Session proposals

Submissions for proposals are invited by various stakeholders for convening panel sessions at SFSA 2026 under the various sub-themes.

DEADLINE

The submission deadline is 31 July 2026.

THEME

Igniting Conversations about Science – From Research to Impact

SUB-THEMES

Applications are invited for proposals under the following sub-themes:

Financing science, technology and innovation (STI)

This sub-theme will explore how diverse funding mechanisms can be strengthened, better coordinated, and aligned to support research and the full innovation lifecycle. It will assess the effectiveness of government instruments, including grants, incentives, and public funding frameworks alongside the expanding role of private sector investment. Particular focus will be placed on public–private partnerships as a means of sharing risk, pooling resources, and accelerating impact. The sub-theme will also examine emerging financing models such as venture capital, angel investment, and crowdfunding, and their potential to broaden access to capital. By convening policymakers, investors, researchers, and industry stakeholders, the sub-theme aims to identify practical strategies to mobilise funding, improve accessibility, and build sustainable, inclusive financing ecosystems that drive scientific advancement and socio-economic development.

Science and society nexus (agriculture, space science, health, climate change, just energy transition, indigenous knowledge systems)

This sub-theme will explore how science, technology and innovation (STI) can be more effectively harnessed to respond to pressing societal challenges. Anchored in key sectors such as agriculture, space science, health, climate change, the just energy transition, clean technology and indigenous knowledge systems, this sub-theme will examine how scientific advancements can be translated into inclusive solutions that improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development. It will further consider the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, policy alignment and stakeholder engagement in strengthening the connection between science and society. Particular attention will be given to how emerging technologies and data-driven approaches can enhance resilience in sectors like food security, public health and environmental sustainability, while also supporting South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon and knowledge-based economy.

Bridging the gap between innovation and entrepreneurship

This sub-theme will explore how scientific knowledge and technological innovation can be more effectively translated into entrepreneurial activity, inclusive economic growth, and tangible societal impact. Despite significant advances in research and development, a persistent gap remains between innovation generation and successful commercialisation. Proposals should highlight collaborative approaches that enable the progression of ideas from laboratory to market, including mechanisms for technology transfer, start-up development, access to finance, regulatory enablement, and skills development. Focus could be on areas such as strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs; scaling innovation through start-ups and small and medium enterprises; financing innovation and reducing early-stage risk; inclusive entrepreneurship and youth participation; leveraging innovation in priority sectors; integrating indigenous knowledge systems into innovation and enterprise development. This sub-theme aims to catalyse dialogue, share best practices, and identify actionable solutions that bridge the divide between innovation and entrepreneurship in support of sustainable development.

Advancing regional development through science, technology and innovation

Science, technology and innovation are enablers that support industrialisation and strengthen regional integration. South Africa has assumed its dual role of being the Interim and the Incoming Chair of Southern African Development Community (SADC). South Africa’s chairship will support the implementation of regional policy frameworks which guide SADC’s priorities such as the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (2020-2030), SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063) as well as the SADC Treaty. Proposals are invited under this sub-theme to explore how science, technology and innovation can strengthen the development of regional value chains (including in sectors such as agroprocessing, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation and renewable energy) for the region’s socio-economic development. This sub-theme could also explore the role of research infrastructure in supporting the implementation of the SADC Cyber-Infrastructure Framework and prepare SADC for the era of data-intensive science with Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition, looking at regional best practices of STI in other parts of the world and how this could contribute to SADC.

Navigating emerging and disruptive technologies

Emerging industries such as biotech, fintech, the circular economy, digital, and AI, provide a significant opportunity to reshape the global economy. Globally, stakeholders are grappling with how to harness innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital platforms while ensuring inclusive, ethical, and sustainable outcomes. This sub-theme will explore practical options for navigating technological disruption. The focus includes bridging the gap between innovation and real-world impact through collaboration, policy alignment, and scalable solutions. How new innovations reshape industries, societies, and daily life and how organisations can adapt strategically will be discussed. The sub-theme will also explore regulatory and governance frameworks; ethical dimension; upskilling as well as impact. The opportunities presented by these disruptive technologies should also be explored. The impact of AI within the science ecosystem and consideration of AI through the lens of science are expected to form part of the dialogue.

