On 25 April 2024 the Institute for Futures Research (IFR) at the Stellenbosch Business School will be celebrating its 50 year anniversary since its launch in 1974.

During the early 1970’s the notion of establishing a facility of futures studies at the University of Stellenbosch was positioned and the Unit for Futures Research (UFR) was officially launched by Rector Prof JN de Villiers on 25 April 1974 as a research unit within the Bureau of Economic Research (BER). Some of the speakers at the launching meeting were Dr Alexander King, the former Director-General of Scientific Affairs of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD and a Deputy Chairman of the Club of Rome.

Today the unit is known as the Institute for Futures Research (IFR) and is headed up by its first female director Doris Viljoen. The IFR has also moved from the BER to the Stellenbosch Business School where the degree programmes in Futures Studies are presented.

Various celebrations are planned throughout 2024. So keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn page for information on upcoming events, and how you and your company can join in on the celebrations.