Invitation: Future marine scientists to showcase innovative solutions to tackle ocean challenges

Members of the Media are invited to join the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) as it celebrates youth environmental stewardship, ocean literacy, and shaping scientific research at the 2026 Blue Schools Conference in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The conference, held annually, will showcase innovative environmental research projects by Grade 6 to 11 learners from across South Africa alongside exciting marine science activities.

NRF-SAEON, a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), coordinates the Blue Schools in South Africa annually through funding provided by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Held as part of the UNESCO’s International Global Blue Schools Network, the conference aims to increase ocean awareness and literacy to ensure that ocean knowledge is translated into action for sustainable oceans by both coastal and inland beneficiaries. Critically, Blue Schools provides learners with an opportunity to explore careers such as marine biology, oceanography, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. 

The conference is a culmination of a journey that kicked off with learners participating from February 2026 by completing a portfolio of activities and submitting their research projects by 29 July 2026. The shortlisted learners have been invited by NRF-SAEON to submit interdisciplinary research projects relating to the ocean. The projects address problems such as water pollution, the state of South African estuaries, and the impact of plastic and noise pollution on our marine economy and environment. The best performing learners have been invited to join the Blue Schools Conference to showcase their projects. 

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