Science Forum South Africa – Igniting conversations about science

IGNITING

CONVERSATIONS

ABOUT SCIENCE

From Research to Impact

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The Science Forum South Africa will be held from 2 to 4 December 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Forum serves as a large, open, public platform for debating the science and society interface.

The theme is Igniting Conversations about Science – From Research to Impact.

Sub-themes

Financing science, technology and innovation (STI)
Science and society nexus (agriculture, space science, health, climate change, just energy transition, indigenous knowledge systems)
Bridging the gap between innovation and entrepreneurship
Advancing regional development through science, technology and innovation
Navigating emerging and disruptive technologies
Science journalism and science communication
Science diplomacy

Open calls

SESSION PROPOSALS
Submit by 31 July 2026.
EXHIBITION APPLICATIONS
Apply to exhibit by 31 July 2026.
SCIENCE DIPLOMACY AWARDS NOMINATIONS
Nominate by 31 July 2026.

Key info

REGISTRATION
Register now to secure your seat.
PROGRAMME
View the draft programme.
SIDE EVENTS
View the draft side event schedule.

Key characteristics of SFSA 2026 will include:

A provocative and stimulating forum programme comprising several parallel sessions, addressing a diverse range of science and science policy orientated themes;
A rich diversity in the background of participants, comprising scientists, students, public and private sector representatives as well as civil society constituents;
A forum programme not only compiled “top-down” by the organisers but also enabling public input through a competitive call for proposals for the organisation of sessions; and
A strong international dimension to the event, reflected by the participation of speakers and attendees from a diverse range of countries, especially from Africa.

International

Our event is international, reflected by the participation of speakers and attendees from a diverse range of countries, especially from Africa.

Enticing

We offer an “enticing” conference programme comprising several parallel sessions, addressing a diverse range of science and science policy orientated themes.

Diverse

Our participants are diverse, comprising scientists, students, public and private sector representatives as well as civil society constituents.

Public input

Our conference programme enables public input through a competitive call for proposals for the organisation of sessions.

LIVE STREAMING

Watch recordings of the following sessions: