Science Engagement Strategy-11

Science Engagement
Strategy
Science and society engaging to enrich and improve our lives

Science Engagement Strategy | January 2015
FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................ 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................. 3
1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 The science-society interface............................................................................................ 6
1.2 Policy context................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Operational context and landscape................................................................................... 8
1.4 Scientific (disciplinary) context........................................................................................... 9
2. PURPOSE .............................................................................................................................. 10
3. CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS................................................................................................. 12
3.1 Science and the sciences............................................................................................... 13
3.2 Field definition................................................................................................................. 13
4. PROBLEM STATEMENT......................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Regularisation and coordination of science engagement................................................. 16
4.2 Strategic alignment of science engagement activities...................................................... 16
4.3 Monitoring and evaluation............................................................................................... 16
4.4 Popularisation of science, engineering and technology.................................................... 16
4.5 Developing critical engagement between the public and science..................................... 17
4.6 Science communication and profiling South African science............................................ 18
5. STRATEGIC CONTEXT........................................................................................................... 19
5.1 Vision............................................................................................................................. 20
5.2 Mission........................................................................................................................... 20
5.3 Principles........................................................................................................................ 20
5.4 Strategic aims................................................................................................................. 20
6. STRATEGIC ENABLERS......................................................................................................... 30
6.1 Effective coordinating function........................................................................................ 31
6.2 Institutional and legislative platforms............................................................................... 32
6.3 Funding.......................................................................................................................... 33
6.4 Science engagement information management system................................................... 33
7. INSTITUTIONAL AND SECTORAL ROLES............................................................................. 34
7.1 Department of Science and Technology.......................................................................... 35
7.2 South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement.................................... 35
7.3 Network of collaborating institutions................................................................................ 36
(a) Government entities........................................................................................................ 36
(b) Higher education institutions........................................................................................... 37
(c) Network of science centres............................................................................................. 37
(d) Industry, non-governmental organisations and professional bodies.................................. 37
(e) Society........................................................................................................................... 37
8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION.......................................................................................... 38
TABLE 1: PERFORMANCE INDICATORS..................................................................................... 40
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 42
ABBREVIATIONS.......................................................................................................................... 43
Science Engagement Strategy | January 2015

FOREWORD
South Africa is currently considered one of the is aligned to the national development goals and
most technologically advanced countries in Africa, responsive to real challenges.
and has moved up five places in the 2014 Global
Innovation Index. Ranked 53rd out of 143 countries, This Science Engagement Strategy provides the
South Africa is working to profile its scientific basis for the national coordination of science
achievements and to advance its position among the engagement initiatives that will stimulate an
world’s scientifically and technologically advanced appreciation of the role of science and technology
countries. I believe that South Africa has the potential in building a knowledge-intensive economy and
to be among the world’s top 20 scientifically and a better life for all. The Department of Science
technologically advanced countries. and Technology will collaborate with sectoral and
institutional role players to ensure the dynamic
In order to realise this potential, it will be necessary implementation of this Science Engagement
to accelerate our efforts to build a society that is Strategy to achieve all its goals.
scientifically literate. This means that we must
ensure that our citizens are aware of the importance I urge stakeholders to join hands with the
of science for the growth of the economy and the Department to educate and enthuse every South
well-being of ordinary people, and are sufficiently African about the important role of science in the
informed about science to engage critically with nation’s development.
policymakers. It also means that we must support
science education and promote careers in science.
Science, technology and innovation serve to make

people’s lives easier and more comfortable in
many ways, but may also have negative effects on
society and the environment. A scientifically literate
population will be ready and able to understand
scientific and technological developments, and to
develop informed opinions on whether the science Mrs Naledi Pandor, MP
and technology programme followed by government Minister of Science and Technology
2 Science Engagement Strategy | January 2015

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Modern nations place great emphasis on scientific Strategic Aim 2: To develop a critical public
literacy, as this is seen as a foundation for the that actively engages and participates in the
productive application of science and technology in national discourse of science and technology to
national development. The Department of Science the benefit of society. The Department seeks to
and Technology (DST) has several programmes to provide support to timely, broad dialogues through
improve public understanding of science, scientific managed engagements with key stakeholders
literacy and science engagement. “Science around disputed developments and issues with a
engagement” is an overarching term that includes strong science and technology component. The
the former two concepts, among others. South African Agency for Science and Technology
Advancement (SAASTA) and the Academy of
This Strategy for advancing science engagement in Science of South Africa (ASSAf) are important
South Africa is intended to improve the coordination institutional platforms for this support. Where
of and encourage science promotion, communication necessary, other platforms will be created for public
and engagement activities across the Department, discussions on policy directions regarding the
its entities, higher education institutions, other uptake of new technologies, and policy decisions
government departments, science councils and involving science-driven ventures.
museums, and partners outside the public sector.
Strategic Aim 3: To promote science communication
The Science Engagement Strategy is inclusive of all that will enhance science engagement in South
knowledge fields insofar as it draws on a wider social Africa. Without effective science communication, no
scientific perspective to explore the value of public science engagement is possible. However, science
engagement in the context of a broad, progressive communication is underdeveloped in South Africa,
understanding of “science”. By integrating the both as a professional discipline and as a medium.
natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences Extending traditional journalism to advance
and humanities, it aims to foster better, more science engagement, developing and nurturing the
valuable science engagement. culture of communicating science to the public,
providing incentives for scientists and researchers
The Strategy has been strongly informed by the to communicate their work, and targeting higher
values of contemporary, post-apartheid South Africa, education institutions and school learners will be
most specifically the imperative of empowering its among the interventions to address this aim.
citizens to engage with processes and issues that
affect them. At the core of the Strategy are four Strategic Aim 4: To profile South African science
strategic aims, under which several proposed or and science achievements domestically and
existing interventions or initiatives are outlined. To internationally, demonstrating their contribution to
a great extent, the Department’s existing science national development and global science, thereby
engagement activities already overlap with many of enhancing their public standing. Attention will be
those indicated in this document, but this Strategy focused on profiling, among other things, (a) scientific
provides a systematisation and organisation to areas in which the country has a geographic and/
those initiatives that is intended to enhance their or knowledge advantage, including associated
collective impact. scientific and technological developments; (b) state-
of-the-art research infrastructure that positions
Strategic Aim 1: To popularise science, engineering, South Africa as an international research destination;
technology and innovation as attractive, relevant and (c) local inventions and discoveries that have
and accessible in order to enhance scientific literacy the potential to or have changed the world. Through
and awaken interest in relevant careers. Generally, such efforts, opportunities for science tourism will
these initiatives will fall into three broad categories, be explored.
namely, science for the public, science for education
support, and the promotion of careers in science. The Strategy recognises that the realisation of the
The strengthening of science centres and capacity four strategic aims depends on key enablers that
building for science promotion practitioners are are (a) an effective coordination function to promote
crucial in the popularisation of science. and ensure the strategic and operational alignment
Science Engagement Strategy | January 2015 3

of science engagement initiatives across a wide An implementation plan will be developed and
range of stakeholders, (b) appropriate institutional reviewed on an annual basis in the light of financial
and legislative platforms provided by an enabling and other resource considerations, as well as
regulatory framework through a revision of the changes in the external environment for science
National Research Foundation (NRF) Act to formally engagement. The implementation plan will detail
incorporate science promotion and engagement as precise targets from year to year and prioritise
a mandate of SAASTA within the NRF, (c) funding to the range of interventions to be implemented on
broaden the scope and scale of the DST’s current an annual or medium-term basis. The plan will be
science engagement portfolio, and (d) a science finalised in consultation with SAASTA, which will
engagement information management system. be the Department’s main agent in rolling out the
Science Engagement Strategy.
In order to avoid duplication and the ineffective and
inefficient use of resources, the Science Engagement
Strategy maps out the respective roles and
responsibilities of the various stakeholders whose
contributions are crucial to the implementation of
the Strategy. It also lists performance indicators and
measures that will be used to monitor progress.

INTRODUCTION
Human, social and economic development have been
inextricably linked to the development of science and
technology, for better and for worse.

