Published: June 12 2026
Deadline: July 31 2026
Locations: International
Nominations are invited for the science diplomacy awards taking place at Science Forum South Africa 2026. Eligible individuals and organisations are encouraged to review the details below and submit nominations before the deadline.
About The Awards
The SFSA 2026 Science Diplomacy Awards recognise individuals and organisations who are making an outstanding contribution to furthering science diplomacy. SFSA 2026 seeks to honour those whose work operates at the intersection of science, international cooperation and partnerships, policy advisory services, evidence based decision making, and diplomacy, with demonstrated impact within regional and global scientific communities.
Eligible nominees may include individuals or organisations from sectors such as science, policy making, business, civil society, non governmental organisations, the private sector, media, and related fields, whose contributions have served both national and global interests. Nominations are open to both South African and non South African citizens.
Commitment To Inclusivity
The SFSA 2026 Awards are committed to equal opportunity and inclusivity, irrespective of race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, creed, age, disability, or institutional affiliation. Nominations are encouraged from a broad spectrum of disciplines, organisations, geographic regions, and social backgrounds. All nominees and award recipients are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.
Eligibility Requirements
Nominees are open to both South African citizens as well as non South African citizens. Nominees should have made significant contributions within the science, technology and innovation sector or policy advisory community, particularly in promoting international and global scientific cooperation, partnerships, and stronger connections among societies. Self nominations will not be accepted. Only one nomination per category may be submitted per nominee. Motivation statements for all categories must be limited to a maximum of 600 words.
Award Categories
The science advice that has transcended national and international spheres category recognises a global thought leader who has been able to provide scientific advice nationally and internationally that has had a profound impact on society. These could include contributions to global issues through science such as climate change, social sciences, health and others.
The international STI partnerships category recognises someone who has been instrumental in promoting international science, technology and innovation partnerships with a focus on South Africa. Their individual engagements across institutions and governments are seen as critical for the success of such a partnership.
The international STI partnership contribution to advancing African regional cooperation, integration and development category recognises a champion for Africa STI promotion and implementation striving towards the vision of Agenda 2063.
The recognition of individual effort over a career to put science at service of society and fostering international friendships category recognises an individual who has through the timeline of their career been able to contribute to science and built international networks benefiting South Africa.
The international STI partnership which has achieved excellence in global science category focuses on specific international STI partnerships whether multilateral or bilateral with South Africa that have contributed to excellence in science globally.
The young science diplomat award focuses on a young science diplomat who has consistently built strong relations and facilitated international STI partnerships for the benefit of the South African National System of Innovation. The nominee must be 40 years and below as of 31 July 2026.
The women in science diplomacy award honours outstanding African women advancing science diplomacy, inclusion, and international collaboration.
The science diplomacy award for science engagement celebrates science communicators, media professionals, or institutions improving science engagement across borders.
Award Ceremony
The awards will be presented during the Science Forum SA taking place from 2 to 4 December 2026. The exact date and time will be confirmed once the SFSA 2026 programme is finalised.
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is 31 July 2026.
More Details: SFSA Science Diplomacy Awards
