NRF Strengthens Global Research Partnerships at STS Forum 2025 in Kyoto, Japan

From 5–7 October 2025, the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa participated in the 22nd Annual Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum held at the Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto), Japan. The NRF delegation was led by Prof. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Dr. Ndivhuwo Luruli, Chief Strategist in the CEO’s Office, and Dr. Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive for Business Advancement.  

The STS Forum serves as a premier global platform for leaders in science, technology, and innovation to exchange ideas on advancing sustainable development and addressing global challenges through science-led collaboration.

A key highlight of the NRF’s participation was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) on Sunday, 5 October, between the NRF and Mitacs (Canada). The agreement, signed by Prof. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, Chief Executive Officer of the NRF and Dr. Stephen Lucas, Chief Executive Officer of Mitacs, expresses both parties’ intent to explore cooperation in research collaboration, researcher and student mobility, and workforce development initiatives.

The signing was attended by Dr. Alejandro Adem, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), underscoring Canada’s support for strengthening bilateral scientific cooperation. Dr. Thandi Mgwebi’s, Group Executive, Business Advancement, National Research Foundation (NRF) presence further reflected the NRF’s strategic commitment to advancing international partnerships and aligning global collaboration with South Africa’s research and innovation priorities.

In addition, the NRF delegation held a bilateral meeting with Prof. Stephen J. Toope, President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), and Dr. Leah Soroko, CIFAR’s Head of Global Research Partnerships. Discussions focused on identifying areas of synergy and collaboration as CIFAR expands its engagement across the Global South, with South Africa as a key strategic partner.

Through its participation in the STS Forum and these high-level engagements, the NRF continues to advance South Africa’s role in global science diplomacy fostering international partnerships that enable knowledge exchange, innovation, and research excellence.