INVITATION TO A TRANSFORMATIVE WRITING RETREAT
Join us for the Optentia Writing Retreat 2025, an immersive four-day experience designed to enhance your research skills, writing productivity, and overall well-being as a scholar. Hosted at the breathtaking Khaya iBhubesi Conference Centre, this retreat offers an opportunity to refine your dissertation, thesis, or research articles while engaging in expert-led workshops, hands-on exercises, and collaborative discussions.
WHY ATTEND THIS WRITING RETREAT?
At Optentia, we believe that excellent research thrives in a supportive, well-structured environment. This retreat is designed to:
Each day will include a mix of interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, guided writing time, and networking opportunities. Late afternoons provide activities such as social gatherings, or individual writing sessions.
PROGRAMME: OPTENTIA USIBA 2025
DAY 1: Preparing for Research, Literature Reviews and Technology
DAY 2: Literature review and Qualitative Methods
DAY 3: Mixed Methods and Quantitative Research
DAY 4: Writing for Impact and Research Dissemination
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Structured research progress: Participants will leave with tangible progress on their proposals, articles, or thesis chapters.
Advanced research skills: Hands-on training in AI-driven literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative tools.
Improved writing productivity: Enhanced ability to structure and communicate research effectively.
Stronger research networks: Meaningful connections with fellow scholars and Optentia experts.
Well-being and balance: A rejuvenating retreat that fosters productivity and relaxation.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Limited spaces available!
Deadline to register: 15 March 2025
Cost: Please get in touch with Lynn Booysen for more information
For inquiries and registration: Lynn Booysen (lynn.booysen@nwu.ac.za). Please note: Do not register for the writing retreat on this website. Lynn Booysen will provide a link for registration.
Join us at Mongena Game Lodge for an enriching retreat designed to elevate your research and writing to the next level.
Let’s write, learn, and grow together!
The Optentia Writing Retreat 2025 features a distinguished panel of multidisciplinary experts who will provide participants with lectures, hands-on workshops, and individual coaching on research methodologies, writing strategies, and impact-driven research.
Experts Who Confirmed Already
Prof. Andries Baart
Extraordinary Professor in Ageing and Generational Dynamics, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. Baart is an internationally renowned scholar specialising in ageing, care ethics, and social relationships. He is known for his work on the Theory of Presence, which focuses on how researchers and practitioners engage meaningfully with communities and vulnerable populations. His expertise will be invaluable for participants focusing on qualitative research and research impact.
Dr Neil Barnard
Senior Lecturer, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, NWU
Dr Barnard's research focus includes sustainable employability, well-being and mattering.
Mrs Anneke Butler
Lecturer: Critical and Analytical Thinking, North-West University
Mrs Butler is a lecturer at the School of Languages at the NWU, specialising in critical and analytical thinking. She holds a BA, Higher Education Diploma (now PGCE), BEd Psychology, and MA.
Dr Bruno Messina Coimbra
Department of Methodology & Statistics, Utrecht University
Dr. Coimbra specialises in advanced statistical methods, measurement invariance, and structural equation modelling. His expertise in quantitative data analysis, psychometrics, and open science practices will equip participants with robust statistical approaches for their research. He is an expert on AS Review.
Mr. Fred Goede
Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Applied Risk Management, NWU
Mr. Goede will deliver a presentation on "Engaged Research." Engaged research involves the meaningful collaboration between researchers and organisational and community partners throughout the research process, ensuring that studies address pertinent community issues and that findings are effectively disseminated to those who can benefit most.
Ms. Elizabeth Kriel
Statistical Consultant, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Ms Kriel is an expert in quantitative research methods, statistical modelling, and data analysis. She assists researchers in optimising research designs, ensuring methodological rigour, and utilising advanced statistical software such as JASP and Mplus.
