On 6 August 2026, NRF-SAIAB Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Lucky Dlamini, represented NRF-SAASTA at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), where he delivered a presentation on Science Engagement in the National System of Innovation as part of the NRF’s onboarding programme for its 2026 awardees.
The engagement brought together 2026-awarded NRF Postgraduate Students, Postdoctoral Fellows, Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) awardees and Thuthuka grantees, with over 120 attendees. The session focused on helping the newly awarded researchers understand their responsibility to implement and report on science engagement initiatives as part of their NRF funding.
The presentation explored what science engagement is, its purpose and objectives, and the importance of meaningful dialogue between researchers and the public. It also highlighted how science engagement can build trust in science, make research more relevant, strengthen public participation and maximise the impact of research.
Participants were introduced to a range of science engagement opportunities, including school and university engagements, citizen science, public dialogues, science festivals, media engagement and initiatives that involve learners and communities in research.
The session also highlighted the support and resources available through NRF-SAASTA, including public engagement opportunities, links with schools and communities, grant funding and the Science Engagement Information Management System (SEIMS), which researchers can use to register their science engagement activities.
The engagement provided an opportunity to encourage the next generation of NRF-supported researchers to view science engagement not simply as a funding requirement, but as an important component of communicating research, connecting with society and creating meaningful research impact.