Science journalism and science communication

Discussions under this sub-theme should explore the dynamic and evolving relationship between science journalism and science communication, two fields that share a commitment to public understanding of science, yet differ in approach, purpose, and institutional alignment, examining the interface between these two domains, highlighting both their shared goals and their tensions. Understanding how these roles intersect and sometimes conflict is essential for strengthening public trust in science. Contributions that address: strategies for advancing science journalism in an era of misinformation, shrinking newsrooms, and rapid digital transformation; challenges in science communication, including balancing accuracy with accessibility, and navigating institutional pressures; collaborative models between journalists and communicators that enhance transparency, trust, and impact; ethical considerations in reporting and promoting science, especially in areas of uncertainty or controversy, as well as innovative approaches to engaging diverse audiences and improving science literacy in Africa and globally. This sub-theme aims to explore how science journalists and science communicators can more effectively serve humanity, whether by holding science accountable, making knowledge accessible, or inspiring curiosity, while maintaining integrity, clarity, and public trust. This sub-theme will also explore ways in which science journalism can be developed within the African context, as well as how to address some of the challenges that are faced, in terms of sharing information and building this field further. Submissions from researchers, practitioners, journalists, communicators, and interdisciplinary teams who are working to shape the future of science storytelling and public engagement are encouraged to submit proposals.

Science diplomacy

This sub-theme on science diplomacy is meant to engage at the intersection of international cooperation, national interests, and responsible research practices. This sub-theme will include topics such as technology sovereignty, research security amongst others. Increasing geopolitics has resulted in a greater need for a balance between openness and protection; competitive and cooperation, within the frame that “science knows no borders”. The sub-theme will explore how governments, institutions, academia and others are navigating science diplomacy and research security, highlighting international frameworks; national policies as well as elements of intellectual property, trust and key best practices. Addressing the unique challenges facing trust in science as well as how stakeholders effectively communicate their work and establish themselves as contributors to the public good will feed as cross-cutting elements in this sub-theme. How role-players are navigating some of the risks in partnerships, as well as the opportunities and benefits of international cooperation will also be highlighted. The sub-theme will also explore issues that are integral, including how to collaborate internationally without compromising trust, ethics, or national interests.

GUIDELINES

• The sub-themes descriptions are provided as guidelines. Innovative topics and content are encouraged under the sub-themes.
• Proposals may also integrate cross-cutting themes such as the digital economy, social sciences, research ethics, capacity building, research infrastructures, and more, as well as adopt a transdisciplinary approach.
• Science communication should be a cross-cutting feature in all proposals as it forms an integral part of the impact of science.
• Each parallel session will last 90 minutes.
• Different session formats are welcome. Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative and creative approaches.
• Interactive session formats designed to engage the diverse audience at the forum are encouraged.
• The primary goal of all sessions is to spark interactive conversations about science, with a multi-stakeholder audience.
• All submitted proposals will be reviewed and assessed by the SFSA 2026 Programme Committee.
• The Committee reserves the right to request modifications to proposals before final acceptance into the programme.
• Sessions should ideally include a moderator and 3-5 panellists.
• It is recommended that each panel session adopts a conversational format between the moderator and panellists, while also engaging with the audience.
• Session proposers are responsible for organising and promoting their sessions, including the travel and logistics for speakers (panellists) and moderators.
• Diversity within panels is recommended, including geographical diversity and representativity (youth and gender balance). Applicants should avoid having more than one panellist from the same organisation.
• A maximum of 7 parallel sessions will run simultaneously. Session proposers are encouraged to engage in session-specific marketing.
• Successful applicants are encouraged to use SFSA 2026 social media channels to enhance audience interaction prior to and during their session.
• Exciting topics, top-quality speakers, and ample time for discussions are encouraged.
• A full range of conference facilities will be available (laptops, sound, etc.). Session organisers should ensure that they liaise with the venue coordinators to ensure that session material is loaded on time.
• Sessions will be held in-person at the venue, and all speakers are expected to participate in person.
• Any interpreting or live streaming of the session will be at the session organiser’s own cost.
• Participants, organisers, speakers, moderators, and panellists are responsible for their own costs related to attendance, including travel, accommodation, and other organisational expenses. No financial support is available for participation at SFSA 2026.

Timelines

• The call for session proposals for SFSA 2026 closes on 31 July 2026
• The proposal allocation will be announced at the end of August 2026