1 – 3 December 2021, CSIR ICC, Pretoria, South Africa
SFSA 2021 was proudly hosted by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) from 1 to 3 December 2021, both as a virtual event and in Pretoria, South Africa.
Programme overview
Due to the ongoing pandemic, SFSA 2021 was held in a hybrid format on Day 1, with the following two days taking place entirely online.
The Forum opened on 1 December with the launch of the Department of Science and Innovation’s 2020/21 Annual Report. Dr Martin Friede, Coordinator for Vaccine Research at the World Health Organization, delivered the keynote address on efforts to establish an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine production hub in South Africa. A panel discussion followed, highlighting South Africa’s scientific response to the pandemic.
SFSA 2021 upheld its mission of advancing the pan-African science agenda and fostering partnerships. The closing plenary on 3 December focused on the role of the humanities and social sciences in strengthening the country’s COVID‑19 response.
Across 56 parallel sessions, participants explored topics such as Africa’s vaccination landscape, green transport partnerships, pandemic preparedness, and the future of South Africa’s hydrogen economy.
Theme
The theme for the Forum was Igniting conversations about science.