The 2025 Summer School programme, which showcases the world-class, often ground-breaking research done by the university’s scholars, is an exemplar of excellence in research and in teaching and learning. The 2025 programme is emblematic of outstanding scholarship and intellectual rigour, presented by staff, post-graduate students, past and retired university staff, as well as thought leaders, authors, luminaries and scholars from South Africa and across the world, many with deep ties to the university.

For the first time the annual Professor Stuart Saunders lecture, which honours the contribution made by the late Professor Saunders in a lifetime dedicated to the university, will be offered in partnership with the Development and Alumni Department. This lecture will be followed by a reception at the Neuroscience Institute. The Neuroscience Institute will present a series of lectures at Summer School 2025. Do look at the excellent series of lectures which scholars from the Institute are presenting this year. The Daily Maverick has also formed a partnership with Alumni and Development Department as there is a strong alignment in our core principles. The Daily Maverick is presenting a series of seven lectures by their journalists and editors on topics which touch our country deeply.

Summer School participants will have an opportunity to listen to Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela discuss his vision for the university and to ask questions. You are also invited to attend the second Distinguished Alumni lecture presented by Associate Professor Richard Calland, a well-known UCT alumnus and former staff member.