A Q&A with AIFMRM’s Research Retreat attendees
In early April, the African Institute of Financial Markets and Risk Management hosted its annual Research Retreat in Melkbosstrand on the scenic West Coast of the Cape. The retreat saw staff and PhD candidates dedicate time to research, present their work, socialise, and – if they’re anything like Adjunct Associate Professor Tanja Tippett – enjoy cold swims in the Atlantic.
We asked attendees a few questions about their experience of this year’s retreat. Here’s what they said:
What did your daily routine look like at the retreat?
Siphokazi Hlalukana, PhD candidate: I have a completely different clock. I start my day around 1-2 am, so I would get up, get ready and go downstairs to work right away. Later in the morning, we would meet to discuss the project we are working on. Then, around midday, I would take a walk to the beach because we were only 3 minutes away! Then, I’d have lunch and go back to work. My workday ended around 4 pm. Around 7, I would start getting ready for bed. Each of us had a different routine, so it was quite interesting!
What were a few highlights?
Tanja Tippett, Adjunct Associate Professor: Being able to immerse myself in my research without any other distractions and having my supervisors available to discuss any issues as they arise is a real gift. I also enjoyed being able to connect with my colleagues over a coffee or shared meal. We were in Melkbos this year, and the long beach walks to clear my head were a highlight, as well as a freezing swim!
Why do you think retreats such as these are important – what do they add to your life and AIFMRM? How do they impact your research itself?
Dr Coetzee Marais, Senior Lecturer: One of the many benefits of AIFMRM's research retreat is that it provides the opportunity to better understand your fellow researchers, their work and their circumstances. This allows for deeper connections and more fruitful collaboration.
If you could add or change one thing about the retreat, what would you do and why?
Mansa Aidoo, Lecturer: Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about the retreat. The unstructured setup was incredibly effective and well-suited to the deep, focused work required by research. Additionally, having the autonomy to manage my time and set my priorities allowed me to truly immerse myself in my work. At the same time, knowing that my colleagues were just a conversation away - and that I could reach out for a chat or a meeting whenever needed - made the experience feel both supportive and collaborative. This created a healthy balance between solitude and community and encouraged organic connections without imposing them. A kind of environment like this is rare and valuable. From my perspective, it worked exactly as it should have, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
What is your dream Research Retreat location, and who is your dream guest (outside AIFMRM)? Why?
Andrea Macrina, Adjunct Professor: I’d say that any quiet location that affords an inspiring vista would nourish creativity. Luckily, Cape Town, its surroundings, and the Western Cape abound in such places. As for the dream guest, that’s more difficult – perhaps an authority on the Cape’s history, culture (languages, food, art, agriculture), people, and, of course, the magnificent wines.
We look forward to next year’s retreat. The opportunity these retreats give us to hone our ideas and to connect is invaluable as we bring back what we’ve learned and built into the department. All in all, we go not just for the sake of healthier research but also for a more open and supportive institute.