1. INTRODUCTION the science-society interface has almost certainly
been informed by a greater focus on the socio-
economic roles of science and technology in
1.1 The science-society interface innovation, and the emergence of the national
Human, social and economic development have system of innovation concept. Such systems are
been inextricably linked to the development of now widely regarded as the foundation of national
science and technology, for better and for worse. development and global competitiveness, and it is
In spite of ideological differences, modern nations becoming an economic and political imperative to
seek to enhance the state of their national science, enhance understanding of their dynamics so that
technology and innovation systems, and recognise they can be better managed.
the importance of scientific literacy among their
populations in this imperative. Scientific literacy is In South Africa, the Department of Science and
important for the maintenance and expansion of Technology funds several programmes aimed at
national systems, because it can enhance the appeal enhancing scientific literacy and awareness, and
of science as a career and as a social knowledge through its agencies has implemented a variety
system. However, it is equally important to ensure of initiatives across a wide range of science
that science and technology serve society by and technology fields. Some other government
enabling citizens to engage in debate around matters departments are also active in this area, especially
of public interest that are scientifically or technically those with strong science and technology bases,
complex. such as the Departments of Higher Education
and Training, Environmental Affairs, Energy and, in
Especially since the Second World War, the interplay respect of the palaeosciences, Arts and Culture.
between science and society has been the subject
of fairly extensive study and debate, resulting in the At an operational level, the various initiatives –
establishment of academic programmes on science, especially those of the DST entities – have been
technology and society, and research programmes coordinated to some extent, but it is now necessary
and institutions dedicated to deepening to provide strategic guidance to the DST and its
understanding of this interplay. A lexicon of related partners and stakeholders in their collective effort.
terms and concepts (e.g. “science communication”, This need has become especially acute in view of
“science engagement”, “science diplomacy” and the increasing emphasis placed on science and
“public understanding of science and technology”) technology in national development at the highest
has emerged, and many governments have political levels. The Science Engagement Strategy
established a wide range of initiatives to stimulate serves that purpose.
science literacy and public engagement with
science and technology. Especially in the past two 1.2 Policy context
or three decades, the global trend toward a more The imperative for South Africa’s national system
systematised understanding and management of of innovation to contribute to the creation of a
sustainable and prosperous society that derives
enduring and equitable benefits from science and
technology has informed and been expressed
in several high-level policy documents in the
past decade.
Most recently, the 2012 National Development Plan

(NDP) highlighted science and technology as one of
seven key drivers of development, beginning with
the following statement: “Developments in science
and technology are fundamentally altering the way
people live, connect, communicate and transact,
with profound effects on economic development.
Science and technology are key to development,
because technological and scientific revolutions

underpin economic advances, improvements in By the time the Department formulated its Ten-Year
health systems, education and infrastructure” (p 70). Innovation Plan for South Africa (TYIP), the above
The importance of scientific knowledge and literacy conceptual approach had become more nuanced
is reflected in the statement that the “extent to in that the dialectic relationship between science
which developing economies emerge as economic and society was recognised: “Government’s starting
powerhouses depends on their ability to grasp and point is that the members of [the] public are not
apply insights from science and technology and merely passive recipients of science and technology,
use them creatively” (p 71). While the NDP focuses but are important players in processes that shape
extensively on the application of science and the focus and patterns of science, technology and
technology in national development, it also makes development.” However, the TYIP contextualised the
reference to the corollary of their effective application – imperative “to support the public understanding of
the importance of scientific literacy – in the statement and engagement with science” specifically in terms
that to “promote technological advances, developing of the Human and Social Dynamics Grand Challenge
countries should invest in education for youth ... and – the purpose of which is to develop a scientific
should ensure that knowledge is shared as widely as understanding of the nature of social change in
possible across society” (p 72). order to better anticipate, promote, steer, mitigate
against or adapt to it – and not in terms of the more
In 2002 the National Research and Development general aim of developing a scientifically literate
Strategy (NRDS) committed the Department to the society. Nevertheless, the 1996 White Paper on
establishment of an “Institute for the Promotion Science and Technology acknowledges that building
of Science” through the transformation of the
a strong national system of innovation requires
Foundation for Engineering, Science and Technology.
a society that values and understands science
The strategy projected extensive investment by
and technology as social tools, and their role in
the Department in science promotion, focused
sustainable development. The construction of such
specifically on the need to “make science attractive,
a society requires science engagement programmes
accessible and relevant through media, public
that (a) increase familiarity with the natural world;
engagement and promotional programmes”, to
(b) promote understanding of some key science
“attract learners into science and technology
through … large public science programmes”, and and technology concepts; (c) foster the ability to
to “massify a number of public understanding and use science and technology to enhance personal,
engagement activities”, including “out-of-school social, economic and community development;
maths and science programmes to increase the and (d) demonstrate science, engineering and
number of matriculants achieving university entrance technology as social tools.
in Mathematics and Science [programmes]”, as
well the “enhanced use of the media to promote Most recently, the Ministerial Review Committee on
mathematics, science and computing subject the Science, Technology and Innovation Landscape
choices among learners”. in South Africa (2012) commented on two aspects
of the public promotion and awareness of science.
The above quotations highlight the implicit assumption
in the NRDS that the systematic and focused
provision of adequate information about science
and technology would serve to interest more people
(especially learners) in science and generally improve
public appreciation of science and technology. Within
the field of science and society studies, this approach
has come to be known as the “deficit model” for
science promotion and communication; the strategic
framework presented here goes beyond that model.
Moreover, although the Institute for the Promotion of
Science was not established, the functions that were
envisaged for it have largely been accommodated
in SAASTA, which operates as a branch of the
National Research Foundation.

First, it focused on the utility value of society’s society” activities, such as “science promotion”,
“appetite for innovation” to the national system “science engagement”, “science awareness”,
of innovation that would result from an enhanced “science communication”, and “public understanding
understanding of science. It argued that this appetite of science and technology”. In later sections, this
should be fostered by well-designed and well- Strategy standardises the application of these terms,
executed interventions using the media, the systemic settling on “science engagement” as most apt to
upgrading of among others the science centres, and describe the DST’s strategic purpose in this domain.
public merit awards in the form of medals or prizes. However, until then, these terms will still be used
Second, the committee recognised the importance somewhat interchangeably in reference to existing
of “bringing scientists and the public into open DST initiatives. It is in this context that the scope of
debate concerning topics of pressing interest”, and this Strategy also extends to the notion of science
advocated the use of consensus conferences as communication.
an instrument to advance informed public input on
science-heavy policy issues. 1.3 Operational context and landscape
Although the Department had not previously The science engagement programme led by the
formulated a high-level framework or strategy for its DST, which started with the 1998 Year of Science
science promotion activities, those activities have and Technology under the then Department of
been guided by two documents formulated around Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, has evolved
the DST science centre programme, namely (a) the significantly over the past 15 years.
Framework for the Promotion of Excellence in a
National Network of Science Centres (2012), and (b) Developments to date in this regard include the
the National Roll-out Plan for a Network of Science Department’s establishment of a reliable network
Centres in South Africa (2006), the latter formulated for collaboration in implementing its science
in response to the NRDS. Moreover, in clarifying engagement activities. The network includes
its mandate around education, especially science the higher education sector, science councils,
and technology education, the DST has adopted state-owned enterprises, the corporate and non-
a Framework of DST activities in support of basic governmental sectors, science centres, and
education, and the Human Capital Development government departments (national, provincial and
Strategy for Research, Innovation and Scholarship; local), particularly those with science and technology
the former is particularly relevant to this document. activities. Its science engagement portfolio includes
general science engagement activities (such as the
Lastly, the Department has used various terms annual National Science Week), as well as content-
interchangeably in reference to its “science and driven engagement activities meant to create public

