Clevenard to Honour Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka at the 2026 Clevenard Open Project – 5th Edition & Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition, Alicante, Spain

She Will Deliver a Keynote Address on Day 1

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is honoured to announce that Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Engagement at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South Africa, will receive a prestigious Honorary Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2026, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the iconic Palacio de Congresos, Alicante, Spain.

This distinguished recognition will be formally presented on Day 4 — Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026, the flagship ceremony of the Clevenard Open Project. The ceremony is hosted alongside the International Fashion Runway, celebrating extraordinary global leaders whose influence shapes nations, institutions, and future generations.

In addition to receiving this high honour, Dr. Papu-Zamxaka will also deliver a keynote address on Day 1 (27 August) during the Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit.

Keynote Topic :

“Science, Innovation & the Future of Global Education: Building Knowledge Economies for the Next Generation.”

This theme aligns perfectly with her distinguished career in science leadership, innovation ecosystems, and her vision for future-ready education.

About Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka

• Full Name: Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka
• Institution/Organisation: Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
• Role: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Engagement
• Based In: South Africa

Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka is an award-winning research and innovation leader, celebrated academic executive, and one of South Africa’s most influential voices in science, technology, and institutional transformation. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Engagement at the Tshwane University of Technology, she is driving a bold and future-oriented agenda that elevates African research excellence and strengthens globally competitive innovation ecosystems.

She holds a PhD in Public Health from London South Bank University (UK), a Master of Science in Public Health from Umeå University (Sweden), and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Technology and Policy Program from Harvard University (USA).

Her distinguished career includes senior roles in academia, national science institutions, and multinational research entities. She began as a Senior Scientist at the Medical Research Council, later serving as Director for the Microbicide Trials Network at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit. At the National Research Foundation, she was Director for Applied Research & Innovation Grants and Director for Reviews & Evaluation—leading programmes that strengthened South Africa’s national research infrastructure.

In the private sector, Dr. Papu-Zamxaka joined Synexus Clinical Research, where she rose to Country Director, overseeing operations across South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania, and expanding the company’s African clinical research footprint.

Her governance footprint is equally impressive. She previously served on the Boards of the National Research Foundation and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. She currently serves on the Boards of the South African Medical Research Council, Afrigen Biologics & Vaccines, and CPT Pharma Pty Ltd, contributing to national priorities in health innovation, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

A passionate science communicator, she has been featured in magazines, radio programs, and TV interviews. She also conceptualised and hosted a national television programme profiling South African scientists on DSTV Channel 265, inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and research.

Since joining TUT in November 2020, Dr. Papu-Zamxaka has led transformative change—expanding research outputs, strengthening global partnerships, and establishing multiple innovation hubs. Her leadership has repositioned TUT as a continental force in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In recognition of her outstanding performance, she has been appointed for a second term, effective 1 December 2025.

Dynamic, visionary, and deeply committed to Africa’s advancement, Dr. Vathi Papu-Zamxaka continues to champion excellence in research, innovation, and education—building a future where science serves society at scale.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 is a four-day global flagship forum themed:

“A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection.”

The event convenes global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, creatives, entrepreneurs, and investors from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean to foster partnership, dialogue, and sustainable development.

Event Highlights

• Day 1 – 27 August: Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit
• Day 2 – 28 August: Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit
• Day 3 – 29 August: Global Tourism & International Film Celebration
• Day 4 – 30 August: Clevenard Global Award – 3rd Edition 2026 & International Fashion Runway

Dates: 27–30 August 2026

Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Avinguda de Dénia 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain

Contact & Media Enquiries

• Phone: +34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• Organiser: Clevenard SL | NIF: B75809574

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities worldwide. Through innovative media, technology, events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard amplifies voices, builds bridges, and drives cultural and economic development across continents.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Categoria:

Press release 

Organizzazione:

Clevenard

Scritto:

Tolu Osindero

Telefono:

+34631279811