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Science Forum South Africa 2025: A Vision for a Brighter, Science-Powered Future

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 18:20 GMT by IOL

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Science Forum South Africa 2025: A Vision for a Brighter, Science‑Powered Future

South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) has announced that the country’s flagship national science conference – the Science Forum – will be held in 2025. The event, set for 20–22 March 2025 in Cape Town, will bring together scientists, research institutions, industry leaders, policymakers and members of civil society to discuss the nation’s science agenda, share best practices and chart a course for future growth. The forum is a key instrument for translating research into policy, driving innovation and strengthening South Africa’s position in the global science arena.

1. What is the Science Forum?

The Science Forum is an annual gathering that has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s science‑policy ecosystem. Since its inaugural edition in 2017, the forum has evolved into a platform where research priorities are set, national and international collaborations are forged, and the country’s scientific output is measured and celebrated. The 2025 edition marks the eighth iteration of the event and is slated to build on the momentum of the last conference, which was hosted in Durban in 2024.

According to a press release on the DST’s official website, the 2025 forum will be organised by the DST in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with a projected budget of R10 million dedicated to logistics, speaker travel and outreach activities.

2. Thematic Focus: “Innovating for a Sustainable Future”

The theme for Science Forum South Africa 2025 is “Innovating for a Sustainable Future.” The chosen focus underscores the dual mandate of harnessing science for economic development while ensuring environmental stewardship and social equity. In a recent interview with the South African National News Agency (SANSA), Deputy Minister Dr. Motsamai explained that the theme is intended to “bridge the gap between cutting‑edge research and the real‑world challenges our communities face, from climate resilience to inclusive technology.”

Key sub‑themes highlighted by the DST include:

1. Climate‑Smart Agriculture – exploring innovations that enhance food security and water efficiency.
2. Digital Health – leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics and telemedicine to address disparities in healthcare access.
3. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency – scaling solar, wind and battery technologies for a low‑carbon grid.
4. STEM Education & Skills Development – investing in curriculum reform and capacity building to feed the next generation of innovators.

3. Who Will Be There?

The 2025 forum is expected to attract over 1,200 participants from across the nation and abroad. Notable attendees include:

In addition, the forum will feature over 30 keynote speeches, 45 breakout sessions, and interactive panels that invite attendees to co‑design policy recommendations. The DST’s website lists several high‑profile international guests, including Dr. Maria Ressa of the World Economic Forum’s Global Innovation Fund and Dr. Ramesh Menon of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).

4. Agenda Highlights

The full agenda is available on the forum’s dedicated webpage (link provided in the original article). Here are some of the most anticipated sessions:

• Opening Keynote – “Science as a Driver of Post‑COVID Recovery” (Dr. Motsamai)
• Panel Discussion – “Bridging the Research‑Policy Gap” (including representatives from the NRF, CSIR and industry)
• Technical Workshop – “Quantum Computing in the African Context” (Prof. Lindiwe Ngcobo)
• Roundtable – “Women in STEM: Challenges and Opportunities” (Hosted by the South African Academy of Sciences)
• Closing Ceremony – “Science Forum 2025 Awards” (recognising excellence in research, innovation and science communication)

In addition, a Youth Science Expo will showcase student projects from universities across the country, providing a platform for young scientists to present their work to a national audience.

5. Significance for South Africa

The Science Forum is more than a conference; it is a catalyst for national transformation. The DST’s latest report, cited in the article, indicates that South Africa’s science and technology investment has grown from 0.7 % of GDP in 2017 to 1.3 % in 2024, reflecting a sustained commitment to research. Yet the country still lags behind global leaders in research output per capita. The 2025 forum is therefore positioned to:

• Reinforce the National Research Strategy (2025‑2030), aligning priorities with economic growth plans such as the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.
• Facilitate public‑private partnerships that can bring commercial viability to breakthrough research.
• Encourage open‑science practices, promoting data sharing and reproducibility.
• Strengthen the South African research talent pipeline, through scholarships, fellowships and capacity‑building programmes.

In a commentary by Prof. Sipho Moyo of the University of Pretoria, it was noted that the forum “provides a rare, nation‑wide forum where policy, academia and industry can converge to produce a shared vision for a technology‑enabled South Africa.”

6. Additional Resources and Links

The original MSN article provides several hyperlinks that enrich the reader’s understanding of the forum’s context:

1. Official Science Forum website – hosts the full agenda, speaker bios, and registration portal.
2. DST Press Release (2024) – outlines the 2024 forum’s outcomes and lessons learned.
3. NRF Annual Report (2023) – details research funding trends and impact metrics.
4. UNESCO Science for Sustainable Development page – showcases international initiatives that align with the forum’s theme.
5. South African Academy of Sciences (SAAS) News – covers ongoing research projects and policy briefs.

These links are invaluable for anyone seeking deeper insight into South Africa’s science strategy, the broader global context, or specific research domains highlighted in the forum.

7. How to Get Involved

The Science Forum invites participation from all stakeholders. Registration is open until 31 January 2025, with early‑bird discounts available. Attendees can also apply for the Science Forum Youth Awards, a programme that recognises exceptional undergraduate and graduate research projects. For those unable to attend in person, the DST has announced a virtual streaming option that will broadcast key sessions in real time.

Final Thoughts

Science Forum South Africa 2025 is set to be a landmark event that not only showcases the country’s scientific achievements but also sets the direction for future innovation. By aligning research with national development priorities, fostering collaboration across sectors, and championing sustainability, the forum will help South Africa move from a largely research‑oriented nation to one that actively translates scientific knowledge into tangible societal benefits.

Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, industry executive, student or science enthusiast, the forum offers a unique opportunity to shape the next chapter of South Africa’s scientific story. Mark your calendar for March 2025 and join the conversation that will drive the nation’s innovation engine forward.