awareness in priority areas of the Department, such Chairs Initiative (SARChI), a chair for science
as astronomy or palaeosciences. communication has been established as part of
the Department’s unfolding science engagement
Partner institutions act as delivery agents for the programme.
DST’s science awareness activities, as well as
implementing their own science engagement 1.4 Scientific (disciplinary) context
activities using their own financial resources.
However, the majority of DST science awareness Often when the science-society interface is
programmes are implemented through SAASTA, considered, a focus on the role of the natural and
a business unit of the NRF. The Human Sciences physical sciences eclipses the humanities and social
Research Council (HSRC), also a DST entity, is sciences (HSS). However, the latter have made very
integral to the monitoring and evaluation endeavours important theoretical, historical and philosophical
that accompany the implementation of the DST’s contributions to the understanding of this interface,
science engagement programmes. All DST entities often being at the forefront of debates related to this
maintain science and/or corporate communication broad topic. In part, the distance of HSS researchers
functions that promote public appreciation of the from the practice of natural and physical sciences
DST entities through the dissemination of information may play a role in their critical contributions to this
about their scientific activities and contributions. The field, and for this reason the Science Engagement
DST Science Communication division coordinates Strategy recognises specific contributions that HSS
these activities. researchers can make across the full spectrum of
science communication and public engagement
The network of institutions collaborating with the DST practice, from the dissemination of knowledge to
in the delivery of science engagement programmes consultation and collaboration. Moreover, the HSS
includes science centres, which constitute the basic disciplines are well placed to engage with debates
infrastructure for science engagement. around the role of the HSS in the public sphere,
the theory and practice of public engagement,
The internationalisation of science engagement has and how this plays out in the current public
seen South Africa participating in discussions on higher education and research sector, including the
improving dialogue with society on scientific issues focus on demonstrating the impact of research in
(such as nanotechnology and biotechnology) under the HSS.
the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development Global Science Forum, In fact, in the context of this Strategy, the HSS
as well as hosting international conferences. These disciplines have a unique contribution to make to –
conferences include the 7th International Network on
Public Communication of Science and Technology in • enhancing dialogue on science in public debate;
2002, the International Workshop on the Changing • enabling members of the public to have greater
Roles of Science Centres under the auspices of the confidence in the ways in which scientific insight
Non-Aligned Movement Science and Technology is applied by government and other sectors;
Centre in 2008, and the 6th Science Centre World
Congress in 2011. •
improving the interaction between academic
researchers and public policymakers;
DST-led science engagement programmes are • engaging with the public to strengthen the case for
gradually becoming an instrument that enhances increased funding for the HSS;
the country’s international relations. Science
engagement activities featured in the celebrations of • stimulating greater public interest and enthusiasm
the German-South Africa Year of Science 2012/2013. for the HSS;
Furthermore, in the past five years, South Africa • contributing to greater public understanding of
participated in at least one science engagement science and the importance of evidence, and
initiative hosted by another African country every understanding uncertainty;
year. Mozambique, Lesotho, Uganda and Namibia
are some of the countries that are collaborating with • engaging scholarship that produces co-created,
South Africa on science engagement programmes. self-reflective knowledge and new formations of
Lastly, under the DST-NRF South African Research community in the process.

PURPOSE
This document is intended to provide an overarching
structure for advancing science promotion and
engagement in South Africa

2. PURPOSE
This document is intended to provide an overarching of the DST, its entities and strategic partners, and
structure for advancing science promotion and seeks to influence other government departments
engagement in South Africa, in pursuit of a to support similar initiatives. It enjoins the private
society that understands and values science and public sectors, through the work of different
and technology and their critical role in national government departments and their agencies,
prosperity and sustainable development, and as well as institutions such as higher education
engages critically in their development. As such, the institutions, science councils and museums, which
Strategy guides the coordinated development and play a significant role in science promotion and
implementation of individual and collective science engagement, to work together toward realising the
promotion and engagement initiatives on behalf aims of this Strategy.

CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this discussion, the Science
Engagement Strategy embraces a broad
understanding of “science” and “the sciences”

3. CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS
3.1 Science and the sciences or society. This is usually passed down from
generation to generation by word of mouth. It is
For the purposes of this discussion, the Science
the basis for agriculture, fishing, health care, food
Engagement Strategy embraces a broad
preparation, education, carpentry, tool making,
understanding of “science” and “the sciences”,
environmental conservation and a host of other
encompassing systematic knowledge spanning
activities (Fien, 2010).
natural and physical sciences, engineering sciences,
medical sciences, agricultural sciences, mathematics, • Public awareness of science aims to stimulate
social sciences and humanities, technology, all awareness of and positive attitudes to or opinions
aspects of the innovation chain and indigenous about science (Burns, O’Connor and Stocklmayer,
knowledge. Public engagement requires awareness 2003).
and the discussion of not only scientific and technical • Public understanding of science focuses on
matters, but also of societal and attitudinal aspects. understanding science, its content and processes,
as well as social factors (Burns, O’Connor and
The role of HSS cannot be understated in the context Stocklmayer, 2003).
of this document. Research in these disciplines • Scientific literacy is where people are aware of,
enriches and informs social, economic and cultural interested and involved in, form opinions about
well-being, and provides the context in which policy and seek to understand science (Burns, O’Connor
and technological innovations can advance. The and Stocklmayer, 2003).
disciplines have an important role to play in the
• Scientific culture is a society-wide environment
development of critical and independent thinking,
that appreciates and supports science and
which is key to a healthy and vibrant democracy –
scientific literacy. It has important social and
and the effectiveness of science. HSS researchers
aesthetic aspects (Burns, O’Connor and
are well placed to assist efforts to engage the public’s
Stocklmayer, 2003).
interest in the challenges facing society today, as well
as contributing knowledge and understanding in this • Science communication is defined as the use
regard, and can influence public debate, which can of appropriate skills, media, activities and dialogue
in turn affect policy development. Research in these to produce one or more of the following personal
disciplines also plays an essential role in enabling responses to science: awareness, interest,
society to anticipate, and respond to, unexpected enjoyment, opinion-forming and understanding
challenges and change. (Burns, O’Connor and Stocklmayer, 2003).
• C orporate communication refers to the
3.2 Field definition message issued by a corporate organisation,
body, or institute to its publics. Publics can be
The meaning of science communication and other
both internal (employees or stakeholders) and
terms used in the field of scientific literacy has been
external (media, government, industry bodies
plagued by an unfortunate lack of clarity. Terms
and institutes, and the general public). Corporate
such as “public awareness of science”, “public
communications help organisations explain their
understanding of science”, “scientific literacy” and
mission and combine its many visions and values
“scientific culture” are often used interchangeably.
Although they have much in common, and their into a cohesive message to stakeholders (IACACT,
aims are broadly compatible, they have different 2012).
philosophies, approaches and emphases. • Science diplomacy is the use of scientific
collaborations among nations to address common
A broad range of field perspectives and definitions problems and to build constructive international
exist in the literature on science literacy, science partnerships (Wikipedia, 2017).
engagement and related topics, but for the purposes • Public engagement with science refers to
of this document, the following basic definitions have activities, events, or interactions characterised
been adopted: by mutual learning – using a dialogue approach,
• Indigenous knowledge refers to the local not one-way transmission from “experts” to
knowledge that is unique to a given culture publics – among people of varied backgrounds,

scientific expertise and life experiences, who For the purposes of this Strategy, the use of the
articulate and discuss their perspectives, ideas, overarching term “science engagement” includes
knowledge and values (McCallie et al., 2009). all aspects of public engagement with science,
The philosophy espoused is for a holistic and science communication, science literacy and science
normative epistemology that is oriented towards outreach and awareness. In other words, reference to
the development and happiness of the individual the DST science engagement portfolio incorporates
and society, while affirming the validity of all activities across the span of science literacy initiatives
knowledge systems (local and global). outlined above. This aligns with current international
practice.
From a citizen-centred approach, public engagement
is seen to allow people to join the public dialogue It is important to note that the iterative, discursive or
about a problem, and provides them with tools to dialectical engagement with science and technology
do so productively (Public Agenda, 2008). The two- across different social actors, as implied here by the
way dialogue model emphasises the importance concept of public engagement, is also much better
of listening and interaction as key characteristics aligned to the contemporary democratic ethos
of public engagement and is inclusive of issues of South Africa than a more unilateral, top-down
from a combination of scientific, social, political approach (the deficit model) would be.
and technical perspectives. Upstream engagement
attempts to capture public involvement in setting the
values and priorities that direct scientific research,
are more often attempted in applied research areas
like nanotechnology.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
This section outlines six key areas in which interventions
are required to enhance the combined impact of the
DST’s science engagement portfolio

