The UFS advances interdisciplinary research that strengthens climate resilience, safeguards ecosystems, and promotes sustainable resource use, contributing transformative solutions that protect biodiversity, ensure food and water security, and support global environmental sustainability goals.
The Anthropocene marks an era in which human activity fundamentally transforms the Earth’s ecosystems and climate. People are at the core of this change, driving both environmental degradation and the potential for restoration. Addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene requires strengthening of human agency in sustainable development efforts including SDGs 6, 7, 13, 14 and 16 that focus on Clean Water and Energy, Biodiversity on Land and in Water, as well as Climate Action.
Innovative, interdisciplinary research at the University of Free State (UFS) includes perspectives on human behaviour since this is crucial in the achievement of sustainable solutions. The university is actively involved in institutional research and community projects that address environmental sustainability, resource management, and the development of resilient systems for a sustainable future. It also focuses on understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring food and water security, and promoting responsible resource utilisation. Our researchers explore nature-based solutions, understanding environmental and cultural interfaces, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge systems.
The research of Profs Helene Strauss, Jeanet Conradie, Puseletso Mofokeng and Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen exemplify the contributions of the UFS to innovative and advanced technological research to mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring food and water security, and promoting responsible resource utilisation.
