Institute for Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship

ISCC Integrated Research Ecosystem Framework (IREF)

This model presents the graphical representation of the ISCC Integrated Research Ecosystem Framework (ISCC-IREF). The IREF illustrates how the UNISA vision and the 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) underpin the ISCC’s Afrocentric, multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary research model for sustainability science, societal transformation, and corporate citizenship. The IREF demonstrates the interconnection of key thematic research areas and the teaching and learning environments through flagship projects and community engagement initiatives. The ISCC-IREF further depicts how research is operationalised into societal innovation, resilience, and sustainability impact, in alignment with South Africa’s National Development Plan: vison 2030, African Union’s Agenda 2063, the United Nations SDGs, and other global development frameworks.

The ISCC finds expression for its vision, mission, and  strategic goals and intent through several programmes, some of which are highlighted hereunder:

  1. Sustainable Futures and Responsible Citizenship (SUFRIC)
  2. Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG)
  3. ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
  4. Business Ethics
  5. Sustainability and Greed
  6. Maritime Management Curriculum Incubation (MAMCI)
  7. Smart and Resilient South African Coastal Cities
  8. Coastal, Marine and Maritime Hackathons (NYUKA!)

Last modified: 2025/11/19