Media Invitation to the NRF Science for Society Lecture

The National Research Foundation (NRF) invites members of the media to a landmark Science for Society Lecture that will reflect on its 25 years of impactful contributions to science, technology and innovation. Scheduled for 06 December 2024, the lecture will take place on the sidelines of the Science Forum South Africa. 

An annual event hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa; the Science Forum will be held from 4 to 6 December 2024 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. The venue for the NRF’s Science for Society Lecture is within walking distance from the CSIR International Convention Centre.

The Science for Society Lecture will start with an address by Dr Thandi Mgwebi, the NRF’s Group Executive: Business Advancement, who will highlight the NRF’s legacy, its pivotal role in addressing societal challenges, and its vision for a future shaped by collaborative innovation. Some of the NRF’s notable achievements include funding over 100 000 postgraduate students and about 16 000 researchers since inception; and increasing the support for Black students (African, Coloured and Indian) from 48% in 1999 to 84% in 2022 and the support for women from 44% in 1999 to 59% in 2022. The organisation also saw the construction of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) precursor telescopes; the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT-7) and MeerKAT radio telescope and the construction of the South African Isotopes Facility (SAIF).

The opening address will be followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring NRF managers Dr Zolani Dyosi, Thematic Research Support and Advancement; Dr Mbulelo Ncango, Next Generation and Emerging Researchers; Dr Nokuthula Mchunu, Digital Transformation: Digital Services; and Dr Nana Boaduo, Strategic Investments, Innovation and Impact. The panel will, among other topics, discuss how innovative research can address global challenges, and the role of AI in research and innovation. Notably, the panel will also reflect on how to bridge the gap between research findings and their practical application in industry and everyday life.

Event details:

Venue: Albert Luthuli Auditorium, NRF Building, South Gate CSIR Complex, Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria.

Date: 06 December 2024.

Time: 09:30 – 11:00.

Registration: https://lnkd.in/dFZWnDEp

Media Contact: Bongani Nkosi, NRF Media Relations Officer, b.nkosi@nrf.ac.za or 061 477 3064, for any queries and interview requests.