4. PROBLEM STATEMENT
As mentioned before, despite the absence of a while the imperative of encouraging a more active
coordinating framework, the DST and its partners and critically reflective engagement with science
have initiated numerous science engagement has been underserviced. Similarly, DST-supported
activities in the past decade. This section outlines science awareness activities have to some extent
six key areas in which interventions are required to been informed by the notion that they can have a
enhance the combined impact of the DST’s science measurable impact on the number of school learners
engagement portfolio. pursuing science subjects and science careers,
whereas the DST’s resources and mandate permit
4.1 Regularisation and coordination of exposure to only a very small fraction of learners, and
science engagement can therefore not make a systemic impact at that
level. This Strategy is required to improve the balance
Although there have been significant developments
in the portfolio of activities and sharpen its focus.
with regard to the DST-led science engagement
programmes, there are several shortcomings in
the system, which this Strategy seeks to address.
4.3 Monitoring and evaluation
Firstly, coordination of the science engagement Ensuring a deep, lasting impact from the DST’s
programmes has so far been pursued on an ad hoc science engagement programmes is critical, but
basis, with SAASTA playing a related role without very difficult in the absence of a coordinated effort
a formal mandate and with inadequate resources in this regard. Currently, effective monitoring and
(financial or human). In terms of the current National evaluation instruments are lacking, as are meaningful
Research Foundation Act, 1998 (Act No. 23 of indicators to measure outcomes and impact (besides
1998), science engagement is not formally part of the attendance figures). On the same note, evaluations
organisation’s mandate. Secondly, a more systematic are done mainly on activities, like the 10-year review
approach to the coordination of science engagement of National Science Week in 2011. This framework
activities across the DST entities is required, and this will encourage a more coordinated and systematic
Strategy is intended to serve that purpose. approach to monitoring and evaluation.
Thirdly, the formulation of this Strategy will 4.4 Popularisation of science,

systematise a programme of science engagement engineering and technology
activities, which ought over time to allow an increase
in the resources allocated to science activities. In The NRDS recommended support for interventions
2014/15 the entire portfolio was valued at about to increase participation and performance of
R70 million per annum, of which almost one fifth disadvantaged learners in mathematics and science,
was dedicated to just one event – National Science as well as attracting matriculants to degree and
Week. The remainder of the allocation is dedicated postgraduate courses in science, engineering and
to a wide range of other science engagement technology (SET). For example, over the 2008 to
activities, including support to science centres, which 2013 period, the number of learners who wrote
constitute a key institutional platform for delivering Physical Science dropped by 15%, while the number
on science engagement, but which are seriously of those who wrote Mathematics declined by 19%
underfunded at present. in national senior certificate examinations. At higher
education institution level, total enrolment in science
4.2 Strategic alignment of science and technology majors (including health sciences)
increased only marginally, from 29% in 2005 to 34%
engagement activities
in 2012. Neither of these examples bode well for
The DST science engagement programme has been South Africa’s ambitions with regard to science,
largely constructed from the bottom up in an activity- technology and innovation.
driven approach, in the absence of a strategy. This
has led to several imbalances in the portfolio of Popularising science, engineering and technology is
activities and their content. For example, activities an important intervention to draw more learners into
have mostly lent toward initiatives of the science science, especially if the focus is not only on the
awareness or public understanding of science type, learners, but also on their parents. However, on its

own, this is not enough to ensure significant growth Australian science engagement activities (Metcalfe,
in the number of students enrolling for science Alford and Shore, 2012).
degrees, or the number of parents encouraging
their children in this regard – several concomitant South Africa is a democratic, constitutional state that
interventions outside the mandate of the DST are guarantees public participation in policy development.
also required, e.g. improving the skills of Science Before a Bill becomes law, it goes through various
and Mathematics teachers, the provision of exciting stages, including being published in the Government
and modern laboratories and equipment in all Gazette for public comment. Meaningful public
schools, and the provision of broadband Internet participation in policy development, to safeguard
connectivity to all schools. This Strategy seeks to the people of South Africa and their environment,
maximise the DST contributions to popularising is crucial at all times. Controversial debates such
science and technology, but within the limits of the as those around hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo,
DST’s mandate and resources. the provision of nuclear energy, using genetically
modified crops for food, stem cell technologies,
4.5 Developing critical engagement and nanotechnology should be accessible to all
members of society rather than only a small part of
between the public and science
the population. The area of indigenous knowledge
Existing science engagement programmes are biased is of specific reference here, as public and scientific
towards the youth. More than 70% of the participants engagement around this topic is largely ill-informed
in National Science Week, which is the DST’s science and historically and/or culturally biased, under-
engagement flagship activity, are school learners in mining the development of rational management
the further education and training band. Schoolgoing approaches.
learners on average constitute more than 68% of the
visitors to local science centres. While most current The above imperative – empowering the general
science engagement activities in South Africa aim to public to engage critically with science and
increase awareness about science, make science technology – means that it is necessary to empower
fun or more appealing, or support educational “science” as a social phenomenon to engage the
programmes, few aim to encourage critical thinking public. In practice, this could mean, for example,
about and engagement with scientific issues among ensuring regular exposure of science practitioners
the general public. This is not unlike the situation (i.e. scientists and researchers) to platforms in which
found in other countries, e.g. in a recent audit of they need to communicate their craft in accessible

ways to the general public. Through such two-way journalism, and the general coverage of science,
engagement the dialectical relation between science technology and innovation in the media. Very few
and society can begin to be shaped and to inform media houses have in-house science journalists, or
the development of science in the true national set aside regular space for science articles. The third
interest. area in which science communication can and must
be improved is within the scientific fraternity and its
4.6 Science communication and relevant institutions.
profiling South African science
There is no coordinated effort to promote South
While the DST and its entities have been fairly Africa’s scientific profile internationally beyond
successful in profiling specific South African science, isolated exhibitions such as the 2010 Shanghai
technology and innovation successes – in areas such Expo in China in which South Africa participated.
as HIV/Aids, astronomy and the palaeosciences Consistent participation by South Africans in the
– there is general agreement that more can be European Union Framework Programmes, the latest
achieved in terms of profiling science generally, and iteration of which is the Horizon 2020 programme,
more consistently. For the purpose of this Strategy, under the European-South African Science and
there are three important areas in which improvement Technology Advancement Programme, provides
is needed. The first has to do with improvements local researchers with opportunities to partner
that could be achieved in corporate communications with European researchers. While this creates and
efforts within the DST stable. The second has to harnesses research collaborations, it does not
do with a shortage of science communication constitute science communication in the broader
skills outside the DST, its entities, and other public sense of this Strategy. A holistic plan to profile South
science councils, specifically in the realm of science African science internationally is still required.

STRATEGIC CONTEXT
A stimulated and engaged South African society that
is inspired by and values scientific endeavour, critically
engages with key science and technology issues

5. S
TRATEGIC CONTEXT
5.1 Vision • Interdisciplinarity is essential to the impact of
science engagement; no single scientific discipline
A stimulated and engaged South African society
has sufficient scope to develop understanding
that is inspired by and values scientific endeavour,
and shape the complexity of the science-society
critically engages with key science and technology
interface.
issues, and participates in a fully representative
innovative science and technology workforce.
5.4 Strategic aims
5.2 Mission In response to the above challenges and the
overarching purpose of this Strategy, its aims have
To support and promote communication about and been defined as follows:
engagement with science to diverse constituents at
all levels of society, using the most appropriate and • To popularise science, engineering, technology and
innovative means, and guided by the basic principles innovation as attractive, relevant and accessible in
set out below. order to enhance scientific literacy and awaken
interest in relevant careers.
5.3 Principles • To develop a critical public that actively engages
and participates in the national discourse of
In striving to remain relevant to the internal science and technology to the benefit of society.
and external operational environment, science
engagement will uphold the country’s constitution • To promote science communication that will
and advance the NDP. To this end, the following enhance science engagement in South Africa.
basic principles will underpin the DST-led science • To profile South African science and science
engagement programmes: achievements domestically and internationally,
demonstrating their contribution to national
• Access to information will be upheld to actively development and global science, thereby
promote a society in which there is effective enhancing their public standing.
access to information that enables citizens to
exercise and protect their rights fully. Appropriate, In the following section the above strategic aims are
targeted communication tools will be used to discussed in some detail, after which examples are
reach different types of audiences. given of interventions the Department will, or will
• South Africa is a multicultural society, characterised continue to, support, initiate or explore in pursuit of
by many languages, and several ethnic and each specific strategic aim.
religious groups. Implementation of this Strategy
should promote respect for human dignity and
cultural, language and religious diversity. Strategic Aim 1:
• Opportunities will be created to support and To popularise science, engineering, technology
influence the development of science, engineering and innovation as attractive, relevant and
and technology human capital (including accessible in order to enhance scientific literacy
supporting basic education). and awaken interest in relevant careers.
•
Opportunities will be sought to enhance the
The popularisation of science and technology is
intentions of the Strategy by interfacing science
broadly understood as the system of measures
and technology with indigenous knowledge
aimed at the dissemination, appropriation and
systems.
valuing of science and technology goods, which
• The Strategy will use science engagement to include critical thought, ideas and values, the
strengthen South Africa’s international collabo- history and sociology of scientific knowledge,
rations. how science is practised, and the results of
• The popularisation of science should be guided scientific research and technological development
by the core principles of ethics and social (Workshop on the Popularization of Science and
responsibility. Technology, 2004).

