08 December 2016

IIASA leadership at the Science Forum South Africa 2016

IIASA Director General and CEO Professor Dr. Pavel Kabat will participate in the second Science Forum South Africa, taking place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. The two-day event will enable a dynamic and robust public debate on the interface between science and society.

Pretoria, South Africa © Ppmaker2007 | Dreamstime

Pretoria, South Africa © Ppmaker2007 | Dreamstime

The forum brings together more than 1,500 participants from 50 countries to debate on the role of science, technology and innovation in society.

This year, IIASA leadership will participate in this major public science event in South Africa to engage with scientists, government officials, industry leaders, students. The key objectives of the Science Forum South Africa are:

  • To create a platform for a vibrant debate on the role of science, technology and innovation in society;
  • To promote international science, technology and innovation partnerships; and
  • To create a platform for key science, technology and innovation actors, including senior government leaders, academics, scientists, industry, civil society, and students to interact.

Kabat will participate in the Panel Session Transitioning to a Green Economy on 8 December at 3.30 pm.

Session summary

At the first event in 2015, IIASA was presented with an award for outstanding scientific diplomacy at the closing plenary session of the Forum.

During the trip to South Africa Kabat also met with H.E. Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, and Faranah Osman, Executive Director of Governance at the National Research Foundation (NRF), IIASA's National Member Organization for South Africa.





IIASA Activities with South Africa

Since South Africa’s membership of IIASA began in 2007, a range of research collaborations and capacity building activities have been developed by IIASA and over twenty South African research partners. The most notable activity is the Southern African Young Scientists Summer Program that has developed system analytical research skills among over 80 doctoral students from 30 countries including 35 students from South Africa.

Joint research studies have explored how South Africa can make the transition to a low-carbon economy; smart ways to increase crop yields in South Africa; and the impact of different education policies on South Africa’s future population. These activities are complemented by scientific exchange with over 120 researchers either visiting South Africa from IIASA or visiting IIASA from South Africa. Read the IIASA Info Sheet on South Africa for a summary of this expanding relationship since 2008.


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Last edited: 09 December 2016

IIASA Activities with South Africa

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
Phone: (+43 2236) 807 0 Fax:(+43 2236) 71 313