Sixty-eight sessions, 80 exhibitions, three high-level plenaries and exhibitor awards were some of the highlights from this year's Science Forum South Africa (SFSA).  With more than 5 000 participants, this year's event was a huge success.  The week-long event concluded on Friday, 6 December, with awards for outstanding work in science diplomacy and outstanding exhibitions.

At Friday's closing ceremony, panelists were unanimous that this year's SFSA reinforced itself as the foremost platform for scientific dialogue where science policy meets society.

The event was praised for its continental focus, offering a stage to African leaders who showcased inclusive and impactful science taking place in their countries.

"We've seen the power of partnership at the forum, whether it is between nations, organisations or disciplines.  It was a key feature this year," said Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive: Business Advancement at the National Research Foundation.

Prof. Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Québec, Canada, was impressed by the energy and optimism he witnessed at the forum and emphasised the power of partnership in research. 

"Building research projects and research policies has much more impact when you do it together."

Prof. Quirion said that the government of Québec was planning to establish several research chairs on science diplomacy, and he would recommend that one of those chairs be established with the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa.

Ms Thulile Khanyile, an entrepreneur and scientist who also participated in the panel, said that her highlight from this year's forum was the participation of young people, from learners and undergraduates to post-graduates, who all expressed interest in the commercialisation of innovation and job creation within the national system of innovation.

Several awards were also made during the closing ceremony.  The British High Commission in Pretoria, a strategic international partner in science, technology and innovation (STI), won the award for the best international exhibitor, while the Academy of Science for South Africa won the best overall exhibitor prize.

A special award was made posthumously to Mr Somila Xosa, who was the Director of Transport Fuels at the Department of Science and Innovation, in recognition of his contribution to science diplomacy.  His family accepted the award.

The Science Advice with Global Impact Award was made to Mr Carlton Lufuno Mukwevho, Secretary-General of South African National Commission for UNESCO.  Ms Jacquelene Friedenthal, Science and Technology Counsellor at the Swiss Embassy in South Africa, scooped an award in the Transformative International STI Partnerships with South Africa category. 

Former Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation, Dr Phil Mjwara, received a Lifetime Contribution in International STI Cooperation to Serve Society Award for his efforts at building international networks benefitting South Africa.

A Special Gratitude Award was also made to Scientific and Technology Minister Counsellor Shen Long from the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.

Deputy Minister of STI, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, congratulated the winners and thanked the science diplomacy winners for their efforts to harness international cooperation in science to help making our world more caring, more just and more sustainable.

The Deputy Minister also appreciated the closing panel's suggestions on co-creating the Science Forum 2025, which will take place alongside the World Conference of Science Journalists next year.  "As our Minister emphasised in his opening address, we need to communicate more, and better, on the role of science in society, and I am confident that the Forum in 2025, like this year, will continue to ignite conversations about science."

With South Africa taking over the G20 chair from Brazil, Ms Gina said that SFSA 2024 helped to lay firm foundation for the work of the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group in 2025.   

The Deputy Minister said the success of SFSA would not have been possible without the various session organisers, moderators, speakers and panelists.  " To all of you I would like to say thank you – thank you for contributing your time, thoughts and reflection.  But these sessions would not have been characterised by the vibrant, stimulating and provocative debate, if was not for all the forum participants.  Thank you all for taking the time to attend."