The SFSA 2023 side event programme was held from 4 to 6 December 2023.
The side events brought together scientists, government officials, industry leaders, students and representatives from broader civil society, not only from South Africa and the rest of the African continent, but also from international partners.
2023 BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and Foresight Symposium - Day 1 of 2
Date: 4 December 2023 (Day 1 or 2)
Time: TBC
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
BRICS countries continue to work together in seeking to address societal challenges such as inequality, poverty, food security, climate change, health, and education.
Contact: Precious Lukhele, precious.lukhele@dst.gov.za
08:30 – 13:00 Unleashing the Global Potential of African Science: Towards the Next Level of Collaborative Action
Date: 4 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: University of Pretoria
Organising institution: Future Africa, University of Pretoria
Contact: Dr Farai Kapfudzaruwa (farai.kapfudzaruwa@up.ac.za) and Dr Heide Hackmann (heide.hackmann@up.ac.za)
08:30 – 13:00 Africa Food Systems Transformation – Leave No One Behind a Case Study for South Africa
Date: 4 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
The session aims to highlight the urgency and importance of transforming Africa’s food systems, emphasizing the need to leave no one behind in this transformation journey. The session will delve into the current state of South Africa’s food systems, highlighting the disparities and inefficiencies that exist. It will explore the impact of the non-functioning food system on the country’s population, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable groups. The discussion will underscore the importance of Research for Development, Big Data Science and Technology, Supporting Policy and Partnerships, Participatory Knowledge Generation to Support Adoption, Capacity Strengthening, Social Inclusion. As an outcome, these will ensure availability of adequate and affordable diets, and equitable access to nutritious and affordable food and the role of sustainable farming practices in achieving this goal.
Contact: Lavhelesani Managa, rmanaga@hsrc.ac.za
08:30 – 13:00 SADC Regional Science Journalism Programme
Date: 4 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
SADC Secretariat in partnership with UNESCO-ROSA, DSI, SU, TUT, HSRC, NRF-SAASTA and SASJA will convene several sessions in Advanced Science Journalism to build Science Communication capacity in the SADC-region and Africa. The sessions will form part of the side events in the run-up to Science Forum South Africa from 4-6 December 2023 at the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC). It will target training unemployed journalism graduates, regional media coordinators and relevant policy makers and researchers in science journalism. The course will be held in a hybrid format and is aimed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of complex scientific issues facing Africa.
Contact: Zimasa Nqabeni, zimasa.nqabeni@dst.gov.za
09:00 – 12:30 Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Mental Health Care and Policy: Bridging the Gap in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa
Date: 4 December 2023
Time: 09:00 – 12:30
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The proposed panel discussion, “Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Mental Health Care and Policy: Bridging the Gap in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa,” promises to be a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts to improve mental health care and policy by recognising and integrating traditional practices. It will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and work toward a more holistic and inclusive approach to mental healthcare in the region.
Contact: Dr Tozama Qwebani, tozama@assaf.org.za
14:00 – 18:30 AU Decade of African Roots and Diaspora (2021 – 2031): Southern African Regional Preparatory Conference for the 9th Pan-African Congress - Day 1 of 2
Date: 4 December 2023 (Day 1 of 2)
Time: 14:00 – 18:30
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
South Africa will be hosting the Southern Africa Regional Consultation on the theme “Pan-Africanism, Science, Knowledge and Technology” to deliberate on Digital Technology, Science, and Innovation and the establishment of institutional links on the continent alongside collaboration with the Diaspora. The two-day consultations will include a ministerial segment on 4 December with anticipated participation from the ministers of 16 SADC member states and possibly other senior and high-ranking officials which represent their countries in the High Committee and the AU Bureau.
Contact: Tinyiko Ntshongwana, tinyiko.ntshongwana@dst.gov.za
14:00 – 17:00 Toxicology education in Africa – the Team Finland Knowledge Experience
Date: 4 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Tshwane University of Technology (TuT) and Finland
This side event aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss the role of toxicology in medicine regulation, food production systems, mining, the built environment, etc.
Contact: Prof David Katerere (katereredr@tut.ac.za) and Iina Soiri (iina.soiri@gov.fi)
14:00 – 17:00 DSI - EU Stakeholder Engagement in Partnership with ENRICH in Africa Centre
Date: 4 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: ENRICH in Africa Centre
The EU Africa innovation agenda was recently adopted to enhance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. The Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa supports the innovation ecosystem through two funds. ENRICH in Africa Centre bridges African and European innovation ecosystems to facilitate sustainable businesses and growth. The three entities have agreed to collaborate on a side event that foster more dialogue and partnership within the innovation ecosystem.