Generally, initiatives towards achieving this aim will fall and accurate information to promote transparency
into three broad categories, which are not mutually in line with the Constitution. Science popularisation
exclusive, but are helpful in achieving focus and promoted by this Strategy will seek to create an
improving coordination. They are as follows: atmosphere that enables the public to engage with
both the positive and the negative consequences of
(a) Science for the public science and technology.
The 2013 South African Social Attitudes Survey,
which incorporated questions to determine the (b) Science education support
public’s attitude to science in South Africa, showed Some science and mathematics Olympiads and
some stability in attitudes to science for the 1999 competitions, like the local Eskom Expo for Young
to 2013 period. The emerging trends are somewhat Scientists, provide schoolgoing aspirant scientists
contradictory. The majority of South Africans said with an opportunity to communicate science, as they
they believed that science and technology (a) make have to explain their science projects to other people.
their lives easier, healthier and more comfortable; (b) Learners’ involvement enables them to refine and
make their work more interesting; and (c) provide display their own understanding of the knowledge
more opportunities for the future. However, at the and techniques acquired from the formal classroom
same time, they expressed concern that science was teaching and learning provided by basic education.
changing their way of life too fast, and that there is Part of what has started emerging from the tracking
too much dependence on science and not enough of the DST’s Talent Development Programme is that
on faith. Worryingly, between 1999 and 2013, there learners in this programme, who participated in such
was a slight overall weakening in (positive) attitudes Olympiads and competitions, achieved better marks
of promise and an overall strengthening in (negative) in Mathematics and Physical Science than those who
attitudes of reservation (Reddy et al., 2013). did not participate.
In addition to intentions to improve the public’s (c) Careers in science

attitude to science, the fact that science and Provision of information about careers in science
technology affects everyone’s life means that the is crucial in increasing the number of students
public must be provided with timely, accessible that follow science-based careers. Owing to the

historical exclusion of the majority of South Africa’s • Improving the technical support provided to the
population from most science-based career paths, organisers of science engagement activities
an understanding of such careers is still not deeply (including science centres and science festivals) to
embedded in most South African families, who increase the number and diversity of new science
are thus not in the best position to guide their engagement programmes in the country.
children in this regard. Significantly, this constraint • Encouraging science and mathematics Olympiads
also sometimes applies to science teachers, who as a means of stimulating learners’ interest and
have themselves often not developed the requisite participation in science.
understanding necessary to provide career advice to
• Continuing to support mass participation activities
learners. Considerable work has been undertaken to
such as National Science Week and science
close this gap, but the intention is that every learner
festivals, while aligning their implementation
or student should be exposed to career information
strategies with the aims of this Strategy.
and opportunities for discussion with scientists,
engineers and technologists (role modelling). • Implementing the existing framework of the DST’s
activities in support of basic education.
Proposed interventions • C ontinuing to produce the annual science,
engineering and technology career booklet.
• Exploring the feasibility of establishing a flagship
• Collaborating with ASSAf in piloting inquiry-
national science and technology museum or
based science education in science centres.
centre, to act as the focal point for national science
(The approach enables learners to develop
engagement activities, and in due course perhaps
understanding about the scientific aspects of the
as the home of a national science engagement
world around them through the development and
institute.
use of inquiry skills).
• Strengthening the national network of science
centres by (a) upgrading existing science centres,
and (b) establishing new science centres in
strategic locations.

technology. Given the persistent wide divergence in
Strategic Aim 2: educational levels and exposure to science across
To develop a critical public that actively engages South African society, and their very strong correlation
and participates in the national discourse of with economic and political power, empowerment
science and technology to the benefit of society. (especially of poor and marginal populations) is
also critical for the development of their self-esteem
Science and technology are not carried out in a and belonging, and hence to the project of nation-
social vacuum, but are affected by a range of social building.
actors in social settings. Researchers (in public and
private research institutions) define research and Actively fostering dialogue about science with society
development questions under the influence of those within a developing knowledge economy will be
who finance the research (government and industry), strengthened by –
while the latter are influenced to a greater or lesser
extent by the electorate or shareholders. This chain • a lively and active civil society (e.g. associations,
of socio-economic and socio-political relations co-operatives and non-governmental organisations)
ultimately shapes the science and technology that that widely recognises the need for public
emerge. It is the duty of progressive government to participation in science and technology;
enable citizens to exercise authority over this chain • the emergence of new groups of stakeholders and
not only through procedural democracy (regular recognition for stakeholders’ practical knowledge;
elections), but also by empowering its citizenry to
• a strong participatory tradition in areas of technology
engage with substantive questions relating to the
assessment and environmental decision-making,
national science and technology enterprise, and to
e.g. consensus conferences and scenario
help shape its agenda directly in terms of what sort
workshops;
of science is undertaken and to what end, and whose
interests are served. • an active attempt by the academic sector to bridge
the gap between higher education institutions and
Traditionally, citizen engagement with science in the public (community engagement);
many countries has largely centred on questions • increased access to scientific knowledge for the
of environmental issues, health, education, labour, public at local and municipal levels;
housing and developmental issues. In modern • a stronger focus on the applicability of science
societies, science and technology are now at the (solving practical problems) and cooperation with
heart of enormous change happening at ever-
other societal actors (e.g. formal dialogue across
increasing speeds. For example, it is recognised that
sectoral divides such as between the public and
virtually every aspect of modern life has been touched
the private sector, or with labour).
by some form of information and communication
technology, and major advances in computing
South African society has made significant progress
are raising ethical questions about personal and
in many of the above areas. A specifically powerful
corporate privacy, international security, and politics,
among other things. Social media have opened up example can be found in the history and activities of
public spaces for community activism, presenting a the Treatment Action Campaign, a civic NGO focused
communication platform for debate, thus increasing on HIV/Aids issues. The Treatment Action Campaign
the possibility of robust public participation. Despite successfully encouraged public participation in the
advances, tensions remain at various levels and debate around antiretroviral roll-out in South Africa
may include the nature of relationships between and, through this, arguably effected a major shift in
civil society and the state, considerations of private prevailing public policy on HIV/Aids treatment. This
benefit or public good, perceptions of consultation example demonstrated how enhanced understanding
or subtle manipulation, and questions of economic of the key scientific issues (e.g. that the HIV virus
viability or exploitation. causes Aids, that transmission of the virus spreads
the disease, and that treatment with antiretrovirals
In the South African context of a politically pluralistic slows the negative impact on health) can result in
society committed to open, transparent democracy, massive changes to the roll-out of science-intense
it thus remains important to empower citizens to interventions through scientifically informed social
engage in debate on issues relating to science and action.

