NRF Supports National Science Week 2025 in Durban

From 06–09 August 2025, the National Research Foundation (NRF) Corporate team participated in the National Science Week (NSW) activities in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The event was hosted at the Anton Lembede Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, and the Durban Natural Science Museum. 

The four-day programme, themed Exploring Futures: Careers in science & innovation for the 21st century, brought together learners, educators, scientists, and community members for a series of interactive activities. Proceedings were officially opened with a warm welcome from the Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department for Basic Education, Mr Nkosinathi Ngcobo, who highlighted the importance of science and innovation in shaping the province’s future.

The opening day featured a panel dialogue with experts from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), and Durban University of Technology (DUT), followed by a vibrant science exhibition and an evening sky-viewing session.

Day two offered hands-on STEM workshops covering astronomy, space science, data science, innovation, and laboratory experiments. Learners also attended inspiring role-modelling sessions led by scientists from various NRF facilities which highlighted real-world career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The third day included the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF–SAAO) Astro Quiz competition, an engaging community dialogue themed Science that Matters Locally, and an awards ceremony that recognised outstanding participants.

The programme concluded on Women’s Day with The Untold Story: Women scientists in Mzansi, a special dialogue that honoured women and girls in science. The session showcased stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership, while reinforcing the importance of gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.