UJ PEETS) is to enhance the competitiveness of businesses in the green economy by utilising specialised knowledge and transferring technology. UJ PEETS acts as a facilitator, connecting academia, industry (particularly SMEs), and government. In order to fulfill our mission, UJ PEETS provides support for various capacity building and policy influencing initiatives that aim to foster the growth of the green economy. Additionally, we offer engineering and technology development assistance to SMEs.

Established in 2010 with the backing of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) through the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Station grants stakeholders in the National System of Innovation (NSI) access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise that would otherwise be inaccessible. Our objective is to foster technological innovation in the green economy, aligning with UJ’s vision of inspiring communities to transform and serving humanity through innovation and collaborative knowledge pursuit.

Energy production and usage, water and air quality, and waste generation and disposal are intricately connected. UJ PEETS promotes interdisciplinary knowledge sharing to support the development of the green economy by establishing connections between SMEs and researchers. In line with sustainable development principles, circular thinking is applied and encouraged in the energy-water-waste nexus. This is achieved through the establishment of networks within UJ and the NSI.

About GDARDE

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment functions as a governmental department in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Its primary duties encompass overseeing agricultural matters, safeguarding the environment, and conserving nature within the Gauteng region.

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