20 July 2024
SDCFA SPONSORS INAUGURAL NSTF–SOUTH32 SCIENCE DIPLOMACY AWARD
The SDCfA proudly partnered with the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) to launch the inaugural Science Diplomacy Award at the prestigious NSTF–South32 Awards Gala Dinner, held on 19 July 2024.
This new award recognises exceptional contributions to impactful scientific solutions or collaborations that benefit South Africa and the African continent, either by an individual or a team, within the last ten years.
The first recipient of this award was Professor Irvy (Igle) Gledhill, Visiting Adjunct Professor at the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Prof. Gledhill was honoured for her outstanding efforts in:
- Building vibrant, inclusive scientific communities where both women and men can thrive;
- Leading the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Working Group on Women in Physics;
- Contributing to the Global Gender Gap Project, which provides global data-driven insight into gender equity in science;
- Convening African and South African scientists to address complex, interdisciplinary “wicked problems” through collaboration and dialogue.
The SDCfA congratulates Prof. Gledhill on this well-deserved recognition, and looks forward to supporting future initiatives that harness science diplomacy for inclusive development, equity, and continental impact.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande (left), Prof. Igle Gledhill (centre), and Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina (right) at the NSTF–South32 Awards Gala Dinner.