Welcome

The mission of the Optentia Research Unit is to develop and organise knowledge for the optimal expression of individual, social and institutional potential, with a specific interest in the African context. The research unit utilises the inputs from multiple disciplines: Economics, Educational Sciences, Employment Relations, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, Philosophy, Psychology (Work and Organisational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Clinical Psychology), Risk Management, Social Anthropology, Social Work, and Sociology. We study the optimisation of the potential of people and institutions by focusing on pathways from precarity to capability and optimal functioning. Optentia's research is organised into six programmes. Read more about Optentia in this information leaflet.

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Symposia

17th International Federation on Ageing Conference - 09 to 12 September 2025

Join us for an insightful and impactful event dedicated to exploring the diverse dimensions of ageing and its implications on society. As the world’s population continues to age, it’s imperative that we come together to address the challenges and opportunities associated with this demographic shift. Our conference features thought-provoking keynote addresses, inspiring symposiums, skill-building workshops, interactive oral and poster sessions and most importantly the voices of older people from around the globe. Go to the following link for mor
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Book Launch: Global Perspectives on Job Insecurity in Higher Education Institutions - 25 September 2025

This compelling book delves into the damaging effects of job insecurity in higher education across ten countries, shedding light on its implications for individuals and institutions. By exploring the associations between job insecurity and critical factors such as health, well- being, and performance, it underscores the urgent need for effective intervention measures. The book also highlights the ripple effects of job insecurity on academic staff, researchers, PhD and postdoctoral students as well as administrative and support staff, ultimately
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Book Launch: Community Psychology: Global crises, local realities, and action - 02 October 2025

The current volume, Community Psychology: Global Crises, Local Realities, and Action, reflects these changes. This volume was developed with two key objectives in mind. First, with the intention of providing readers with a comprehensive, diverse, and wide-ranging collection of insights, debates, and research on key theoretical, analytical, teaching, learning, and action-oriented approaches in community psychology. Second, the volume was developed with the objective of promoting collaboration among community psychology students, researchers, act
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Teaching with Research - 24 to 25 November 2025

This two-day workshop explores inquiry-, problem-, and project-based learning as ways to embed research in teaching across disciplines. Sessions include practical uses of AI in research, designing inquiry-driven assignments, and assessing research through creative methods like portfolios and data visualisation. A panel addresses the challenges and opportunities of teaching research, including indigenous knowledge and access disparities.
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Recent news

A Joyful Homecoming to Optentia House

8 July 2025 was a joyous day. On 8 July, Optentians began moving back into Optentia House. Optentia House, with a brand-new roof and fresh walls! After five months of working in shared spaces, the return to Optentia House brought ...Read article

HORA FINITA! Fred Goede’s Upcoming PhD Defence at Wageningen University

My PhD defence on 29 September 2025 feels to me like facing the Wageningse Berg. It may not be the highest mountain, but when you are on a bike, keeping pace with your supervisor is still tough. And my Wageningen University superv...Read article

Capabilities@Work

We are pleased to announce the publication of Capabilities@Work: The Added Value of the Capability Model for Well-Being and Work in 2026. The book, to be published by Cambridge University Press, is edited by Prof. Jac van der Klin...Read article

Shaping Scholars, Shaping Leaders

At the North-West University, and especially within Optentia, we know that leadership is not a luxury. South African universities face the dual challenge of producing world-class research while also preparing graduates to strength...Read article

Newsletter, September 2025