Thank you for your interest in the SAACHS Conference.
Email your proposal to hello@saachs.org.za
47th SAACHS ANNUAL CONFERENCE – CALL FOR SPEAKERS
The South African Association of Campus Health Services (SAACHS) is pleased to announce its 47th Annual Conference, scheduled to take place from 5–8 January 2027 at the Momentum Group, Centurion, 268 West Avenue, Centurion, 0157.
The conference provides an important platform for researchers, academics, healthcare professionals, student affairs practitioners, policymakers, administrators, postgraduate students and university students to share knowledge, research, innovations and practical experiences that contribute to the advancement of campus health services.
The conference is centred on the theme:
“From Legislation to Practice: Bridging Policy and Practice in Campus Health Through Inclusive, Innovative, and Future-Ready Approaches in the Digital Age.”
The theme recognises that effective campus health requires more than sound legislation and institutional policies. It requires the translation of policy into accessible, ethical, inclusive, innovative and responsive services that address the changing health and wellbeing needs of university communities.
The conference will therefore explore how universities can strengthen the connection between legislation, institutional governance, policy, service delivery, technology, research and lived student experiences to create healthier and more supportive campus environments.
Conference Sub-Themes
The conference invites contributions across interconnected areas:
Policy, Governance and Legislative Alignment
Translation of legislation and policy into effective campus health practice, with particular emphasis on governance, accountability and ethical leadership.
Digital Health, Innovation and Future Technologies
Exploration of digital health, telehealth, artificial intelligence, data privacy, digital equity and technology-enabled health and wellness solutions.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing
Mental health promotion, early intervention, student resilience and psychosocial support systems within higher education.
Inclusive Health and Human Rights
Equity, diversity and inclusion, LGBTQIA+ considerations and addressing the health needs of marginalised populations.
Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health
Gender-based violence prevention and response, sexual and reproductive health services, education and support.
Student Engagement, Partnerships and Community Wellness
Student leadership and participation, peer support, strategic partnerships and collaboration between universities and their communities.
Occupational and Environmental Health
Healthy and safe campus environments, occupational health and safety, environmental sustainability and the creation of resilient university spaces.
Call for Contributions
SAACHS invites innovative, evidence-based and practice-oriented contributions that demonstrate how campus health can become more inclusive, responsive, sustainable and future-ready.
Contributions may include research findings, programme evaluations, innovative interventions, policy-to-practice initiatives, case studies, technological solutions and collaborative projects that have the potential to strengthen campus health services.
The conference welcomes presentations that demonstrate practical solutions and lessons that can be adapted across higher education institutions.
Preferred Presentation Formats
The conference will accommodate a range of engaging presentation formats, including:
Keynote addresses
Interactive plenary presentations
Research presentations
What to Submit
Prospective speakers are requested to submit:
A one-page proposal in Word format to hello@saachs.org.za
A brief session proposal for presentations, explaining the key messages and intended outcomes
A research abstract of no more than 300 words, covering the background, aim, methods, results and conclusion
Confirmation that the submission represents original work that has not previously been published or presented elsewhere
Details of previous speaker engagements, including links where available
A brief speaker biography and relevant social media links.
Suppliers, Sales and Product Pitches
The conference also creates opportunities for suppliers, innovators and solution providers to showcase products and services relevant to campus health and wellness.
Suppliers may be considered for exhibition or product-pitch opportunities where their offerings provide practical, innovative and relevant solutions for university communities. Speaking opportunities are not guaranteed and will be considered according to the relevance and value of the proposed contribution.
Important Date
25 September 2026 – Abstract Submission Deadline
Successful speakers will be featured on the SAACHS conference website. Contributors will also be required to provide a brief profile, headshot photograph and session details.
For submissions and enquiries:
Email: hello@saachs.org.za
Website: saachs.org.za
Conference Partners
The conference is being held in partnership with leading South African universities, including the University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology, University of South Africa, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Vaal University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand and North-West University.
SAACHS invites you to share your knowledge, experience, innovation and vision as we work together towards healthier, safer, more inclusive and future-ready campuses.
Transforming Campus Health. Empowering Communities. Building the Future.