Nomalungelo Gina, deputy minister of science, technology and innovation. SA has launched its first National Science Month (NSM), expanding what was previously National Science Week into a month-long programme designed to increase public engagement with science, technology and innovation. The initiative, launched by the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) at the Vaal…
The world’s food systems face real and urgent challenges. These include climate change, nutrition insecurity, food safety, and unequal access to markets. Research has produced practical solutions to each of these that could benefit hundreds of millions of people. Too few are moved into widespread use. For years, the development sector has flattered itself with…
The first thing you notice is the size of the Dr Fridtjof Nansen. It towers over the quay as it is docked at the Port of Mombasa under the fluttering Kenyan flag. The Norwegian-owned ship also operates under the United Nations flag, reflecting its mission to support countries in advancing sustainable ocean management through scientific…
UCT’s professor Liesl Zühlke has won the L’Oréal-UNESCO International Science Award. (Photo: supplied) University of Cape Town (UCT) professor Liesl Zühlke has been selected as the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award laureate for Africa and the Arab States, recognising her work in cardiac and cardiovascular science, particularly among children and underserved communities….
Amid the broader industry push to integrate artificial intelligence into consumer software, Google has introduced a suite of AI-powered tools designed to assist with the rigorous demands of academic and scientific research. Debuting at Google I/O 2026, Gemini for Science is a collection of experimental frameworks engineered to help researchers formulate hypotheses, conduct virtual testing,…
Africa is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. But much of its biodiversity remains poorly studied. Research from the continent contributes to less than 1% to global scientific output. This pattern is often explained by limited investment in research. Governments in sub-Saharan Africa allocate, on average, only about 0.4% of their gross domestic…
Academia isn’t strong on gender equality. Women are under-represented throughout, in the research workforce and even more so as leaders in scientific organisations. This is true for science academies (prestigious bodies within national science systems) and scientific unions (international organisations representing disciplinary communities). Women today make up nearly a third of the global research workforce….
The World Health Organization (WHO) today calls on people everywhere to renew their commitment to working together and supporting science as the twin engines driving better health, under the World Health Day 2026 theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The campaign marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding on 7 April 1948, launching a year-long…
The NSC report shows the mathematics pass rate dropped from 69% to 64% in 2025. South Africa’s Department of Basic Education (DBE) plans to work alongside provincial departments to boost mathematics uptake among learners. This was revealed by director-general at the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Hubert Mathanzima Mweli, presenting the 2025 National Senior Certificate…
Science, technology and innovation minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina. Science, technology and innovation minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina has urged young Africans, particularly young women, to take their rightful place in science and innovation. The deputy minister was speaking at the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) Sub-Saharan Africa young talents programme hosted at the African Leadership…
