Researchers put science communication skills to the test at the NRF NGER Symposium 2026

Nearly 50 researchers from universities across South Africa stepped out of their academic comfort zones to test their ability to communicate complex scientific research in just three minutes during a science communication workshop at the 2026 NRF NGER Symposium.

Held on 6 October 2026, the workshop formed part of Day 0 of the symposium and was facilitated by NRF-SAASTA. It challenged researchers to translate specialised knowledge into clear, engaging stories that demonstrate the relevance of science to everyday life and society.

Opening the programme, Dr Anton Binneman, Science Communication Manager at NRF-SAASTA, emphasised the importance of communicating research beyond academic circles. He urged participants to look beyond technical findings and identify the human stories, societal challenges and real-world implications behind their work.

Binneman’s presentation included a practical storytelling exercise, allowing participants to explore ways they can transform complex research into compelling narratives.

The workshop concluded with a three-minute research presentation session, giving participants an opportunity to put their newly acquired skills into practice. A panel of adjudicators assessed the presentations against three criteria: comprehension and content, engagement and storytelling, and clarity and accessibility.

The challenge required researchers to strike a balance between scientific accuracy and audience engagement, demonstrating that effective science communication is not simply about explaining what research has discovered, but also why those discoveries matter.

Ms Simamkele Nyangiwe from the University of the Western Cape emerged as the winner with a presentation exploring the role of university sport in advancing women’s empowerment and leadership development. Her research also highlighted persistent gender inequalities that continue to constrain women’s representation in decision-making positions.

Her presentation demonstrated how research can illuminate pressing social challenges and contribute to broader conversations about equality, empowerment and institutional change.

Dr Sarhana Dint from the University of the Witwatersrand was recognised as the runner-up for her presentation on the antimicrobial potential of South African bee products against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with gastrointestinal conditions. Her topic showcased the potential of locally sourced natural products as a subject of scientific investigation with possible implications for human health.

Beyond the competition, the workshop highlighted the growing importance of equipping researchers with the communication skills needed to engage policymakers, communities, the media and other audiences outside their specialist fields.

Through initiatives such as the science communication workshop, NRF-SAASTA continues to advance science communication as a critical component of the research process, encouraging researchers to make their work more accessible, relevant and impactful beyond academic audiences.