Other examples can be found in the fracking and marketing. The media have generally contributed to
nuclear energy debates, where both sides of the enabling debate, as well as organising and structuring
debate claim scientific superiority for their facts it. They are also instrumental in informing the public
and figures, with government intent on pursuing on many matters that might otherwise have been
both fracking and nuclear energy as vehicles for ignored. This focus stresses a broader inclusion of
future economic growth. Technology transfer all media platforms for engagement with science
and communication platforms like the Risk and matters. Examples of current initiatives include the
Vulnerability Atlas have been introduced by the NRF’s “Science for Society” lecture series, media
DST to assist national, provincial and local target round tables, and the Wits Radio Academy show
groups with spatial-based risk and vulnerability “The Science Inside”.
information. The National Recordal System is
knowledge infrastructure for the documentation and Proposed interventions
management of indigenous knowledge systems, and • Encouraging researchers and research institutions
its carefully negotiated introduction to indigenous to systematise science outreach and/or science
communities – accompanied by relevant training – engagement activities in alignment with the level
is proving to be instrumental in empowering those of research resources allocated to them. For
communities to manage their intellectual property example, all centres of excellence and SARChI
and defend it against external threats. The DST chairs will be encouraged to present their work to
supports science outreach activities across many of non-scientific audiences on a regular basis.
its science programmes, including nanotechnology,
biotechnology, palaeosciences and astronomy. • Exploring the feasibility of incorporating science
However, future science and society dialogue will outreach as a formal component of continuing
need to anticipate increasing pressure from lobby professional development obligations for
groups and the prevention of bias, confusion between professional scientists registered with the South
risk and uncertainty, debates starting too early or, African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
more often, too late, traditions of representative • Exploring, with the NRF, the feasibility of integrating
democracy, the sometimes emotional responses of wider societal input in the formulation of research
the public, and procuring legitimate roles for NGOs questions or priorities at both programme and
in the science and technology debate. project level.
• Establishing sector-specific science outreach and/
The proposed initiatives in this thrust may be or engagement activities, such as the Science,
organised under the following broad categories: Technology and Innovation Summit that seeks
specifically to facilitate cooperation between public
(a) Citizen-centred dialogues and industry-based research institutions.
There is already a large reservoir of experiences of • Ensuring that science communication strategies
dialogue formats, both nationally and internationally, and interventions are informed by the strategic
including consensus conferences, focus groups, priority of developing a critical public that engages
referendums, and citizen juries, as well as games in the science and technology discourse to the
like PlayDecide that foster citizen debate. Regular benefit of society, meaning that their content will
dialogues on key science, technology and innovation reflect the socio-economic complexities and trade-
topics should be built into the fabric our society. offs that accompany different technologies.
• Encouraging DST entities to implement inter-
(b) Public engagement in research ventions that deepen the dialectical engagement
This aspect includes considerations of research between science and society, by strengthening
agenda setting, community engagement, and the society’s capacity to reflect critically on science-
dissemination of research results in consultation with related matters. ASSAf’s approach to consensus
communities. Higher education institutions and ASSAf reports and conferences should be broadened to
will be closest to this aspect of critical dialogue. include non-specialist members of civil society.
• Requesting that new and existing DST programmes
(c) Media as a form of dialogue between consider establishing science engagement
science and society components as an integral part of the programme
This looks beyond the use of media for traditional and its budget, as has already been done with

several programmes, including those for the public make moral judgments about science. In
palaeosciences, indigenous knowledge systems, South Africa, various studies have shown neglect
astronomy and marine sciences. by the media in reporting science, with exceptions
•
Continuing to support science engagement in the field of the environment, health and medicine
activities and increasing support as resources (Claassen, 2011).
permit; this applies to interventions such as
National Science Week and science festivals. Yet in Africa, very few studies have systematically
investigated the volume, quality, scope, and
perceptions of the coverage of science and
Strategic Aim 3: technology. One such study by Rooyen (2002) –
cited in Makerere University (2011) – examined the
To promote science communication that will state of science and technology coverage in the
enhance science engagement in South Africa. print media of South Africa, concluding that there
were relatively few science and technology articles
Empowering public science engagement necessarily in the sample of newspapers studied. One can
requires effective communication about science, assume there may be several reasons for this, chief
which in turn requires that (a) the content and medium among these being that “science” in general is not
of the communication delivers on its purpose, and (b) considered newsworthy, apart from specific important
the skills of the communicators are adequate to the or spectacular breakthroughs, and that there is a
task. These imperatives will be dealt with separately dearth of science communication and journalism
below. skills among scientists, science institutions, and the
media.
(a) Science communication media
The content and medium of any science Proposed interventions
communication need to be informed after due
consideration and with respect for the target • Promoting online interactions (e.g. on Facebook
community. It has been demonstrated that the and Twitter) as an effective medium for the
medium of the public communication of science scientific community to engage with each other
(science books, press articles, audio-visual material, and for engagement between the scientific and
and activities such as visits to science museums) the non-scientific communities.
plays a significant role in awakening a vocation
for science (Stekolschik et al., 2010). The need
for greater scientific engagement and an ability to
assess the credibility of scientific information remains
a critical priority in most societies.
In terms of communicating science, the media are

seen as brokers between science and the public,
framing the social reality for their readers and
shaping the public consciousness about science-
related events. They are, for many readers, the only
accessible source of information about science and
technology. In short, the way people understand
science and technology is influenced to a significant
degree by media coverage, interpretation and
presentation (Makerere University, 2011).
The public awareness of scientific issues and

discoveries, and the way scientifically illiterate
members of the public generally interpret and use
them, are closely linked to the role of media in
reporting on science and technology. The media
generally constitute the forum through which the

• Promoting face-to-face events such as public (b) Science communication as a professional
lectures and science cafés, particularly as part field
of the effort to develop a critical public that Claassen (2011) reports that of all South African
actively engages and participates in the national newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations or
discourse on science and technology. These Internet news sites, only one has a structured and
events will add to existing interventions such as organised science desk managed by a designated
the NRF’s “Science for Society” lectures, which are science editor with a team of trained science
delivered by the research chairs, and the annual journalists. At higher education institutions, only the
Palaeontological Scientific Trust lectures. Stellenbosch University Department of Journalism
• Improving the use of traditional journalism (print offers a module in science and technology journalism.
and broadcast) to advance science engagement, Hence, supporting and building professional science
and the relations between scientists and media. journalism and communication in the South African
context remains a strategic imperative if the country
• Developing and nurturing the culture of
is to invest in, build and sustain the relationship
communicating science to the public, targeting
between science and society.
existing scientists and researchers, and aspirant
scientists at higher education institution and
Furthermore, in general, no training in science
school levels. Activities like science, technology,
communication is required of or provided to
engineering, mathematics and innovation
postgraduate science students or researchers.
Olympiads and competitions are useful in
identifying aspirant scientists at school level who
Science communication cuts across all of the
would be equipped with skills to communicate
strategic aims of this Strategy, and if science
their scientific work to the public.
communication is to play a meaningful catalytic
• Creating an incentive scheme to encourage role in our science engagement programmes, it is
scientists and researchers to communicate important to develop the necessary capacity.
science to the public.
• Promoting the communication of science using the Locally, science communication capacity building is
arts and performing arts. characterised by infrequent workshops, which are not

accredited, usually organised by a higher education have established academic training programmes
institution or the local journalism community of in science communication. The envisaged
practice with ad hoc support from the Department. partnerships would lead to locals accessing
In this context, collaboration with foreign academic accredited short courses in the short to medium
institutions could provide some support. In the term, and fully fledged academic programmes in
past five years, for example, a group of science the long term.
communicators and illustrators from the local science • Developing a framework for regular measuring
centre community had an opportunity to enhance of science awareness and attitude levels across
their skills through accredited training offered by society, in alignment with international best practice
the Australian National University. Furthermore, the
and standards, such as the Eurobarometer surveys
establishment of a DST-NRF research chair is a step
and the United State of America’s National Science
in the right direction as it creates the necessary
Foundation’s indicators.
platform for science communication research.
Proposed interventions Strategic Aim 4:

