Events

This webinar seeks to raise awareness and foster dialogue on preventing sexual abuse in schools by examining its prevalence, the effectiveness of current legal and policy frameworks, and the roles of educators, communities, and government sectors. The session will also highlight best practices for victim support, strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration, and promote collective responsibility in creating safe and empowering learning environments for all learners.

The advancement of green hydrogen presents a technological revolution in clean energy and a transformative opportunity for South Africa’s economic development. This webinar will discuss the role of advanced materials—specifically those enabled by atomic layer deposition (ALD) —in helping to overcome barriers to hydrogen storage and generation. Through nanoscale engineering, ALD offers precise control of material properties, enhancing efficiency and durability in hydrogen systems. The presentation will also discuss some of these scientific advances within South Africa’s broader socio-economic context, examining how green hydrogen can help to stimulate new industries, create jobs, and support the sustainable growth of South Africa. The ability to link fundamental research to national priorities will illustrate how material innovations can unlock the full potential of South Africa’s hydrogen economy.

ASSAf, through its Forum on Integrated Climate Change, is hosting a webinar to explore how CSA can advance progress towards achieving SDG 2—Zero Hunger—by means of innovation, policy support, and community action.

Climate change presents significant global challenges, including more frequent and severe extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. These events impact ecosystems and human health, affecting food and water security.

The Embassy Lecture promotes bilateral scientific cooperation between South Africa and the Czech Republic, advancing science diplomacy through collaboration between the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Czech Academy of Sciences, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in South Africa. This initiative supports national and international science policy, innovation, and sustainable development by fostering knowledge exchange and strategic collaboration.

South Africa’s 2024–2025 G20 Presidency, themed “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” has prioritized inclusive development and climate resilience. ASSAf’s hosting of the 2025 Science20 (S20) on “Climate Change and Well- being” further demonstrates commitment to international science-driven climate action.

This webinar will explore the role of research funders in advancing Open Access publishing in Africa, responding to new evidence with insights from key stakeholders and experts in the research funding landscape.

In a world of complex food systems, collaboration is not just beneficial, it is essential. Aligned with the spirit of World Food Day, this landmark initiative marks the start of a coordinated, national effort to safeguard the health of our nation and secure a resilient food future.

As the planet warms, its effects extend beyond the physical environment to our emotional and mental well-being. Climate change is linked to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and stress—especially among vulnerable populations. From floods and heatwaves to economic insecurity and displacement, environmental disruptions are taking a growing psychological toll.
This webinar explores the vital yet often overlooked connection between climate change and mental health. Experts will unpack the evidence, share insights from research and practice, and discuss strategies to build resilience and support mental well-being in the face of climate uncertainty.

In a rapidly changing information landscape, science communication plays a pivotal role in ensuring that scholarly research not only reaches academic audiences but also informs and engages the broader public. The increasing accessibility of AI tools offers new possibilities for researchers and communicators to translate complex findings into more widely accessible formats such as podcasts, short videos, and interactive media. However, these developments also raise important questions about accuracy, ethics, authorship, and the evolving roles of journalists, communicators, and editors.