Academy of Science of South Africa

Academy of Science of South Africa ASSAf is the official national Academy of Science of South Africa and represents the country in the

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) was inaugurated in May 1996 by the former President of South Africa and patron of the Academy, Nelson Mandela. It was formed in response to the need for an academy of science congruent with the dawn of democracy in South Africa - activist in its mission of using science for the benefit of society. The mandate of the Academy encompasses all fields of scientific enquiry and it includes the full diversity of South Africa’s distinguished scientists. The Parliament of South Africa passed the Academy of Science of South Africa Act (Act 67 of 2001), as amended, which came into operation in May 2002.

🧳 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! | Next Stop: Mthatha! 🚌📍The countdown to the Annual Young Scientists’ Conference (AYSC) 2026 is o...
11/09/2026

🧳 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! | Next Stop: Mthatha! 🚌📍

The countdown to the Annual Young Scientists’ Conference (AYSC) 2026 is officially on! In just 48 hours, early-career researchers from across Africa will come together at Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha Campus) for a weekend of scientific exchange, collaboration, innovation and networking.

This year’s conference explores the theme:

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

As delegates prepare to make their way to the Eastern Cape:

🧳 Bags packed? ✔️
📊 Presentations finalised? ✔️
🤝 Ready to connect, collaborate and share ideas? ✔️

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of African scientists to Mthatha as we create a platform for knowledge exchange and explore innovative solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Safe travels to all our delegates, speakers and participants. We’ll see you in Mthatha! 👋🌍💧

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

🌍 Turning research into policy action.What happens when researchers, policymakers and experts come together? Evidence be...
11/09/2026

🌍 Turning research into policy action.

What happens when researchers, policymakers and experts come together? Evidence becomes action. 🔬➡️📋

Over three days at the Javett Art Centre, the ASSAf– Nationale Akademie der Wissenschaften Leopoldina Science-for-Policy Workshop on Climate Change and Mental Health brought together experts from across Africa and Germany to:

🔎 Identify critical research gaps
🤝 Strengthen collaboration
📑 Co-author a policy brief
🌱 Advance the integration of mental health into climate adaptation strategies

Thank you to all participants and partners for contributing to this vital work. 🇿🇦🇩🇪

🏛️ What to Expect at : Plenary Sessions & High-Level Keynotes 🌍At the Annual Young Scientists' Conference (AYSC 2026), ...
10/09/2026

🏛️ What to Expect at : Plenary Sessions & High-Level Keynotes 🌍

At the Annual Young Scientists' Conference (AYSC 2026), plenary sessions bring together distinguished experts and emerging research leaders to address Africa’s most pressing water and sanitation challenges. Aligned with the African Union’s theme "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063," these sessions explore how science diplomacy and youth-led innovation can directly inform policy.

Expect high-impact keynotes focusing on climate resilience, public health, and continental infrastructure development!

📍 Venue: Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha Campus)

📅 Dates: 13–15 September 2026

💡 What to Expect at : Hands-on Workshops & Roundtables 🤝 offers dedicated space for professional development, mentorsh...
10/09/2026

💡 What to Expect at : Hands-on Workshops & Roundtables 🤝

offers dedicated space for professional development, mentorship, and peer collaboration:

Interactive Workshops: Build practical skills in science advice, scientific communication, and translational research.

Roundtable Discussions: Connect early-career researchers with established experts to share knowledge, explore transdisciplinary ideas, and foster mentorship across borders.

📍 Venue: Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha Campus)

📅 Dates: 13–15 September 2026

🔬 What to Expect at : Research & Creative Presentations 📊🎨From oral presentations to interactive posters, features cu...
10/09/2026

🔬 What to Expect at : Research & Creative Presentations 📊🎨

From oral presentations to interactive posters, features cutting-edge research from early-career scholars across South Africa.

This year's program features:

Oral & Poster Presentations: Data-driven solutions addressing water quality, treatment technology, and environmental sustainability.