Contact: Zandile Ntuli, z.ntuli@enrichinafrica.com
2023 BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and Foresight Symposium - Day 2 of 2
Date: 5 December 2023 (Day 2 or 2)
Time: TBC
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
BRICS countries continue to work together in seeking to address societal challenges such as inequality, poverty, food security, climate change, health, and education.
Contact: Precious Lukhele, precious.lukhele@dst.gov.za
08:30 – 18:30 AU Decade of African Roots and Diaspora (2021 – 2031): Southern African Regional Preparatory Conference for the 9th Pan-African Congress - Day 2 of 2
Date: 5 December 2023 (Day 2 of 2)
Time: 08:30 – 18:30
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
South Africa will be hosting the Southern Africa Regional Consultation on the theme “Pan-Africanism, Science, Knowledge and Technology” to deliberate on Digital Technology, Science, and Innovation and the establishment of institutional links on the continent alongside collaboration with the Diaspora. The two-day consultations will include a ministerial segment on 4 December with anticipated participation from the ministers of 16 SADC member states and possibly other senior and high-ranking officials which represent their countries in the High Committee and the AU Bureau.
Contact: Tinyiko Ntshongwana, tinyiko.ntshongwana@dst.gov.za
08:30 – 13:00 Adapting to a Changing World: Pathways for Natural Science Graduates in the Labor Market in Alignment with the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) is implementing the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan. The STI Decadal Plan 2022-2032 serves as a roadmap for STI policy and programs for the next 10 years, and it places a particular emphasis on targeted sectors of advancement and growth. The implementation plan also seeks to align education and work with societal and economic needs, ensuring individuals have the requisite skills and knowledge for future success.
Contact: Dr Matshidiso Matabane, mbmatabane@sacnasp.org.za
08:30 – 13:00 Future Harvest: Scientific Perspectives on the Sustainability of Food Systems in the Next 10 Years
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: University of the Free State
The objectives of the side event are to foster collaboration between stakeholders from different sectors of the food system and coordinate efforts towards sustainability for future food systems. The event aims to generate innovative ideas and solutions through leveraging the collective expertise and diverse perspectives of the panel participants.
Contact: Prof Johan Van Niekerk, vniekerkja@ufs.ac.za
08:30 – 13:00 Study Launch: Research, Development and Innovation of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies in South Africa
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The objective of the event is to launch and showcase the report and in addition to workshop stakeholders and industry on the importance and benefits that can be derived from peaceful use and application of Nuclear Technology. The event will draw audience from Research and Technology Institutes, industry, public and private entities, and government administrators.
Contact: Aluwani Ramulifho, aluwani@assaf.org.za
09:30 – 13:00 Climate Change and Health in Africa – A Scientific Perspective
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 09:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Network of African Science Academies (NASAC)
This is a dissemination event that the features NASAC publication on “Protecting human health against climate change in Africa”. The presentation will focus on highlighting: the existing policy on climate change and health that address urgent actions on climate change adaptation and mitigation on human health as a key concern and lastly, the crucial need for health risk communication at all levels from grass-root to policy levels.
Contact: Dr Jackie Kado, jkado@nasaconline.org
14:00 – 16:30 Swiss South Africa Research and Innovation Blockchain Collaboration
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 16:30
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa
This program aims to provide a platform for showcasing the achievements of the Swiss-South Africa blockchain collaboration, fostering collaboration and innovation, and educating a diverse audience on the transformative potential of blockchain technology. It also encourages networking and the exploration of opportunities for further cooperation.
Contact: Jacquelene Friedenthal, jacquelene.friedenthal@eda.admin.ch
14:00 – 17:00 The Role of ICGEB in Education, Training and Funding in Africa
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
Given that this is Science Forum SA, the ICGEB would like to showcase the research and activities of ICGEB with particular focus on the ICGEB Cape Town component, and if possible, should there be a hybrid mode of attendance, also include the participation of one researcher from Trieste and one from New Delhi.
Contact: Dowelani Ndiitwani, dowelami.ndiitwani@dst.gov.za
14:00 – 17:00 Transforming Social Inequalities Through Inclusive Climate Action in Sub-Saharan Africa
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: University of Cape Town
The proposed event showcases findings from innovative and transdisiplinary research on climate change and inequality. Research from the African Research University Alliance have investigated spatial inequalities and climate vulnerability, inequality in assets and adaptive capacity, climate projects and the ways they address poverty and inequality, inequality in representation in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and distributive inequalities of energy and climate policy. The evidence from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa provide novel data for the basis of climate, innovation and economic policy making which is why this side event is critical to convey the research to a wider audience.
