INSight 2025 Winter School Launches with a Focus on Crafting Academic Contributions
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), through its Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), officially launched the INSight Academic Writing for Publication Winter School and Writing Retreat on Monday, 16 June 2025 at the High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select (HTTPS) Building, Windhoek. The Winter School is co convened with the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Pan Africa Chemistry Network.
The retreat brings together staff, postgraduate students, and emerging researchers for a structured and intensive writing experience focused on producing high quality academic outputs. In an environment where many scholars struggle to find dedicated time, space, and mentorship for academic writing, this initiative is designed to help participants move from draft to submission with clarity and purpose.
Academic writing is not merely a technical skill, it is a foundational element of scholarly identity and institutional visibility. Yet many researchers find it daunting to translate their research into publishable manuscripts. The INSight Writing Retreat responds to this challenge by creating a supportive space that demystifies the publication process, strengthens writing capacity, and encourages peer-to-peer learning.
Themed Crafting Your Contribution: Writing for Visibility and Impact, the opened with remarks from Dr Anna Matros Goreses, Executive Director of DRIP, who emphasised the importance of viewing writing as a skill, a passion, and a process. She encouraged participants to engage deeply with the coaching process and to write with purpose and confidence.
Prof Omotayo Awofolu, Acting Director for Postgraduate Research Development, outlined the rationale for the retreat and highlighted how structured interventions like these contribute to strengthening research quality and improving publication rates.
Participants were introduced to their writing coaches and took part in the first core session, “Mastering the Craft: Foundations of Scientific Writing,” led by Prof Thinah Moyo. The remainder of the day focused on practical strategies for writing and revising the introduction section of a manuscript, guided by Prof Benjamin Mapani and a team of expert coaches.
The retreat, which runs until 20 June, includes daily presentations, group feedback, and independent writing blocks. It is one of DRIP’s key interventions to build a sustainable and productive academic writing culture across NUST.
Stay tuned for daily updates and highlights from the INSight Winter School on the DRIP webpage and internal platforms. For real time updates and visuals, follow DRIP on LinkedIn and Facebook.
