NRF in Strategic Scientific Dialogue at AAAS 191st Annual Meeting

The National Research Foundation participated in the 191st Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), held from 13 to 15 February 2025 at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. The AAAS Annual Meeting is widely recognised as one of the foremost international scientific gatherings, convening leading scientists, engineers, educators, policymakers, and journalists to engage in discussions on pressing scientific issues, emerging research frontiers, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The NRF delegation, led by CEO Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, included Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, Managing Director of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA); and Dr Dorothy Ngila, Director of Knowledge and Institutional Partnerships, Business Advancement. In addition, the winner of the 2024 Public Engagement with Research Award, Prof Kim Berman of the School of Arts at the University of Johannesburg also participated in the meeting.

Thought Leadership in Transformative Scientific Research

Dr Nelwamondo participated as a panel member at a special session entitled A Transformative Era in the Biological Sciencesorganised bythe International Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP). The session examined the shift in biological sciences from a predominantly descriptive discipline to an integrated field that incorporates physical, computational, and engineering sciences. Discussions centred on fostering interdisciplinary innovation and the acceleration of translational research. In his address, Dr Nelwamondo underscored the critical importance of investment in curiosity-driven research while simultaneously supporting engaged, mission-oriented research. South Africa was admitted as a member of the International Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) in January 2023. The NRF and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) serve as joint institutional members, contributing to HFSP’s mission of funding innovative basic research into fundamental biological challenges through novel, interdisciplinary approaches. 

Strengthening Global Research Collaboration 

At the closing plenary session, Investing to Shape Tomorrow’s Science, Dr Dorothy Ngila reaffirmed the importance of solidarity, equality, and sustainability in ensuring the long-term resilience and growth of the global scientific enterprise. The session provided an international perspective on the implications of recent reductions in US science funding and underscored the need for sustained investment in research.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the NRF engaged in strategic bilateral discussions with key international stakeholders:

• Dr Sudip S. Parikh, CEO of AAAS – Discussions centred on potential collaboration, with Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia outlining the functions of NRF-SAASTA and identifying areas of mutual interest for future engagement. 
• Valérie La Traverse, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs at Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and strengthening research cooperation between the two organisations. 

Looking Ahead 

The NRF’s participation in the AAAS Annual Meeting reaffirms its commitment to fostering international collaboration, the advancement of scientific excellence, and ensuring that South African research continues to make a meaningful impact on the global stage. The organisation remains dedicated to supporting interdisciplinary research and strengthening partnerships that will shape the future of science and innovation.