Contact: Britta Rennkamp, britta.rennkamp@uct.ac.za
14:00 – 17:00 Monitoring and Compliance to the Regulations in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is responsible for regulating the National Environmental Managment: Biodiversity Act, Act no 10 of 2004 (NEM:BA) and Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) regulations (GG No. R 1020), gazetted on 25 September 2020. The National Department is responsible for the compliance and enforcement of post-border and at-border compliance and enforcement/monitoring. The Department is also responsible for the issuing of AIS permits and regulation thereof. This includes all organs of state, municipalities, national parks and protected areas as well as private land. The Department also regulates pet ships, nurseries, and game farms.
Contact: Mr Stian Kotze (skotze@dffe.gov.za) and Mr Barney Kgope (kgope@dffe.gov.za)
14:00 – 17:00 The Trajectory of Technological Innovations After Research and Development (MISTRA)
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA)
South Africa has made great progress in developing its scientific and technological capabilities and introducing policies to support economic and social development through science and technology. Despite this progress, there appears to be a challenge in South Africa to deliver on the commercialisation of highly promising research, including some world-class research projects. While recognising that innovative activities are inherently unpredictable, improving the commercialisation or success of new products would mean that South Africa would be better able to produce innovations that support economic growth and employment creation; and establish it as a more competitive innovation destination. The successful development of technologies requires investment, knowledge of institutional environments, specialised skills and an understanding of opportunity niches.
Contact: Zamanzima Makena, zamanzimam@mistra.org.za
14:00 – 17:00 Innovation and collaboration for biomedical advancements
Date: 5 December 2023
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: HYBR SA Pty Ltd
This session will delve deep into Africa’s genetic wealth and how it can propel advancements in CGT. With themes ranging from economic implications, regulatory strategies, AI’s role in African genetics, ethical considerations, to gender-specific health needs.
Contact: Dr Adrienne Leussa, leussadrienne2018@gmail.com
08:30 to 12:30 EUREKA Network Opportunities for SA Innovators
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 08:30 to 12:30
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in partnership with the Eureka Network Turkish Chairship and the Secretariat will be hosting a Eureka Network side event along the margins of the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2023 on 6 December 2023 at the CSIR ICC from 08:30 to 12:30. The event will include informative presentations on current opportunities offered by the Eureka Network, Eureka open calls for proposals, and information sharing on support instruments available for South African participants. In addition, the side event will have presentations from invited South African SMEs sharing their lessons learnt in participating in the Eureka Network project.
Contact: Mr Jeorge Liz (jorge.liz@uerekanetwork.org) and Ms Mabatho Ndwandwa (mabatho.ndwandwa@dst.gov.za)
08:30 – 13:00 Exploring Innovations to Achieve Water Security Through UK-South Africa Partnerships
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: The British High Commission – Pretoria
To bring together representatives from the public, private and social sectors to discuss their perspectives on how crosssectoral partnerships can collaborate to support governments in achieving SDG 6.2. To inform the proposed launch of a bilateral Innovation Network focused on partnerships between the UK and SA to assist in meeting water security challenges in both countries, as well as contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. To contribute towards the launch of a UK-South Africa Lead Customer Programme to accelerate innovations needed to create new or improved water access technologies for the sector through UK-South African innovation partnerships.
Contact: Loice Alusala, loice.alusala@fcdo.gov.uk
08:30 – 13:00 Showcasing SA-EU Collaboration – Opportunities, Lessons and Success Stories
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) through the Strengthening Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation between Europe and South Africa (ESASTAP) in partnership with the European Union Delegation (EUD) in South Africa in cooperation with the European Commission (EC) the MSCAdcovacy project funded under Horizon Europe will be hosting a side event to the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2023 titled “Showcasing of SA-EU STI Collaboration – opportunities, lessons, and success stories” under the theme “Igniting Conversations about Science”. The Side Event to the Science Forum South Africa 2023 will take place on 6 December 2023 at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Center (ICC) in Pretoria, South Africa.
