SARSYC VI Announces 16 selected Presenters for the 3rd Regional Research Indaba

We are pleased to announce that 16 young researchers were selected to present at the 3rd Regional Research Indaba a flagship component of SARSYC. The call for abstracts attracted an unprecedented 274 submissions from 14 countries, making the 2026 edition the most competitive in the history of SARSYC Research Indaba.

This milestone reflects a growing confidence among students, youth leaders, academics, and early career researchers in the research Indaba as a platform for evidence generation, policy influence and regional engagement. The inaugural Indaba in Malawi in 2022 received 21 abstracts, followed by 51 submissions during the second edition in Botswana in 2024. The increase to 274 abstracts represents more than a five-fold rise and a remarkable 437% increase from the 2024 edition.

Submissions were received across all of the five SARSYC VI thematic tracks. HIV/AIDS, STIs and Sexual Health emerged as the most popular area, accounting for 79 abstracts (28.8%), confirming sustained regional interest in HIV, STI prevention, sexual health, harm reduction and health financing. Education Rights and Equity received 70 (25.5%) making it the second most competitive track and reflecting growing concern around digital learning, climate resilience in education, and gender-responsive education systems.

Other thematic areas attracted strong interest including Mental Health and Substance Abuse received - 61 abstracts; Digital Health and Safety - 42 abstracts; Non-Communicable Diseases and Healthy Lifestyles, 22 abstracts. These submissions demonstrate increasing youth and academic interesting in emerging issues affecting youth health and education across the region.

Participation was led by Zimbabwe (118 abstracts – 43% of all submissions), Malawi (45), Zambia (43), Namibia (21) and South Africa (20). Contributions were also received from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Mozambique. While SARSYC is a Southern African platform the 2026 call attracted submissions beyond the SADC region, including participants from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, India and Indonesia. This growing geographical reach demonstrates the increasing continental, and international recognition of SARSYC Research Indaba as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and solidarity among young researchers.
The selected presenters emerged from a highly competitive review process that was strengthened through collaboration with the Africa Centre for Inclusive Health Management at Stellenbosch University and the UNESCO University Twinning and Networking (UNITWIN) Network. Senior researchers and academics from these institutions contributed their expertise to the assessment and selection of abstracts, ensuring rigorous, transparent and academically robust review process grounded in both scholarly excellence and policy relevance.

Reviewers assessed submissions against established criteria outlined in the Research Indaba call for abstracts including relevance, originality, methodological rigor, policy significance and youth leadership. Additional consideration was given to intersectionality, innovation, and alignment with the broader SARSYC VI theme of “sustaining progress in youth health and education”.

Beyond research quality, the selection process sought to ensure balanced representation across thematic areas, gender and countries within the SADC region, reflecting the conference's commitment to inclusion, equity and regional solidarity. The large volume of submissions , resulted in an exceptionally competitive selection process.

With only sixteen presentation slots (8 Oral presentations and 8 Poster presentations), the review committee faced the difficult task of choosing from an exceptionally strong pool of submissions. Many abstracts met or exceeded the required standards. Therefore, non-selection should not be interpreted as a reflection of poor quality. Rather, the final cohort represents a balanced combination of research excellence, thematic diversity, gender inclusion and regional representation.

Selected presenters will participate in the Research Indaba's Mentorship-to-Publication programme, designed to strengthen research skills, facilitate cross-country learning, support publication opportunities and promote the translation of research findings into policy and practice. The programme builds on a tradition established in previous editions, where youth-generated research informed advocacy efforts, and published outputs.
A notable outcome of the inaugural SARSYC Research Indaba was the publication of 1st edition: A SADC Regional perspective by Young People on COVID-19. Building on this legacy, SARSYC VI will mark another significant milestone through the launch of 2nd edition: A SADC Regional Perspective by Young People on Emerging Issues Affecting Youth Health and education. These publications remain an important contribution to regional knowledge and youth-responsive policy discourse.

Beyond the presentations themselves, the selected research will contribute to broader SARSYC VI discussions, helping to shape dialogue among policymakers, civil society organisations, development partners and academic institutions. Findings emerging from the Indaba will also inform conference resolutions and recommendations aimed at advancing youth health and education across the SADC region.

As SARSYC VI prepares to convene the 3rd Regional Research Indaba in Namibia from on the 5th of August 2026, the record number of submissions sends a powerful message: young people across the region are not only demanding a seat at the decision-making table, they are generating the evidence needed to drive meaningful and lasting change.