Quest Science for South Africa

09/09/2026

South Africa Designated Country of Honour at 19 Pujiang Innovation Forum

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will lead a South African delegation to the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China, from 11 to 14 September 2026.

South Africa's participation is especially significant because the country has been designated Country of Honour by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality.

The Forum takes place in the context of the upgraded bilateral relationship between South Africa and China, elevated in 2024 to an “All-Round Strategic Partnership in the New Era”. It also coincides with the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Founded in 2008 and jointly hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Pujiang Innovation Forum has become one of the world's leading platforms for dialogue and cooperation in science, technology and innovation. It brings together policymakers, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and international partners to exchange ideas, deepen collaboration and explore solutions to shared global challenges.

The 2026 Forum will be held under the theme: “Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future: The Mission of the Global Sci-Tech Community amid a New Round of Sci-Tech Revolution”.

See full media statement at www.dsti.gov.za

09/09/2026

🚀 Calling young space enthusiasts! The Rooibos in Space team is looking for learners aged 12–18 to design an iconic mission patch for their upcoming journey, which will see Rooibos seeds sent to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year.

Submit your design and a short description for a chance to win space-themed prizes, including a R20 000 cash prize for the winning learner’s school! Entries close Sunday, 20 September 2026.

🔗 Enter here: https://sarooibos.co.za/mission-patch-design-competition/

09/09/2026

07/09/2026

🤝🏽💧 SUB-THEME 3: INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION & COOPERATION 🌍💡

How can communities be at the heart of shaping Africa’s water future? 🤔

At , emerging scientists will explore how indigenous and local knowledge, community leadership and innovation can strengthen water and sanitation systems. 🌿💧

👥 Empower communities.
🌍 Value local knowledge.
♀️ Advance gender-responsive solutions.
💡 Innovate together.

Together, we can build more inclusive, equitable and sustainable water systems for all. 🚰🌱

📅 13–15 September 2026
📍 Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha Campus

🔬 — Science, communities and innovation shaping Africa’s future.

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

Call for applications: ALC Scholarship/Bursary support 2027

The African Laser Centre initiative (ALC) is an open, non-exclusive partnership to stimulate innovation, research and technology development in lasers and their applications across Africa. In support of this broad objective, it seeks local, continental and global partnerships. The ALC is recognised as an AU-NEPAD Flagship Programme. To reach this objective, the ALC has an active ALC Research Collaboration Programme, a conference, workshops and topical school programme (the ALC Training Programme), an ALC Knowledge Exchange Programme and an ALC Scholarship Programme for African students to enrol and do postgraduate degrees at a South African tertiary institution in a laser- and laser application related research field.

Support for all ALC activities is subject to funding availability.
Call launch date: Friday, 4 September 2026
Closing date for applications: Friday, 16 October 2026

Scholarship application forms and templates for progress reports are available from the CSIR Photonics Centre.
Send applications and supporting documents via e-mail to [email protected] and [email protected]
For enquiries, contact 012 841 3511 or send an email to [email protected]

To learn more, consult the following link: https://www.csir.co.za/careers/students-graduates

04/09/2026

South Africa has never had an official mascot to represent its national space programme. Now, SANSA needs your help to design it.

If you're in Grades 8-11 at a registered South African school, or home school, you're eligible to enter. Simply draw your character, write a short explanation of your idea, and submit it through the online portal by midnight on Monday, 14 September 2026. No design experience required!

The winning entry will become SANSA's official public mascot, appearing at schools, events and outreach programmes across the country. There are awesome prizes up for grabs - and better yet, you'll be forever credited as the mascot's original designer.

Enter now by going to https://mascot.sansa.org.za/

04/09/2026

🌍🌱 SUB-THEME 2: CLIMATE RESILIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 🌦️💧

How can we build communities and water systems that are ready for a changing climate? 🤔

At , emerging scientists will explore adaptive strategies, nature-based solutions and innovative approaches to strengthen climate resilience and protect our environment. 🔬🌿

🌱 Work with nature.
💧 Protect our water.
🌍 Build resilient communities.

Together, let’s shape a more sustainable and climate-resilient Africa. 🚀🌍

04/09/2026

💧🏗️ SUB-THEME 1: WATER RESOURCES & INFRASTRUCTURE 🌍🔬

How do we ensure that everyone has access to safe, reliable water and sanitation — now and for generations to come? 💦🤔

At , emerging scientists will explore the critical role of water resources and infrastructure in building a healthier, more resilient and sustainable Africa. 🌱🌍

From water quality and quantity to investment in infrastructure and innovative technologies, will examine how science and innovation can help deliver equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation. 🚰💡

But it’s about more than people — fit-for-purpose water is essential for healthy ecosystems, thriving communities and sustainable economies. 🌿👥📈

💡 Innovate. Invest. Protect.

Together, let’s explore the solutions that can secure Africa’s water future. 💧🌍

📅 13–15 September 2026
📍 Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha Campus

🔬 — Science shaping solutions for Africa’s future.

04/09/2026

💧🌍 THEME : 🌍💧

This year, the ASSAf Young Scientists’ Conference ( ) aligns with the 2026 African Union theme:

💦 “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Water is life. 💧
Sanitation is dignity. 🚰
Science is part of the solution. 🔬💡

Africa faces significant challenges in securing safe water and sanitation. In 2022, 418 million people lacked basic drinking water services, while 779 million lacked basic sanitation. 🌍

That’s why will bring emerging researchers and innovators together to explore inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient solutions to one of the continent’s most urgent challenges. 🌱💧

From research and innovation to science advice, science diplomacy and collaboration, puts the spotlight on the role of Africa’s next generation of scientists in shaping a more resilient future. 🚀🔬

🤝🏽 Connect. Collaborate. Innovate.
💡 Share ideas.
🌍 Shape Africa’s future.

At , young researchers will engage with established experts, learn from one another and build collaborations that cross disciplines, institutions and borders.

💧🔬 One continent. One shared challenge. Many scientific solutions.

📅 13–15 September 2026
📍 Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha Campus

🚀 This is . This is science in action.