University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
about
A leading African university
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, is one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions, renowned for academic excellence, social impact and a century-long legacy in mining and industry. Ranked among the top 1% of universities globally, Wits has produced more than 200,000 graduates, including four Nobel Prize winners such as Nelson Mandela. Rooted in its heritage as a university founded on mining, Wits is now a beacon for research-driven transformation across disciplines and sectors.
Research with local relevance and global impact
Wits delivers discovery research that redefines disciplines, translational research that informs policy and practice, and innovation that drives market solutions. Its researchers publish in globally recognised journals and lead impactful projects across climate change, sustainability, mining engineering, energy, AI, quantum science, governance, inequality and healthcare. The University is home to over 400 national-rated researchers, 67 research entities and 12 large institutes, advancing knowledge and creating tangible societal benefits.
expertise
Local Relevance Global Impact
Pioneering materials and mining research
Wits is internationally recognised for excellence in geosciences, materials science and mining engineering. It houses world-class research facilities and centres including:
- Wits DigiMine – an underground digital test mine advancing real-time data analytics, robotics and AI for the future of mining.
- Wits Mining Research Institute and Centre for Mechanised Mining Systems – leaders in automation, mechanisation and sustainability in mining.
- Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials – focused on high-performance materials critical to modern industries.
- Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry – shaping responsible practices and environmental stewardship across the mining value chain.
A hub for interdisciplinary collaboration
Wits encourages cross-sector collaboration across science, engineering, humanities and health. Through institutes such as the Wits Energy Leadership Centre and its flagship Innovation Centre, the university supports innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialisation of research. In 2024, Wits launched the Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery Institute, uniting AI, neuroscience and biological systems in a first-of-its-kind African initiative.
Powering a just energy transition
With a deep understanding of the mining and industrial landscapes of South Africa and the Global South, Wits is uniquely positioned to help meet the material needs of the global energy transition. Its expertise spans exploration, extraction, processing, materials development and social science, ensuring that environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are embedded across the value chain.
Creating sustainable futures
Wits is committed to driving South Africa’s response to climate change and enabling a just transition to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Leveraging its location in Johannesburg and its legacy in mining, Wits integrates research, teaching and policy engagement to shape inclusive and sustainable futures for all.
Driving progress together
As a founding partner of the Centre, Wits plays a central role in connecting African expertise to global innovation networks. Its strengths in mining, materials, climate and data science bring a vital perspective to shaping a sustainable future for the sector and society.
quote
“You can no longer be stratified along disciplinary lines. We need social scientists working with engineers, and natural scientists — everyone must be part of this going forward.”
Prof Thokozani Majozi
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
The University of the Witwatersrand
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Prof Ruksana Osman
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic
Grant Bybee
Associate Professor of Geochemistry and Petrology
Prof Keith Breckenridge
Deputy Director Wits Institute for Social & Economic Research (WISER)
Prof Thokozani Majozi
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Discover more
Research
Pioneering new frontiers in materials research – rethinking how we discover, extract, use and restore resources through radical science, bold ideas and deep collaboration.
Our Team
Meet world-class experts reimagining materials – from governance to social science and technical innovation – across six global partners.
Our Partners
Founded by six global partners, our Centre unites scientific excellence with industry insight – led by Rio Tinto and Imperial College London and spans four continents.
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