The SFSA 2015 Science Diplomacy Awards recognised individuals and organisations who are making an outstanding contribution to furthering science diplomacy.
International STI partnership which has made an outstanding contribution to advancing global sustainable development
Group on Earth Observations (GEO)
The GEO is a voluntary international partnership of 96 governments and 87 organisations working together since 2003 to harness Earth observation as a tool to inform policy- and decision-making. The GEO is developing a comprehensive Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) which will enhance international coordination and cooperation in Earth observation across several societal benefit areas. South Africa has been a co-chair of the GEO since 2003.
International STI partnership which has made an outstanding contribution to harnessing scientific advice for multilateral decision-making
International Council for Science (ICSU)
ICSU is an international NGO that advances and coordinates global science by uniting national scientific bodies and international unions. It focuses on integrating science into international policy, a role recognised by the UN in areas like the SDGs and climate negotiations. South Africa actively contributes to ICSU’s work and hosts its Regional Office for Sub-Saharan Africa via the National Research Foundation.
International STI partnership which has made an outstanding contribution to advancing African regional cooperation, integration and development
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), established by ten Vice Chancellors in 2004, is a consortium of 55 African universities operating within 22 countries spanning the African continent. RUFORUM has achieved significant success in supporting postgraduate training and networks of specialisation, especially in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). In 2014 four South African universities have been admitted to the network. RUFORUM has been instrumental to promote regional integration and cooperation in agricultural research in support of regional development strategies.
International STI partnership which has made an outstanding contribution to advancing African regional cooperation, integration and development
The Africa Very-long Baseline Interferometry Network (AVN) consortium is a partnership between South Africa and eight African countries to advance radio astronomy and support Africa’s role in the global Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. The network will consist of reconfigured or newly built radio telescopes and plays a key role in human capital development and establishing a strong governance framework for radio astronomy in Africa.
International STI partnership which has made an outstanding contribution to human capital development, especially for young and women scientists
European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP)
The EDCTP is a partnership between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa aimed at building capacities to undertake clinical trials in Africa for the fight against infectious diseases. The EDCTP notably fosters career development of individual junior and senior fellows from sub-Saharan Africa, supporting training and mentorship of researchers, and promoting mobility of individual researchers and research staff. South Africa has been the host of the EDCTP Africa Office since 2004 and is participating in numerous EDCTP programmes.
International STI partnership which has achieved excellence in global science
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
IIASA is an international scientific institute that conducts policy-oriented research into problems that are too large or too complex to be solved by a single country or academic discipline. It has gained global recognition for its work in finding solutions to global and universal problems through applied systems analysis in order to improve human and social wellbeing and protect the environment. South Africa through the National Research Foundation participates actively in the work of IIASA notably with regard to the training of young researchers.
International STI partnership which has made an outstanding contribution to international peace, understanding and solidarity
Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum (Japan)
The STS Forum is an international platform that promotes global dialogue on the role of science and technology in society. It provides a space for open and constructive discussions on the ethical, safety, and environmental dimensions of science and technology, while also working to build consensus on leveraging international cooperation for sustainable global development. South Africa, including its Ministers of Science and Technology, has actively participated in and benefited from the Forum.
Recognition of an individual effort over a career to put science at service of fostering international friendship
Dr Bernie Fanaroff as the Project Director of the SKA South Africa has through his scientific career contributed significantly to international partnerships within the domain of radio astronomy. Most importantly he was the main driver behind not only South Africa’s bid to host the SKA global radio telescope but also played a critical part as Director of the SKA Organisation in building the international SKA partnership, including relations with Australia as co-host of the telescope. He has also initiated an Africa Big Data programme to ensure African development benefits optimally from the continent’s engagement with radio astronomy.
Recognition of an individual effort over a career to put science at service of fostering international friendship
Dr Khotso Mokhele was the first President of the National Research Foundation of South Africa and played a leading part in developing many of democratic South Africa’s international research cooperation programmes. Most notably he was one of the champions responsible for the successful construction of the Southern African Large Telescope and South Africa’s bid to host the SKA global radio telescope. He has also held senior leadership positions in structures of both the International Council for Science and UNESCO where had served with distinction.
Recognition of an individual effort over a career to put science at service of fostering international friendship
Dr Lindiwe Sibanda is the CEO of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), a multi-stakeholder, multi-national policy network that supports the development and implementation of better food, agriculture and national resources policies in Africa. She has worked tirelessly to assemble through FANRPAN an international membership of universities, research institutes, the business sector, farmer groups and other civil society organisations. Over her career she has been a committed champion to harness international partnerships in agricultural research for sustainable development.