Welcome to AUTHeR

The Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) conducts multidisciplinary-, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research in an effort to offer realistic solutions to real-life health and wellbeing challenges. Researchers are empowered to draw upon the concepts and methods of other disciplines to create new solutions to complex health issues. Although positioned within the Faculty of Health Sciences, AUTHeR functions across disciplinary boundaries and is therefore an ideal research environment when complex research problems cannot be solved within one discipline only. In addition, AUTHeR is known for community-based participatory action research, community engagement and integration, as well as a holistic approach to research.

Research in AUTHeR has a multidimensional real-life impact on society. AUTHeR’s research focuses on three areas, namely 1) health promotion and wellbeing activation; 2) sustainable diets as an essential aspect in wellbeing activation; and 3) sustainable community development. These areas are synchronized with the strategic priorities of the broader South African  health arena. All the programmes and projects delivered through AUTHeR are mapped according to six dimensions of holistic health (physical health; psychosocial wellbeing; sustainable diets and food systems; consumer interest and wellbeing; ethics; and environmental and economic factors).

CIR Office

AUTHeR’s Community Integrated Research (CIR) Office provides innovative ways to manage, facilitate, and monitor community-integrated activities.

For further information and to make use of this service click here.