The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)

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SCIENCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE

Tomorrow’s scientists, engineers and technologists face many challenges. Biotechnologists will have to find ways to grow more food on less land and with less water, pesticides and fertilisers. Engineers will have to recycle waste more effectively and help the world switch to clean energy, while delivering sustainable infrastructure development. Environmental scientists will have to work towards restoring the Earth’s life-supporting ecosystems and to protect what is left of its precious biodiversity. The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) helps to develop and nurture such a forward-thinking science base in South Africa.

SAASTA’s educational programmes are designed to expand the pool of quality learners who will become the scientists and innovators of tomorrow. Included are programmes such as National Science Week which SAASTA manages on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the National Science Olympiad, Primary Science Day, and role-modelling campaigns.

SAASTA’s science awareness platform creates opportunities where South Africans can experience hands-on science. The SAASTA
Johannesburg Observatory site is a being developed as a science hub which offers science-based holiday programmes and is the home base of a science teachers’ forum. A range of training workshops are offered to science centre staff from around the country.

SAASTA’s science communication activities are geared towards making people more aware of how science affects their everyday lives. SAASTA invests in regular science media roundtables where experts and journalists meet to discuss topical issues; and it presents media skills courses to equip scientists to share their work effectively in the media. Other activities include science photography and communication competitions; and a biennial African Science Communication Conference.

SAASTA is also responsible for targeted communication initiatives around the science platforms of DST, including science related to Antarctica, African origins, marine biosciences, astronomy and space sciences. The DST has identified biotechnology, nanotechnology as well as hydrogen and fuel cell technologies as priority areas for public science engagement. SAASTA is tasked with the responsibility to plan, implement and manage programmes dedicated to making these topics accessible and relevant to the public of South Africa.

SAASTA is a business unit of South Africa’s National Research Foundation, funded by the DST.

“We are passionate about making South Africans enthusiastic about the wonders of science, engineering and technology, and building a representative scientific workforce that will drive sustainable development in South Africa.”

Beverley Damonse, Executive Director of SAASTA.