iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu's core business is teaching & learning, research, internationalisation & community engagement.

The institution's vision is to be An impactful technology-infused African university. 

Directorate of Research & Innovation’s Vision: Is to create a Research Directorate that is: accessible; impactful research capacity & training programmes; transformative hub of research and innovation management. The Research and Innovation Directorate's strategic focus is underpinnedby the university's Strategic goal number 3: Relevant and Impactful Research Innovation.

The DRI’s mandate is to support research activities undertaken by academics, researchers, postdoctoral research fellows and academic associates; enhance the research capacities of novice and senior academics; and administer research and creative outputs.

1. iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu submitted 578.4589 audited research output units to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for evaluation.
2. Following the DHET assessment process, 554.7532 units were approved, resulting in an impressive 95.9% approval rate.
3. The University recorded a 72.7% year-on-year growth in research outputs, demonstrating substantial improvement in research productivity and scholarly impact.
4. Strong performance was achieved across accredited journal articles, books, book chapters, and conference proceedings, reflecting the diversity and strength of the University's research portfolio.
5. The 2024 results represent the highest research performance in the history of iWS, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a leading research-intensive university.

Empower Women in Research Affiliation (EWIRA)

• The EWIRA initiative continues to promote gender transformation and research excellence among women researchers.

Key Achievements

• EWIRA Faculty Coordinators appointed across all faculties and support divisions.
• Successful establishment of faculty-level structures.
• Increased participation of women academics in research development activities.

EWIRA–FIRE International Conference 2026

The EWIRA–FIRE Conference was conceptualised in partnership with the International Female Researchers (FIRE) organisation.

• Objectives:
  • Promoting evidence-based research.
  • Supporting women researchers.
  • Strengthening university-industry partnerships.
  • Creating publication opportunities through Springer conference proceedings.

Progress to date:

• 165 academics from iWS have received accepted letters for abstracts, including 10 external potential participants.
• Mrs. Besky Ngunjiri, Chief Audit Executive at Harmony Gold Mining Company, accepted the invitation to serve as keynote speaker.
• Logistics and Scientific Committee planning processes are well advanced.
• A logistics meeting was held on 29 April 2026, and an update briefing of the Scientific Committee was held on 12 May 2026.
• Only one faculty, FEBEIT, has successfully organised a writing retreat.
• A Student Affairs Department staff writing retreat will take place from 29 June to 1 July 2026.
• Preparations are underway to invite more non-academic participants.

• Research Associates made a significant contribution to WSU's research productivity and research capacity development.
• Research outputs increased from 18.84 units (2022) to 47.44 units (2023), representing 151.8% growth.
• Outputs further increased to 83.50 units (2024), reflecting 76.0% growth from 2023.
• Several Research Fellows and Adjunct Academics emerged as major contributors to institutional research outputs.
• Preliminary output for 2025/2026 stands at 21.36 units, with additional outputs still expected to be accredited.
• Continued engagement with high-performing Research Associates is expected to further strengthen Walter Sisulu's research performance and national standing.

Research Highlights

• iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu has outperformed its sister institutions in producing accredited research outputs in the Eastern Cape Province. The provisional research output data for 2025 totals 1,118.72 research output units.
• Prof. F. Ganda has been officially shortlisted as a finalist for the NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award. The awards gala will be held in Johannesburg on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
• Dr Luphiwo Mduzana, Head of Department for Rehabilitation Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, made history as South Africa’s first African to obtain a PhD in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics.
• Dr Phatiswa Sifuba-Makapela, from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, made history by obtaining her Master of Medicine (MMed) in Chemical Pathology. This milestone establishes her as the first home-trained Chemical Pathology specialist in the Eastern Cape.