The Young Scientist Forum an important platform for scientists, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs

Fifty South African scientists under the age of 40 were among 200 master's and PhD students from BRICS countries who attended the 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum (YSF), which was held at the Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha from 31 July to 2 August 2023.

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, delivered the closing remarks at the BRICS YSF on 2 August.

"The BRICS YSF has become an important global platform for critical reflection by young scientists, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs on some of the most urgent challenges of our time," said Deputy Minister Manamela.

The three-day event primarily focused on issues around transforming skills development for the future, climate change and environmental sustainability, and the future of society.

Organised by the Department of Science and Innovation's entities, the Technology Innovation Agency and the Academy of Science of South Africa, the YSF also hosted the Young Innovators Prize, which rewarded innovations with societal benefit.

"As South Africa, we are particularly pleased that this year's forum upheld the tradition of focusing on such critical global issues as climate change, environmental sustainability, the future of education, mindset and skillset, and the future of society.  To enhance the objectives of the Young Scientist Forum, we believe there are several issues that deserve more focused attention.  These are the critical areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and future skills," added the Deputy Minister.

Mr Manamela said that consideration must be given to the human and social sciences, and that all the areas of focus are critical for the development and resilience of all BRICS countries as well as the long-term psychological well-being of their respective populations.

Another issue that deserves focused attention is the creation of strong post-YSF engagements with this and past cohorts.

"As South Africa we wish to propose the establishment of an alumni organisation of Young Scientist Forum participants," he said.

Prof. Thashree Marimuthu, co-chair of the South African Young Academy of Science, chaired a session titled "The future of society".  She said that over the past three days the participants covered sensitive topics, witnessed excellent, thought-provoking talks, and shared ideas and experiences with their peers.

She highlighted how, in the session, the idea of student-oriented teaching was discussed from different perspectives as well as approaches to motivating students to use current technologies in the educational process.

"I believe that education gives us an opportunity to change our lives for the better," she said.

Anastasiia Pervishko, a senior research scientist from Russia's Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, said that the YSF proved to be a significant platform to foster continued collaboration, drive innovation and chart a course towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the participating nations and the broader Global South.

Pervishko highlighted that the central focus of the forum was to explore and strategise ways to transform skills development, ensuring a prepared and competent workforce for the future.

"Among those in attendance were the exceptional scientists under the age of 40, and all these bright minds convened to discuss a wide range of topics focusing on South Africa’s Societal Grand Challenges," noted Pervishko.

She told delegates that students should be encouraged to adopt a systems thinking approach, in which they consider the interdependence of social, economic and environmental challenges.  She said this holistic approach would allow them to assess complex issues and provide sustainable solutions.

Devanshi Thakur of the Indian Institute of Technology participated in the session titled "The future of education, mindset, and skillset".  As a young scientist herself, she said that the talks initiated were vital and working together was effective.  To her, togetherness is power as it accelerates growth.

Dr Nokuthula Mchunu, Deputy Director of the African Open-Source Platform at the National Research Foundation, spoke about the importance of open science.  Open science inclusively combines various movements and practices and aims to make multilingual scientific knowledge openly available, accessible and reusable for everyone to increase scientific collaborations and the sharing of information to benefit science and society.

Dr Mchunu added that open science also aims to open the processes of scientific knowledge creation, evaluation and communication to societal actors beyond the traditional scientific community.

She encouraged her fellow scientists to continue working to make science more accessible, inclusive and equitable for the benefit of all.