The submission deadline closed on 31 July 2026.
Nominations are invited for the science diplomacy awards taking place at Science Forum South Africa 2026.
The SFSA 2026 Science Diplomacy Awards (awards) recognise individuals and organisations who are making an outstanding contribution to furthering science diplomacy.
SFSA 2026 seeks to honour those whose work operates at the intersection of science, international cooperation and partnerships, policy advisory services, evidence-based decision-making, and diplomacy, with demonstrated impact within regional and global scientific communities.
Eligible nominees may include individuals or organisations from sectors such as science, policy-making, business, civil society, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, media, and related fields, whose contributions have served both national and global interests.
Nominations are open to both South African and non-South African citizens.
The SFSA 2026 Awards are committed to equal opportunity and inclusivity, irrespective of race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, creed, age, disability, or institutional affiliation. Nominations are encouraged from a broad spectrum of disciplines, organisations, geographic regions, and social backgrounds.
All nominees and award recipients are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.
ELIGIBILITY
- Nominees are open to both South African citizens as well as non-South African citizens.
- Nominees should have made significant contributions within the science, technology and innovation (STI) sector or policy advisory community, particularly in promoting international and global scientific cooperation, partnerships, and stronger connections among societies.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Only one nomination per category may be submitted per nominee.
- Motivation statements for all categories must be limited to a maximum of 600 words.
AWARD CATEGORIES
- Science advice that has transcended national and international spheres
The successful candidate would be a global thought leader who has been able to provide scientific advice nationally and internationally that has had a profound impact on society. These could include, but are not limited to, contributions to global issues through science such as climate change, social sciences, health, etc. - International STI partnerships
The candidate under this category is someone who has been instrumental in promoting international STI partnerships, with a focus on South Africa. Their individual engagements across institutions and governments are seen as critical for the success of such a partnership. - International STI partnership contribution to advancing African regional cooperation, integration and development
The nomination under this category has been a champion for Africa STI promotion and implementation, striving towards the Vision of Agenda 2063. - Recognition of individual effort over a career to put science at service of society and fostering international friendships
The individual under this category has, through the timeline of their career, been able to contribute to science and built international networks benefiting South Africa. - International STI partnership which has achieved excellence in global science
This category will focus on specific international STI partnerships (multilateral or bilateral with South Africa) that has contributed to excellence in science globally. - Young science diplomat award
This category will focus on a young Science Diplomat who has consistently built strong relations and facilitated international STI partnerships for the benefit of the South African National System of Innovation. Nominee must be 40 years and below as of 31 July 2026. - Women in science diplomacy award
This category honours outstanding African women advancing science diplomacy, inclusion, and international collaboration. - Science diplomacy award for science engagement
This category celebrates science communicators, media professionals, or institutions improving science engagement across borders.
The awards will be presented during the Science Forum SA (2-4 December 2026). The exact date and time will be confirmed once the SFSA 2026 programme is finalised.
DEADLINE
The submission deadline is 31 July 2026.