• Establishing accredited programmes to To profile South African science and science
increase the skills of practising journalists and achievements domestically and internationally,
illustrators in museums and science centres, demonstrating their contribution to national
and communication officers of science-based development and global science, thereby
organisations, especially public research councils. enhancing their public standing.
• Exploring the feasibility of training scientists and
researchers in science communication skills and South Africa’s science and innovation are critically
the possible content of training interventions. dependent on two key partnerships, with the private
• Creating research capacity in science sector and with the international world of science. A
communication by exploring existing bilateral further important ingredient for a productive science
agreements (signed at government and and innovation system in South Africa is socio-political
departmental levels) as a basis for facilitating support, that is, support from the general public and
partnerships between local higher education the body politic. The Department’s relationships with
institutions and their counterparts in countries that stakeholders and partners depends on the prevailing

image of South African science (and technology exploited, against which the country and the
and innovation), South African institutions, and the Department can leverage considerable edge in the
Department. public relations and science communication sphere.
Though it may not be widely appreciated, South In 2012/13 the Department doubled the budget
African science and innovation are comparatively for its Chief Directorate: Science Communication,
productive and efficient. They have produced world- but further growth in investment will be absolutely
class knowledge and innovation – and continue to do necessary to exploit the above advantages fully.
so. It is important that these successes be profiled Tight coordination of marketing and communication
effectively to demonstrate the advancement of the efforts and campaigns across the DST entities is
country’s science system and its contributions to essential. Moreover, the Chief Directorate: Science
national development. There are fragmented efforts Communication has also produced a public
by some stakeholders and partners in the national participation strategy (and implementation plan),
system of innovation to raise public awareness of and annually produces a communications strategy
South African inventions and discoveries through, in response to requirements from the Government
for example, websites that publicise them. In 2010 Communication and Information System. These
the local science centre community published its first strategies should be considered complementary to the
book, Great South African Inventions. The science Science Engagement Strategy, and they considerably
centre community is working on the first travelling strengthen the Department’s communication efforts.
exhibition of South African inventions, which is
envisaged to be about 300 m2 in size. However, a central challenge remains. While science
and technology pervade national development
Through the NRDS and the TYIP, the Department in a very deep and broad way, the scope of the
has prioritised a range of thematic areas such Department’s formal mandate across the national
palaeosciences, astronomy, marine biology, nano- system of innovation is curtailed through a
technology, biotechnology, and space science combination of numerous research and development
and technology. For many of these areas detailed functions that report to other departments (such as
strategies and/or implementation plans have been the Medical and Agricultural Research Councils) and
drafted, setting out a range of interventions designed the limited scale of its operations (resulting from a
to develop and promote knowledge production and comparatively small budget). This contradiction
application, and many of them also provide plans for provides a central communication dilemma to the
science outreach or communication. The latter have Department in that it (a) needs to communicate the
generally been developed in close consultation with impact of science and technology across fields in
relevant stakeholders, especially SAASTA. which it has little or no footprint, like medicine or
agriculture, and (b) where the fields align with its
Internationally, South African science enjoys a mandate, the Department’s ability to generate macro-
comparatively high profile. In part, this results from level impact through its programmes is restricted by
the geopolitical importance attached to South Africa, the limited scale of its operations.
and the fact that, according to most indicators, it still
leads the continent. However, a large part of the The above context informs the set of interventions
country’s standing has been earned by the quality outlined below.
and global impact of South African science, which
has a scientometric impact that is considerably higher Proposed interventions
than the global average in a number of thematic
areas. In addition, especially since Africa was chosen • Strengthening the role of the Chief Directorate:
to host a major portion of the global Square Kilometre Science Communication in coordinating marketing
Array project, South Africa’s research infrastructure and communication activities across all DST
is increasingly attracting global attention, as are the entities, as well as in further systematising and
country’s geographic advantages for astronomy, formalising it.
marine and Antarctic research, palaeosciences, and • Establishing interdepartmental science commu-
Earth system sciences. Together, these strategic nication and marketing campaigns and structures
advantages present themselves as a very powerful around science councils and entities located in
platform, which is arguably not being sufficiently other government departments in conjunction with

those departments, and under the leadership of the • Strengthening science centres as part of an overall
Chief Directorate: Science Communication. communication campaign to communicate about
• Sustaining and expanding the priority area-based science and DST successes and achievements,
awareness campaigns that have been started by through capacity development support and
the DST. The Department already leads awareness coordinated integration into DST-led marketing and
and engagement programmes in palaeosciences communications efforts.
and astronomy, for instance. • Continuing periodic national science, technology
• Investigating the establishment of a science tourism and innovation events featuring government entities,
campaign. This could be run as a stand-alone industry, the higher education sector, and selected
campaign or integrated with other South African projects of school-level aspirant innovators.
campaigns to position the country as a tourist • Profiling South Africa as a global leader in strategic
destination targeting both local and international domains of science, and as a continental leader in
tourists, as well as targeted efforts to build science generally, in order to attract world leaders
South Africa’s image abroad. Brand South Africa in science, thereby initiating a virtuous cycle.
and Shot’Left are two of the existing initiatives. • Using multilateral platforms widely to profile South
Establishing a science tourism route incorporating African science and scientists.
sites and institutions supporting palaeosciences,
• Implementing United Nations observances that have
astronomy, and Earth system and marine sciences,
relevance to science engagement programmes as
for example, could be part of this campaign.
appropriate.
• Enhancing current efforts by the local science
• Expanding periodic bilateral science cooperation
centre community to publicise local inventions
celebrations, such as the German-South African
through purposefully made travel exhibitions and
Year of Science.
dedicated publications.

STRATEGIC ENABLERS
Successful pursuit of the strategic aims of science
engagement depends on an effective and efficient
coordinating function

6. STRATEGIC ENABLERS
Successful pursuit of the strategic aims of science is essential if the impact of this Strategy is to be
engagement depends on an effective and efficient maximised.
coordinating function, adequately resourced
institutional support, increased programmatic At departmental level, the DST has adopted a
funding, and the development of relevant monitoring science engagement model in which programmes
and evaluation mechanisms and performance in priority areas include science engagement
indicators. Success in pursuing the four strategic programmes in their areas of focus. As a result,
intentions of this Strategy depends on a number of several priority area-based strategies exist in the
key strategic enablers. Department, for example, the Nano-Science and
Technology Awareness Strategy and the Public
6.1 Effective coordinating function Understanding of Biotechnology Strategy. Such
existing individual strategic plans will be aligned with
Science engagement requires integrated action by
this overarching Strategy in the ensuing stages of
knowledge producers (such as scientists, researchers
its implementation.
and intellectuals, and sometimes members of
communities), knowledge disseminators and
The management of science engagement activities
communicators (such as journalists, science centre
within the DST will also be coordinated around this
personnel, publicists, museologists, educators, audio-
Strategy, and the implementation plan will provide
visual aid producers, and sometimes also members
further details in this respect. For example, although
of communities), and members of scientific, cultural,
the Department’s Directorate: Science Promotion is
and social institutions. A coordinated strategy will
assumed the custodian of science engagement in
require leadership to stimulate collaboration and co-
the DST, there are no internal coordinating systems
investment across government, industry, academia,
in place. The shortcomings of this include a lack
cultural and professional associations and community
of central accountability for the performance of
organisations.
DST-wide science engagement programmes, and
confusion among external stakeholders.
In South Africa, approximately 25 other government
departments have science and technology activities.
In discharging their various mandates, some of Proposed interventions
these departments conduct awareness activities, • Pursuing government-wide coordination using
but because these are usually intended to effect a instruments such as clusters (science engagement
specific behavioural change aligned with the purpose belonging to the social cluster, which includes
of that department, their science engagement or the former human development cluster), bilateral
communication impact is marginal or coincidental. agreements with the relevant departments, and
An example of this is the Department of Health’s other government structures.
health awareness campaigns, which may have
• The DST’s Directorate: Science Promotion will
a significant impact on public health, but are not
coordinate all science engagement activities
used to communicate the broader point about the
in the Department, excluding those conceived
role of science and technology in health provision.
as corporate marketing and communication
Nonetheless, departments engaged in science and
initiatives (which the Chief Directorate: Science
technology activities, especially those with science
Communication will coordinate across the DST
councils, are very important partners in implementing
entities).
a government-wide science communication, engage-
ment or outreach campaign, precisely because the • SAASTA will play the role of coordinating science
impact of science and technology is so close to their engagement within the science system after this
fundamental mandate (such as health provision, function is incorporated into the NRF Act.
water, sanitation and energy) and therefore easily • Higher Education South Africa will be requested to
contextualised and communicated. coordinate higher education-related work, and the
Committee of Heads of Organisations of Research
Clearly, effective coordination across relevant stake- and Technology will be requested to coordinate the
holders, including different government departments, work of science councils.