The event aims to orientate researchers and innovators on the opportunities available for collaboration between South Africa (SA) and the European Union (EU); introduce the SA National Contact Points for the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and showcase the SA-EU STI collaborations success stories. The SA – EU Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) opportunities are afforded through the various programmes funded under the Framework Programme (FP) for Research and Innovation (R&I), Horizon Europe. The SA-EU STI opportunities include programmes such as the Marie Sklowdoska-Currie Actions (MSCA) which focus on researcher mobility, research and Innovation projects, coordination, and support actions as well as co-funding initiatives. The session will include presentations on current opportunities, vibrant panel discussions with emerging and established researchers and information sharing on support instruments available for South African participants.
09:00-09:05 Welcome and Opening Remarks
09:05-09:20 Overview of Horizon Europe (Framework Programme)
09:20-09:40 Introduction of SA National Contact Points (NCPs) Horizon Europe
09:40-10:00 Overview of the MSCAdvocacy project and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
10:00-10:20 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Mobility (MSCA) African Chapter Alumni
10:20-10:30 Questions and Answers
10:30-10:45 Comfort Break
Showcasing Success Stories moderated by SA/EU
10:45-11:00 Framework Programme co-fund initiatives (Eramin Future Project)
11:00-11:15 Impact of previously funded Framework Programme projects (Mosaic Project)
11:15-11:30 Framework Programme Mobility projects (MSCA Project)
11:30-11:45 Panel Questions and Answers
11:45-12:00 DSI support mechanisms through ESASTAP
12:00-12:15 EURAXESS Worldwide
12:15-12:30 Questions and Answers
12:30 Closing Remarks SA/EU
Lunch
Contact: Anita Mnisi, anita.mnisi@dst.gov.za
08:30 – 13:00 Progress on the implementation of the CSIR/DSI/TIA Industrial Biocatalysis Hub of South Africa
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Annual meeting of the stakeholders, University Nodes and industry partners as well as interns and Post-docs who are part of Industrial Biocatalysis Hub. The first session is estimated to take 3 hours. A final hour consisting of a Round Table discussion on the role of industrial biocatalysis in the Bio-economy of South Africa as well as Africa, challenges in the commercialization of the technologies, the role of women and young researchers in the IBH, funding opportunities to overcome challenges with commercialisation of technologies in Africa. Problems experienced in Africa which can be addressed with Biocatalysis technologies, especially the circularity of biomass on the continent and biocatalysis opportunities.
Contact: Lucia Steenkamp, lsteenkamp@csir.co.za
08:30 – 13:00 Science, Technology and Innovation as Levers to Strengthen Socio-Economic Development Across Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: World Bank Belnasa Youth Forum
A gathering of the Belnasa Youth Forum task team, forum members, stakeholders as well as broader youth development stakeholders from across our five (5) countries. Anchored largely by an all youth panel discussion, this session will mark the official launch of the World Bank Belnasa Youth Forum since inception in Aug 2022.
Contact: Pearl Maphumulo (pearl@thebda.co.za) and Tshwane Moremi (tmoremi@worldbankgroup.org)
08:30 – 13:00 Strengthening Research and Innovation Management II (SRIM II): In the SADC Region
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA)
This event will be a hybrid meeting organized under the framework of the Strengthening Research and Innovation Management (SRIM)Project implemented in partnership with SADC Secretariat, SARIMA and Department of Science and Innovation. The SRIM Project aims to strengthen research, innovation and management ecosystems in the SADC region in supporting the advancement of industrial development.
Contact: Zimasa Sobuza, zimasa@sarima.co.za
08:30 – 13:00 SWiP: Preserving languages: Open, Free and Accessible Knowledge for All
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (North-West University)
The proposal links to core theme of the conference in how collaborations and partnerships can open op science participation to the broader community – a step towards transformed and future proof human capabilities.
Contact: Juan Steyn (juan.steyn@nwu.ac.za) and Ms Tshego Rapoo (tshego.rapoo@nwu.ac.za)
09:00 – 12:30 The Future of Society- Technology and Democracy (Presenting Research Paper / Findings)
Date: 6 December 2023
Time: 09:00 – 12:30
Venue: CSIR ICC
Organising institution: Classroom Buddies
In the past few years, the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been rapid across the globe, impacting the economy of different countries, both in the global north and south. AI can be used as a tool to accelerate development, especially in emerging economies and developing countries. The effective use of technology can drive positive change and solve most of the recurring societal problems such as poverty, provide access to equal and quality education for many, improve the effectiveness of governmental services and combat the climate change crisis
Contact: Thato Ndlovu, thato.ndlovu@classroombuddies.org.za
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