Newly Appointed South African Governing Council for the International Science Council (ISC)

The National Research Foundation is pleased to announce the newly formed International Science Council (ISC) South Africa National Governing Council. This distinguished group of leaders will play a key role in shaping the ISC’s scientific and strategic direction within South Africa and further strengthening the country’s engagement with the global scientific community.

The ISC, established in 2018 following the merger of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC), brings together 40 international scientific unions and associations, and more than 140 national and regional organizations such as academies and research councils. The Council’s vision is to advance science as a global public good, ensuring that scientific knowledge, data, and expertise are accessible to all, and that its benefits are shared equitably. This commitment to inclusivity extends to providing opportunities for scientific education and capacity development, particularly in underserved regions.

South Africa’s adherence to the ISC is through the NRF and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and together, they serve as the South African (ISC-SA) national secretariat working in close collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. The NRF provides support and organisational services to the ISC National Committees and selected learned societies (i.e. academic bodies / association that promote an academic discipline, profession, or a group of related disciplines) to advance South Africa’s participation in global events, and to identify and secure opportunities that can benefit South Africa and the broader African continent. These engagements will be overseen by the National Governing Council, which will provide scientific and strategic leadership for the organisation at the national level.

The newly appointed members of the South African ISC Governing Council are recognised leaders from various scientific and academic sectors, bringing diverse expertise to the table. Their work will help ensure the continued growth of South Africa’s role in global scientific discourse, facilitating research collaborations that address pressing local, regional, and global challenges.

The members are:

• Dr. Heide Hackman (Chairperson): Stellenbosch University
• Dr. Kwezi Mzilikazi (Vice Chairperson): Rhodes University
• Prof. Dave Billing: University of the Witwatersrand
• Dr. Rudzani Nemutudi: NRF iThemba LABS
• Ms. Maroale Chauke: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
• Prof. Loyiso Nongxa: Prof. Emeritus at Wits & Honorary Prof. at the University of Pretoria
• Prof. Hassina Mouri: University of Johannesburg
• Dr. Ann Watts: University of KwaZulu-Natal

These esteemed individuals will guide the implementation of ISC’s vision and mission at the national level, ensuring that South Africa continues to make meaningful contributions to global scientific progress. The NRF, HSRC and DSTI will serve as ex-officio members to the Governing Council.

About the International Science Council (ISC)

The International Science Council (ISC) is a global organisation dedicated to advancing science as a public good where scientific knowledge is accessible and shared equitably across nations and communities. Its members include scientific unions, academies, and research organisations from around the world. The Council mobilises and convenes scientific expertise to advice and influence on issues of major concern to both science and society such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development.

For more information about the International Science Council and its activities, visit https://council.science/

For further information on ISC South Africa please contact: isc-southafrica@nrf.ac.za