Research

Managerial, leadership and innovation specialist to speak at Unisa's Innovation Festival

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Prof Benjamin Anderson, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Da Vinci Institute, will discuss bridging academic theory with real-world business practice at the formal opening of the Unisa Innovation Festival on 18 November.

Join Prof Benjamin Anderson as he discusses bridging academic theory with real-world business practice during the formal opening of the Unisa Innovation Festival on Tuesday 18 November 2025, at the Unisa Science Campus.

The Innovation Festival takes place from 18 to 20 November at the university’s Science, Muckleneuk and Sunnyside Campuses.

Attendees can expect a diverse array of activities, including engaging poster presentations, immersive exhibitions and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Unisa’s state-of-the-art laboratories. The Crucible and Forge innovation pitching sessions will spotlight bold ideas and entrepreneurial energy. At the same time, the Postgraduate Student Showcase will highlight emerging research and fresh academic perspectives from the next generation of scholars.

  • Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025
  • Time: 09:00 – 11:00
  • Venue: Marquee, Mapungubwe Parking Area, Science Campus


Meet the speaker

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Prof Benjamin Anderson

Prof Benjamin Anderson is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Da Vinci Institute, a private higher education institution in South Africa known for its focus on managerial leadership and innovation. Originally trained in psychology and later completing his PhD, his curiosity expanded from how the human brain works to how organisations and leaders function in complex environments. This journey led to the co-creation of South Africa’s first managerial-leadership bachelor’s degree tailored specifically for working adults, bridging academic theory with real-world business practice.

Outside the world of academia and leadership, Anderson enjoys crafting "living art" through his collection of bonsai trees. Although known for his resolute decisions, he cheerfully admits that a perfectly barbecued lamb rib is enough to make him reconsider even the most earnest choice.

* Submitted by the Directorate Research Support

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Publish date: 2025/10/21

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