In 2025, Brazil is organizing the 10th BRICS Young Scientist Forum and the 7th BRICS Young Innovator Prize from 15 – 17 September 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil.
FOR SOUTH AFRICAN YOUNG SCIENTISTS ONLY
Background Information
The 2nd BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting held March in 2015 in Brasília reached consensus to establish the BRICS Young Scientist Forum (BRICS YSF). At the VII BRICS Summit it was decided that the BRICS YSF would be held annually and hosted by the country presiding over BRICS. In 2025, Brazil will host the 10th BRICS Young Scientist Forum. The BRICS YSF is one of the most effective platforms for expanding young scientists’ cooperation amongst BRICS countries. The Forum seeks to promote initiatives and establish an integral system of international cooperation among the future practitioners of the science, technology and innovation (STI) systems of BRICS countries. These activities ensure the sustainable development of BRICS cooperation and boost the achievement of BRICS leadership in science, technology and innovation.
Objectives
The BRICS Young Scientist Forum aims to offer opportunities for young scientists to share their experiences, incentives, constraints and opportunities in pursuing education, research and entrepreneurship in science, engineering and related subjects in line with STI emerging developments. The BRICS YSF is pivotal in cultivating a cohort of well-prepared, innovative thinkers who are poised to drive progress in their respective fields and contribute to the advancement of knowledge, science and society at large. The main objectives of the Forum encompass:
- Enhancing interaction among young people of BRICS countries to consolidate knowledge in addressing common social problems through research and innovation;
- Promoting skills and research development of young scientists in the BRICS countries;
- Strengthening the BRICS role in the international arena in STI by supporting young people who have the potential and capacity to accelerate innovation;
- Encouraging the development of trans-national research networks and partnerships that can drive innovation and advance scientific knowledge; and
- Strengthening BRICS STI and youth policies, enhancing the skills of talented young people and developing entrepreneurial principles.
Description of Thematic Areas of the BRICS YSF
The 10th BRICS Young Scientist Forum will comprise three parallel sessions on the following thematic areas:
- Research on climate change mitigation and adaptation. A contribution from BRICS to the 30th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change/UNFCCC (COP30);
- Science diplomacy in a changing world. The views of BRICS and the Global South; and
- Artificial Intelligence for Societal Solutions. How can emerging technologies improve the lives of citizens in BRICS countries?
Please see the detailed description of the thematic areas on the attached call for abstracts.
Eligibility
This call is open to early career researchers/ scientists/ engineers/ technologists/ innovators/ science journalists-educators-science, science literacy and popularizing professionals/ specialists in translational aspects of research and technology integration in society to market, who are based in South Africa. Applicants should meet the following criteria to participate:
- South African citizen by nationality (born or naturalized) or residency (permanent residency visa).
- Be under the age of 40 years by 31 December 2025.
- Must be a Doctoral student or Post-Doctoral Fellow or a young faculty member who has completed a PhD degree in the above-mentioned themes.
- Have research interests in the conference themes.
- Submit an abstract that will be the basis for a presentation at the conference.
- Commit to attend and participate for the duration of the conference.
Note: The chosen presenters are asked to not simply focus on their research but should engage with the theme(s) and answer its requirements. Presentations that address challenges pertaining to BRICS countries and provide possible recommendations are preferable. The conference format is a Forum, which is a discussion group, where ideas related to a subject under discussion can be raised and evaluated on a (more-or-less) equal and informal basis.
Applicants who have already participated in previous editions of the BRICS Young Scientist Conclaves/Forums are NOT eligible to apply.
Forum Participation and Application
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) invite online submissions of abstracts for oral presentations on the themes indicated above. Further information about the forum will be circulated to successful applicants. Access the online application at: APPLY HERE and send your two-pager curriculum vitae to kholani@assaf.org.za by 31 July 2025.
Funding support
International air travel related expenses from South Africa (airfare, medical insurance, per diem as per ASSAf’s rates) shall be provided by the DSTI whereas local hospitality i.e. food, accommodation and local transport in Brazil will be supported by the Brazilian government for the entire duration of stay in Brasilia. Applicants must be in possession of a valid South African Passport (or apply for one soonest). The document will be obtained at own cost. This however does not mean automatic selection.
Call for Abstracts
Abstract Format and Submission must be done in the link provided
Abstracts should follow the following format:
- Must not be more than 300 words (excluding Title, Author and Institution) in the online application form
- Must be written in English
Must include the following information:
- Titles of Authors, Author(s), and Institution(s)’ names
- The superscript numbering must be in front of each initial and surname of each author
Where appropriate, the abstract may contain the following headings:
- Research Objectives
- Discussion
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
General Conference Information
For any further information on the forum please contact:
Mr Kholani Mbhiza Email: kholani@assaf.org.za
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025