In a remarkable milestone for both her academic and personal journey, Dr Zandile Mncube, a 27-year-old newly conferred PhD graduate from the University of the Free State (UFS), recently presented her research at the prestigious International Mountain Conference (IMC2025), hosted by the University of Innsbruck, Austria. The event marked not only her debut on the global research stage but also her first international trip and first flight – an experience she described as transformative.
A mountain of research: From UFS weather stations to the global stage
Dr Mncube's journey to this international platform began with encouragement from
Prof Ralph Clark, Director of the Afromontane Research Unit, and
Dr Melissa Hansen, Lecturer in the Department of Geography, who recognised her potential and urged her to submit an abstract to the conference.
"Prof Clark proposed that I write an abstract for this conference," Dr Mncube explained. “I had been managing the UFS weather stations and had just begun using their data, so I based my abstract on that work.”
Her submission was accepted, earning her the opportunity to showcase her research alongside an impressive array of global scholars. The IMC2025, held biennially, brings together experts from across the world to discuss diverse aspects of mountain studies. Dr Mncube formed part of a strong South African delegation that included two students from UFS and one from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
"It was inspiring to see how diverse and multidisciplinary the field is," she said. "It was good to see that, as South Africans, we do fit into the global research stage and can hold our own through the quality of our work.”
Vision for the future: expanding research horizons
Having been part of the UFS community since 2017 - serving in various roles from student assistant to her current practical and research position – Dr Mncube is now looking ahead to further her research career.
"I want to explore more on the research side of things," she shared. “While I’ve gained valuable experience that could lead to lecturing, my immediate goal is to deepen my involvement in research and fieldwork within Geography.”
A transformative experience and a call for greater support
Describing her participation at the IMC as a "transformative experience, both professionally and personally," Dr Mncube reflected on how it broadened her understanding of global scientific collaboration and highlighted the vital contribution of African researchers.
She noted there remain "notable gaps in data and contextual understanding that African researchers are uniquely positioned to address," particularly in underrepresented mountain regions.
Dr Mncube strongly advocates for more South African students to be supported in attending international conferences. She observed that several of her peers at the IMC had earned recognition through the
Southern African Mountain Conference 2025 (SAMC), further illustrating the value of regional and international engagement.
"If more students are supported to attend conferences like IMC, it could open doors for them to engage in global research and collaborations that extend far beyond our borders," she said.
Expressing her heartfelt appreciation, she concluded by thanking Prof Clark and Dr Hansen for their guidance and support, which made her international debut possible.