In a major achievement for South African academia, Kamogelo Mmereke, a PhD student at the Unisa College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), has been selected to participate in the prestigious United Nations (UN) International Project Programme.
Mmereke will represent Unisa on a global stage in Geneva, Switzerland, from April 11 to 17, 2026.
Bridging Science and Global Diplomacy
This highly competitive programme, facilitated by the Ureka Education Group and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), offers young leaders a rare opportunity to blend immersive learning with real-world project collaboration aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mmereke’s participation provides a unique platform to:
- Engage with Senior Experts: Collaborate with leaders from the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Labour Organization (ILO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- Immersive Site Visits: Tour the UN Headquarters and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
- Develop Policy Skills: Translate scientific research into actionable global policies.
“As a researcher and aspiring innovator, this opportunity offers me the training that I need to translate my scientific expertise for global impact,” Mmereke stated.
Innovative Research at CSET
Mmereke’s doctoral research is at the cutting edge of oncology, focusing on the discovery of active herbal compounds with cancer-healing properties. Using advanced spectrometry and computational bioinformatics/machine learning at the Unisa Science Campus, she aims to establish precise therapeutic mechanisms.
Her selection underscores Unisa’s commitment to producing researchers who not only excel academically but are also equipped to drive global implementation and policy change.
