27 September, 2023

Invited to give the keynote presentation, Dr Helen McGuirk visited Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, South Africa, this week as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Seminar Series.

Helen spent the week at the multi-campus University where she delivered various seminars and talks to students, Faculty, and entrepreneurs.

Hosted by Dr Alufheli Edgar Nesamvuni, Executive Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences and Dr Patrick Ebewo, Head of Management and Entrepreneurship, Helen focused on the value of peer sharing and learning. TUT’s innovative programmes, suite of entrepreneurship modules and student supports were most impressive and of great interest to MTU’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The focus of Helen’s keynote was on Entrepreneurship Excellence through Research, Education and Training - A holistic and inclusive approach. A summary from TUT's website, titled 'VC’s Seminar Unlocks Road to Entrepreneurial Excellence', is available by clicking here.

Speaking to educators on her first day at TUT, Helen shared details of new research and practice on assessment, active learning environments and the value of peer learning through communities of practice. Sharing stories of the ‘rocky road’ of research, Helen was delighted to meet a large group of PhD, Masters, and early career researchers from across the Faculty of Management Science.

Following the extensive social media and TV coverage of the event, Helen was honoured to accept an invitation to visit the Irish Embassy in Pretoria to meet the new Irish Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Austin Gormley and the Education Consular Mr Paul Deane. The meeting focused on education, the links between MTU and TUT and the potential for further collaboration and education projects. 

Helen McGuirk

Head, Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence