The University of the Free State’s (UFS)
Library and Information Services (LIS) successfully hosted the 2026 Library and Information Services Honours and Undergraduate Research Conference (LISHURC), providing a dynamic platform for students to present innovative research across a broad range of academic disciplines.
Held at the
Digital Scholarship Centre in the Bloemfontein Campus’s Sasol Library on 28 May 2026, the conference brought together students, academics, supervisors, and University leadership to celebrate undergraduate and honours research while fostering scholarly engagement and academic excellence.
The conference forms part of the University’s commitment to cultivating a research culture among students by encouraging them to showcase their work in a professional academic environment. Through paper presentations, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions, participants had the opportunity to refine their communication skills and engage with diverse research perspectives.
Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, officially opened the conference. “At the UFS, we are committed to cultivating a vibrant, inclusive research culture,” he said. “Initiatives like LISHURC demonstrate how our libraries are central to empowering undergraduate students as emerging knowledge producers. Initiatives such as this help to integrate teaching, learning, and research by giving undergraduate students authentic platforms to engage, present, and lead scholarly conversations.”
Embracing artificial intelligence in higher education
Prof Viljoen addressed concerns that AI could replace people in the workplace. He encouraged students and academics to view technological advancement as an opportunity, rather than a threat. “Many people fear that artificial intelligence will replace human beings, but technology has always evolved alongside humanity,” he said. “AI should not be seen as a threat to human potential, but as a tool that can enhance the way we learn, work, and solve problems.”
He noted that information access has transformed significantly in the digital age, creating a need for institutions to adapt to changing realities. “Libraries are no longer the sole custodians of information. We are living in an era where information is instantly accessible through digital technologies, and AI is becoming an increasingly important part of that ecosystem,” he said.
Prof Viljoen highlighted that artificial intelligence is already embedded in everyday technologies used by millions of people. “When people use Google Search, they are already interacting with AI-driven technology. The question is not whether AI is here, but how we use it responsibly and effectively.”
While acknowledging the challenges associated with AI, he emphasised its potential benefits for research, education, and innovation. “AI presents both benefits and challenges. It can accelerate research, improve access to knowledge, and support decision-making, but it also requires ethical consideration, critical thinking, and responsible use."
Diverse research across disciplines
The programme featured presentations spanning the Humanities, Law, Education, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Health Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Studies. In the Humanities session, students explored themes of memory, identity, heritage, and social exclusion. Presentations examined topics such as the symbolic narratives of towns, the preservation of cultural heritage, and ethnographic studies of historical burial sites in the Free State.
The Law session addressed contemporary legal challenges facing South Africa. Research focused on digital rights and privacy, access to healthcare for persons with disabilities, and the role of forensic expert testimony within the country’s adversarial legal system.
Education scholars presented studies aimed at improving teaching and learning practices in higher education. Topics included academic advising, formative assessment feedback, and the integration of AI into university classrooms.
Addressing contemporary societal challenges
Research presented during the conference reflected a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges facing communities and institutions. Students from the
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences examined issues related to land governance, gender inclusion, urban planning, housing development, and commercial growth within the Mangaung metropolitan area.
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences presentations showcased scientific investigations ranging from enzyme studies and fungal pathogens affecting wheat crops to astronomical research and spatial planning in heritage precincts. The conference also highlighted the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in solving complex societal problems, with many projects integrating perspectives from multiple fields of study.
Advancing health and well-being through research
Health Sciences presentations focused on critical healthcare issues affecting both practitioners and patients. Research topics included workplace bullying among nurses, mental health interventions for university students, exercise programmes for cancer patients, rehabilitation strategies, and factors influencing the well-being of individuals living with chronic illnesses. The studies demonstrated the potential of evidence-based research to contribute to improved healthcare practices and patient outcomes.
Strengthening the University’s research culture
Beyond the presentations, LISHURC served as an important developmental opportunity for emerging scholars. The conference enabled students to gain valuable experience in presenting research findings, responding to academic critique, and engaging in scholarly discourse. The event also showcased the dedication of supervisors and academic staff who continue to mentor students throughout the research process, helping to strengthen the UFS’s reputation as a research-intensive institution.
Recognising academic achievement
The conference concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of participants across all disciplines. As LISHURC 2026 came to a close, the event once again demonstrated the depth of talent, innovation, and academic potential among UFS students. Through research that addresses contemporary challenges and contributes new knowledge, these emerging scholars continue to play a vital role in advancing the University’s mission of excellence in teaching, learning, and research.
“Our commitment at UFS is to break down disciplinary silos, enabling undergraduate researchers to collaborate across fields and co-create knowledge that is both relevant and transformative,” Prof Reddy said. “Libraries and digital scholarship platforms are critical spaces where interdisciplinary research thrives, connecting students and their unique voices, ideas, and methodologies across traditional academic boundaries. The excellence showcased at LISHURC reflects UFS’s strategic commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars, innovators, and engaged citizens through research-led education.”