In 2025, the Academic Circle grew into something more than a monthly discussion space. It became a community — one rooted in dialogue, critical reflection, and a shared commitment to understanding the socio-economic dimensions of South Africa’s energy transition.
As we look ahead, we are pleased to invite students, researchers, and practitioners to join the 2026 Academic Circle, a free monthly online forum dedicated to research and knowledge exchange on large-scale renewable energy and the Just Energy Transition in South Africa.
What Is the Academic Circle?
The Academic Circle is a collaborative learning space for those involved in the socio-economic dynamics of utility-scale RE projects. Convened in partnership with the Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) at Stellenbosch University, the Academic Circle brings together diverse perspectives across academia and practice.
Rather than formal presentations or one-way knowledge sharing, each session is designed to be interactive and reflective, to explore emerging research and real-world insights.
Each session centres on a broad theme relevant to renewable energy, sustainability transitions, and socio-economic development. , with space for discussion, reflection, and shared learning. Whether you are a student, researcher or practitioner, these monthly online sessions offers a supportive environment for discussion, reflection and learning.
Why Join the 2026 Academic Circle?
By participating, you will have the opportunity to:
- Strengthen a network of students, researchers, and practitioners working on renewable energy topics
- Deepen the understanding of various research efforts and approaches underway
- Facilitate knowledge co-creation through peer learning and shared insights
- Identify emerging research gaps and possible areas of focus
- Align academic research with real-world challenges faced by practitioners in the sector
Building on the foundations laid in 2025, the 2026 Academic Circle will continue to prioritise openness, curiosity, and critical engagement.
Register now
- Start date: Monday, 23 February 2026
- Frequency: Monthly, every last Monday of the month
- Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm (SAST)
- Format: Free online Zoom webinar
Registration is free and open to all. If you are interested in joining the Academic Circle in 2026, we warmly invite you to register and become part of this growing community.
For more information, please contact Anda Mtshintsho at anda@inspire-excellence.net
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Academic Circle!
