Pretoria: With the inaugural National Science Month drawing to a close, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is calling on citizens to maintain their curiosity about science beyond July. 'Science has the power to transform lives, spark curiosity, and create solutions to society's greatest challenges,' communication officer at the Academy, Henriette Wagener, told SAnews.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Academy of Science of South Africa is the nation's official academy of science, inaugurated in 1996 by former President Nelson Mandela. It aims to use science for societal benefit by mobilizing South Africa's leading scholars to provide evidence-based advice, promote excellence, support scholarly publishing, and strengthen public understanding of science.
National Science Month evolved from the previous National Science Week, reflecting the government's recognition of the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation. Wagener highlighted the rapid global advancements in fields like AI, health, climate change, and more, while noting South Africa's under-investment in research and development, which stands at about 0.61% of GDP.
The 2023 Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (STI) Report by the National Advisory Council on Innovation indicates a decline in research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP from 0.76% in 2017/18 to 0.61% in 2020/21. Additionally, South Africa's share of STEM graduates remains below the OECD average.
Wagener emphasized the need to strengthen the school-to-university pipeline in mathematics, science, and digital skills. Despite this, there is a growing interest among young people in studying fields like AI, data science, and renewable energy. She also noted that while AI presents challenges like privacy concerns, the best response is responsible use.
National Science Month brings science closer to communities, schools, and citizens, aligning with ASSAf's mandate to promote public interest in science. Through interactive talks and career engagement activities, ASSAf aims to inspire young people and foster a culture of curiosity and innovation.
Building a stronger and more inclusive science system is crucial, according to Wagener. Challenges include improving science education, investing in research and development, and ensuring scientific evidence informs public policy. Building public trust in science is essential for meaningful impact, requiring clear communication and community involvement.
Wagener stressed that scientists are driven by curiosity and a desire to improve lives by addressing pressing global issues. They are ordinary people dedicated to solving extraordinary challenges, and by understanding their role, citizens can build greater trust in science.
ASSAf envisions a future where science is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and connected to society. Wagener urged citizens to ask questions, seek evidence, and encourage young people to explore science, emphasizing the importance of making science accessible and relevant to everyday life.