Prof. Marita Heyns
Research Professor in Industrial Psychology, NWU
Prof. Heyns specialises in positive psychology, meaning-making, and well-being in the workplace. Her research focuses on resilience, strengths-based leadership, and psychological capital, providing essential insights for participants exploring the human aspects of organisational research.
Prof. Jaco Hoffmann
Research Professor, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. Hoffmann is a leading expert in social gerontology, intergenerational relationships, and well-being across the lifespan. His expertise in conceptual and methodological frameworks for social research will guide participants in developing strong research questions and theoretical underpinnings for their work.
Prof. Japie Greeff
Extraoridnary Professor, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. Japie Greeff is an Extraordinary Professor at the North-West University tied to the Optentia Research Unit and Research Coordinator for Belgium Campus iTversity. His research interests are Computer Science and Engineering Education, as well as Artificial Intelligence and the Application of Technology to the Creation of Interventions.
Prof. J.T. Janse van Rensburg
Extraordinary Professor in Information Technology, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. Janse van Rensburg brings a unique blend of academic and industry expertise to this workshop on leveraging AI for research. She is a skilled user of AI applications to enhance and support academic research, utilising technology to streamline literature reviews and research workflows. She will lead the AI and Technology in Literature Reviews session, exploring how AI-powered tools can enhance efficiency, improve insights, and streamline the research process.
Prof. Mirna Nel
Deputy-Dean: Research and Innovation, Faculty of Humanities, NWU
Prof. Nel is a scholar in education and inclusive learning environments. Her research focuses on educational transformation and decolonial practices, equipping researchers with methodologies that address social inequalities in academia.
Prof. Blessed Ngwenya
Research Professor in Inclusion and Decolonial Praxis, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. Ngwenya’s work centres on social justice, decolonial approaches to research, and community-engaged scholarship. His expertise in qualitative methodologies and narrative research will provide valuable insights for researchers working with historically marginalised communities.
Prof. Vera Roos
Research Professor in Relational Dynamics, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. Roos specialises in relational well-being, qualitative methodologies, and intergenerational dynamics. She is a leading voice in photo-voice research, narrative inquiry, and participatory action research.
Prof. Ian Rothmann
Research Professor in Industrial Psychology, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. Rothmann is an expert in workplace well-being, flourishing, and psychological measurement. He will provide advice on the conceptualisation of projects and questionnaire design, and will lead a session on statistical analyses.
Prof. Jasper van Assche
Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
Prof. Van Assche's research focuses on diversity in society, political attitudes, intergroup relations, and prejudice.
Prof. Leoni van der Vaart
Extraordinary Professor in Industrial Psychology, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. van der Vaart is an expert in employee well-being, organisational behaviour, and advanced quantitative methods. She can advise on survey design and psychometric statistics and will lead a session of literature reviews.
Prof. Liesl van der Merwe
Professor, School of Music and MASARA, NWU
Liesl van der Merwe is a professor in the School of Music at the North-West University, South Africa. Some of her research interests include music and well-being, positive psychology and music education, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, spirituality and lived musical experiences. She supervises postgraduate students and teaches research methodology, music education and bassoon. Liesl has published articles in high-impact journals. She also performs in chamber music ensembles and is a conductor of the North-West Youth Orchestra.
Prof. Llewellyn van Zyl
Extraordinary Professor, Optentia Research Unit, NWU
Prof. van Zyl is an expert in positive organisational psychology, strengths-based development, and leadership research. His insights into scientific writing, publishing in high-impact journals, and mixed-methods research will benefit participants seeking to elevate their academic work.
How This Team Will Support Participants
Participants will receive:
Writing Retreat: Financial Arrangements & Registration Fees
Optentia has generously contributed a significant amount to support the event and accommodation costs, thereby reducing the overall registration fees for participants. Below is a breakdown of the registration fees based on participant categories.
Registration Fees and Inclusions: What the Registration Fee Covers
The registration fee does NOT cover travel expenses, additional soft drinks beyond the provided meals, any alcoholic beverages.
Registration Fee Breakdown