Alternative & Creative Presentations: Innovative entries using prose, visual arts, and performance to highlight water access and sanitation stories.

📍 Venue: Walter Sisulu University (Mthatha Campus)

📅 Dates: 13–15 September 2026

🧪 Spotlight: Nanotechnology vs. Water Contaminants! 🔬💧Removing toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium from surface w...
09/09/2026

🧪 Spotlight: Nanotechnology vs. Water Contaminants! 🔬💧

Removing toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium from surface water requires cutting-edge solutions.

Dr. Mthokozisi Mnguni from the University of Johannesburg demonstrates how 3D resorcinol–formaldehyde hollow nanospheres effectively adsorb heavy metals from surface water in the Eastern Cape. Even better? These reusable nanospheres maintain high removal efficiency across multiple cycles, dramatically lowering treatment costs! 🌐🧼

👏 Advancing clean, accessible water for all communities.
To see the full programme and speaker line-up
👉 View the full programme: https://buff.ly/82neOSQ

💊 Spotlight: Building Sustainable Medicine Supply Chains! 🌿🌍South Africa imports over 90% of its active pharmaceutical...
09/09/2026

💊 Spotlight: Building Sustainable Medicine Supply Chains! 🌿🌍

South Africa imports over 90% of its active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), creating supply chain vulnerabilities and significant water footprints.

Dr. Nsovo Nyeleti Mayimele from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) presents a circular economy business model for local API production. Her research focuses on integrating solvent recovery and closed-loop water systems to lower environmental footprints while strengthening pharmaceutical self-reliance across the country! 🏥♻️

💡 Sustainable science driving health security!
To see the full programme and speaker line-up
👉 View the full programme: https://buff.ly/82neOSQ

🤖 Spotlight: Smart Tech for Water Preservation! 🚰⚡Leaking pipes and unmonitored infrastructure cost communities millio...
09/09/2026

🤖 Spotlight: Smart Tech for Water Preservation! 🚰⚡

Leaking pipes and unmonitored infrastructure cost communities millions of liters of clean water every year.

Youth innovator Prince Mokone (SAASTA) introduces AquaGuard—a smart, low-cost robotic monitoring system designed specifically for informal settlements. Using simple sensors, alarms, and recycled materials, AquaGuard detects leaks and unauthorized connections in real time to protect water supply systems! 🛠️🛰️

🙌 Cheering on youth-led technological solutions for African challenges!
To see the full programme and speaker line-up
👉 View the full programme: https://buff.ly/82neOSQ

09/09/2026

🌍 Day 1 | Climate Change and Mental Health: Comparative Risk Pathways, Vulnerability, and Resilience

Yesterday marked the first day of Climate Change and Mental Health: Comparative Risk Pathways, Vulnerability, and Resilience, jointly hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the Nationale Akademie der Wissenschaften Leopoldina .

The day featured a range of insightful and engaging sessions, bringing together experts and audiences to explore the complex relationship between climate change, mental health, vulnerability, and resilience.

We were pleased to hear from ASSAf Member Prof Mary Scholes, who shared insights into new innovations and approaches that can help us adapt to a changing climate. 🌱

A thought-provoking first day of discussion, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration on an issue that is increasingly important for societies around the world.

💧 Spotlight: How Clean Water Unlocks Education! 📚✨Can access to safe drinking water keep children in school? The data ...
09/09/2026

💧 Spotlight: How Clean Water Unlocks Education! 📚✨

Can access to safe drinking water keep children in school? The data says yes! 🏫

Abdiaziz Ahmed, a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town, evaluates the direct impact of household water access on school attendance. His findings highlight a significant boost in attendance—especially for young girls—demonstrating that investing in water infrastructure is vital for education policy and gender equality! 👧📖🚰

💡 Safe water = a brighter future for the next generation.
To see the full programme and speaker line-up
👉 View the full programme: https://buff.ly/82neOSQ

Address

PO Box 72135, Lynnwood Ridge
Pretoria
0040

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27123496600

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Academy of Science of South Africa posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share