Honouring SA’s leading innovators in science, engineering and technology
THE National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) held its prestigious annual NSTF-South32 Awards to honour and recognise outstanding South African contributions to the world of science, engineering and technology (SET).
South Africa’s first science awards and dubbed the “Science Oscars”, the NSTF-South32 Awards marks the largest SET and innovation awards in the country. It is a celebration of South African ingenuity and excellence through this flagship project of the NSTF.
The gala evening took place on Thursday, July 11 and was live-streamed from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The NSTF Awards was established in 1998 as a collaborative effort to recognise teams, organisations and individuals who have made exceptional efforts in their fields. Outstanding contributions to SET and innovation were awarded and celebrated in the following broad areas, under 15 categories:
• Scientific research
• Innovation and development
• Management and related activities
• Capacity development in engineering research
• Environmental sustainability and biodiversity
conservation
• Science diplomacy
• Medical research
• Water research and innovation
• Data for research
• Science communication
Special Annual Theme Award – The NSTF theme for 2024 is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.
“My view is that the future is bright and exciting,
if we approach it with open minds and arms.
The challenges faced by the world are profound. The threats of unprecedented outbreaks, natural disasters, climate change, drought, energy and food
insecurity, and so on remain priorities demanding the world’s attention and the need to work collaboratively and in partnership,” said Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, NSTF chairperson.
“Collectively, we are making progress. Science is at the heart of providing solutions to these myriad challenges. Amid these complexities, the NSTF continues to evolve and remain relevant. It always strives to be a moderate force that participates in public engagements and discourses with a view of shaping and influencing public policies for the benefit of society.
“The call is loud and clear – we need to build a society that looks into the future.”
The NSTF is the most representative multistakeholder non-profit forum promoting SET and innovation. It showcases the research and development capacity of South Africa.
The excellent output of the winners supports South Africa’s advancement, economic growth and the social upliftment of our people.