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Science Forum South Africa 2025: A Continental Call to Action

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 0:33 GMT by IOL

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Science Forum South Africa 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

The Science Forum South Africa 2025 (SFS 2025) is poised to be the continent’s most ambitious scientific gathering, bringing together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and the public for a week‑long celebration of research, innovation and discovery. The conference, organized by the South African Academy of Science (SAAS) in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and a number of universities across the country, will be hosted at the Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) from 18–24 March 2025.

1. Purpose and Vision

At its core, SFS 2025 is about forging a new era of scientific collaboration that is both locally grounded and globally resonant. According to the SAAS mission statement – highlighted in the article – the Forum aims to:

• Showcase South African scientific breakthroughs that address pressing national and global challenges.
• Create a platform for cross‑disciplinary dialogue between basic science, applied research and industry.
• Encourage the next generation of scientists by providing mentorship, networking opportunities and exposure to cutting‑edge research.
• Inform policy through evidence‑based recommendations that help shape future research funding and regulatory frameworks.

The 2025 edition takes a “science for all” approach: a series of public outreach events, including museum exhibits, open‑lab days and a science fair at the DICC, are designed to demystify research for the general population.

2. Thematic Tracks

The Forum is organized into five thematic tracks, each comprising keynote addresses, panel discussions, poster sessions and technical workshops:

The tracks are intentionally interwoven; for instance, a panel on “Digital Health” will feature researchers from both the Health & Life Sciences track and the Data & AI track, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific challenges.

3. Keynote Speakers & Panels

The Forum’s keynote roster includes some of Africa’s most prominent scientists and innovators:

The article also spotlights the panel “Policy Meets Science,” which will feature representatives from the NRF, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and private sector partners such as Sasol and Naspers. The panel will discuss how to streamline funding mechanisms and protect intellectual property while fostering open collaboration.

4. Workshops & Hands‑On Sessions

Beyond lectures, SFS 2025 offers a range of practical workshops aimed at equipping attendees with tangible skills:

• CRISPR Lab in a Day – a hands‑on workshop at the UCT’s Gene Editing Centre, led by Dr. Mbeki’s team.
• Smart City Simulation – using GIS tools to model urban resilience, hosted by the CSIR Urban Systems Group.
• 3D Printing for Healthcare – an interdisciplinary workshop that demonstrates how low‑cost 3D printers can fabricate prosthetic limbs on the continent.

The article notes that these workshops will be open to participants from all sectors, including students, industry professionals and policy makers, reinforcing the Forum’s inclusive ethos.

5. Outreach and Public Engagement

In keeping with the “science for all” mantra, SFS 2025 features a Science Fair set up in the DICC’s main lobby. Exhibits include:

• “Future of Farming” – a showcase of precision agriculture technologies that have doubled yields in the Eastern Cape.
• “Robotics in Mining” – a demonstration of autonomous drones used for mineral exploration.
• “Citizen Science” – a platform where volunteers can log environmental observations that feed into a national database.

These exhibits are designed to provide a “mini‑museum” experience for families and school groups, making advanced science approachable and engaging.

6. Registration, Logistics & Participation

The article provides a step‑by‑step guide to registering:

1. Create an account on the official SFS 2025 portal (link provided).
2. Choose a pass type: Standard (access to all sessions), Student (discounted), or Industry (includes networking lounge).
3. Pay via credit card or online transfer; early‑bird discounts apply until 30 January 2025.
4. Confirm accommodation: The DICC has partnered with nearby hotels to offer discounted rooms for delegates.

International attendees are encouraged to apply for a South Africa Visa well in advance, with the conference organizers offering assistance through a dedicated “Visa Support” portal.

7. Expected Impact and Outcomes

The organizers, as outlined in the article, expect SFS 2025 to:

• Stimulate at least 20 new collaborative research projects between universities and industry.
• Identify three flagship research initiatives that can be pursued with increased national funding over the next five years.
• Produce a policy brief on “AI Governance in Africa,” influencing the upcoming DST strategy.
• Increase public participation in STEM by at least 30% as measured by follow‑up surveys of the public outreach events.

8. Looking Ahead

The article concludes with a forward‑looking vision: the success of SFS 2025 will pave the way for a South African Science Forum series, potentially rotating between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban in subsequent years. By building a robust, transparent, and inclusive ecosystem, South Africa aims to position itself as a leader in scientific innovation on the African continent and beyond.

In Summary

Science Forum South Africa 2025 is more than a conference—it is a catalyst for change, bringing together a spectrum of voices from academia, industry, government and the public. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, practical skills development, and community engagement, the Forum promises to spotlight South Africa’s scientific prowess while charting a clear path toward a sustainable, knowledge‑driven future. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a budding scientist, an industry professional or simply a science enthusiast, SFS 2025 offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative movement that seeks to harness science for the betterment of society.