6.2 Institutional and legislative platforms science engagement and coordinate individual
institutional initiatives across similar organisations,
Coordination around science engagement across
a delicate balance has to be struck. The central
a wide scope of stakeholders and institutional
function needs to be vested in an organisation
types requires an appropriate institutional base.
enjoying credibility in both the national science
A 2013 Australian Council of Learned Academies
system and the broader public base, while not being
international comparison of science, technology,
located too close to the central political “landlord”
engineering and mathematics (STEM) education
of the science system. Locating the function in an
indicated that structures such as centres, agencies
institution with weak or no standing in the science
and institutes have been established as part of community dooms its efforts to failure, while placing
the STEM infrastructure. The objectives of such it too close to the political centre creates at least
coordination structures vary and may include the impression of a conflict of interest – that science
provision of advice to government, communication of engagement will become a pretext for propaganda
science to the community, and stimulation of young and non-critical, purely positivist dissemination of
people’s interest in STEM education and professions. science information.
Further, in the Australian model, the leadership for For several years, the National Research Foundation,
their latest national initiative is provided by Questacon, through SAASTA, has played a major role in
a federally funded national science and technology implementing a variety of science engagement
centre located under the Department of Innovation, activities, both of its own volition and on behalf of
Industry, Science and Research. In the USA, several the Department. In conjunction with SAASTA and the
institutional variations exist for promoting science NRF, the Department will formalise and systematise
engagement, including the American Association SAASTA’s role as its agency for science engagement,
for the Advancement of Science Center for Public and over the medium term investigate the feasibility
Engagement with Science and Technology, which of establishing a separate national agency for science
is a key catalyst of science and society dialogues. engagement.
The effectiveness of the coordination function, to a The current statutory mandate of the NRF does
significant extent, depends on its operational location. not explicitly incorporate the role that SAASTA
In structuring an institutional landscape to promote plays in science promotion and engagement.
The Department will therefore need to amend
the NRF Act to incorporate an explicit mandate
for science promotion and engagement, thereby
formalising the function of the NRF and SAASTA
in this regard. Moreover, in conjunction with
the NRF, the Department will seek to grow SAASTA’s
core or baseline budget by incorporating into its
core business relevant projects SAASTA currently
manages on behalf of the DST on an ongoing basis.
In the meantime, SAASTA will be requested and

supported to –
• e stablish and implement an effective and
efficient grant management system to support
the participation of the network of collaborative
institutions in science engagement programmes;
• design and implement programmes that enhance
the aims of the Strategy, including establishing
necessary partnerships with relevant institutions;
• design an appropriate performance monitoring
and evaluation system for science engagement,
specifically for SAASTA and DST programmes;

• collect, collate, analyse and disseminate data on its programmatic activities, including capacity
the performance of the system, going beyond the building.
work of the DST and its entities to include any • In line with several international examples, expecting
institutions that receive support for their science DST-funded entities to commit a percentage of their
engagement activities or benefit from the grant total corporate budgets to science engagement
system operated by the coordinating body; and corporate communication work. At least 4% of
• extend its coordination of science engagement budgets will be dedicated to science engagement
activities across all DST entities, and develop a initiatives (excluding corporate communications),
systemic way of reporting on their involvement in and the usage of the top-sliced budget will be
or support of science engagement activities. detailed in this Strategy’s implementation plan.
• Requesting the NRF to encourage research grant
6.3 Funding applicants, especially for large grants, to include
Before the 2002/03 financial year, the DST had a relevant science engagement activities in their
Directorate: Science and Society with a dedicated research proposals that will then receive “science
annual budget allocation. The adoption of the NRDS engagement top-ups”.
resulted in the replacement of this directorate with
the Directorate: Science and Youth, in an attempt 6.4 Science engagement information
to contribute to the development of the SET human management system
capital pipeline. Beginning in the 2014/15 financial
An effective performance information management
year and coupled to the formulation of this Strategy,
system that collects and manages science promotion
the Directorate: Science and Youth became the
and engagement data on an ongoing basis is
Directorate: Science Promotion, and a dedicated
essential to assess the impact of the efforts made
science engagement budget line was established
by the country in this regard. While surveys and
in the Estimates of National Expenditure. In the flagship programmes are crucial, so is an ongoing
2013/14 financial year, the budget for this function system that stores and retrieves the essential data on
was R67 million, growing to R70 million in 2014/15 science promotion and engagement. SAASTA will be
by an annual average increase of 5% over the requested to facilitate the establishment of a suitable
2014/15 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. system.
It is important to stress that this amount is not
the only budget for science engagement activities
funded by the DST or by its entities, as several
other programmes and projects (within the DST
and its entities) allocate smaller budgets to science
engagement activities in specific thematic areas,
such as nanotechnology and biotechnology;
however, the formal science engagement budget
accounts for about 85% of DST spending on
science engagement (and spending through its
entities), excluding corporate communications.
Obviously, this level of funding is not sufficient to roll
out a national programme based on the four aims
of this Strategy.
Proposed interventions
• Making ongoing efforts to secure significant new
funding for the development of the science centre
infrastructure, and sustaining current funding
levels.
• Increasing science engagement core funding
to resource SAASTA’s coordinating role and

INSTITUTIONAL AND
SECTORAL ROLES
The goals of this Strategy will be realised through
the collective roles of different organisations as
outlined below

7. INSTITUTIONAL AND SECTORAL ROLES
The goals of this Strategy will be realised through the • develop an implementation plan for the Strategy,
collective roles of different organisations as outlined which will complement the Department’s role of
below. overseeing SAASTA’s activities, and a concept
paper guiding the reconfiguration of SAASTA to
7.1 Department of Science and deliver on its mandate;
Technology • provide guidance regarding opportunities to
advance South Africa’s international relations
The DST, in its role to deliver the country’s science through science engagement programmes;
engagement programmes, will –
• s ource funding from the National Treasury
• provide strategic direction to science engagement and official development assistance for the
programmes nationally, ensuring at all times that the implementation of this Strategy; and
implemen-tation of this Strategy remains aligned to • monitor and evaluate the implementation of this
the overall strategic direction of the Department Strategy.
and government priorities as outlined by the NDP
and the Medium Term Strategic Framework, as well 7.2 South African Agency for Science
as relevant strategic plans at departmental level;
and Technology Advancement
• support SAASTA in its coordination and
implementation functions across all DST Informed by this Strategy, SAASTA will strategically
stakeholders and entities; coordinate its implementation across the national
system of innovation by –
• ensure that DST entities budget and set targets
for all science communication and engagement • establishing and implementing a grant
programmes and activities and report on these management system to support the participation
through their compliance reporting (performance of relevant institutions in science engagement
plans, annual reports, etc.); programmes;
• coordinate corporate communications across all • endeavouring to establish and maintain a network
DST entities in alignment with this Strategy and the of collaborating institutions active in science
DST Communications Strategy; engagement activities;
• manage interdepartmental relations to leverage • designing and implementing programmes to
benefits for the implementation of this Strategy; enhance the aims of the Strategy, including

establishing necessary partnerships with relevant (a) Government entities
institutions; A range of government entities, including science
• establishing appropriate platforms and forums that councils, national facilities, museums, ASSAf, and
promote multistakeholder engagement on science the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI),
and technology issues; currently participate in science engagement activities.
• ensuring alignment of its programmes with The roles of these institutions will be as follows:
government policies, in general, and DST priorities • To ensure alignment of their science engagement
in particular; and activities with the aims and interventions of this
• overseeing the efficient and effective usage of Strategy.
resources (financial and human) relevant to science • To provide SAASTA with reliable science engage-
engagement; ment data related to the success indicators for
• establishing a performance management system this Strategy, transcending ordinary Public Finance
to monitor and evaluate science engagement Management Act and Treasury reporting standards.
achievements across DST stakeholders and • DST entities will commit a determined portion
entities, and to capture key system-level data; of their total budgets to science engagement
• maintaining the performance management activities (as mentioned above). The usage of the
system by collecting, collating, analysing and top-sliced budget will be detailed in this Strategy’s
disseminating national data on the performance implementation plan.
of the national system, going beyond the work of
the DST and its entities; In addition to the above roles, the HSRC, ASSAf, and
• leveraging external resources (financial, NACI will implement the following:
infrastructure and human) to advance science • The HSRC will track and measure the performance
engagement. of the science engagement system, and be a key
partner in developing an information management
7.3 Network of collaborating institutions system for science engagement.
The DST collaborates with a wide network of • Evidence-based science reports and opinions
institutions in the delivery of science engagement should be communicated more broadly with
programmes. The network, which includes public audiences through platforms such as media,
educational institutions, science councils, science science-and-society dialogues or lecture series,
centres and museums, professional associations, media round tables and community organisations.
international partners, and private business has In particular, research findings should be accessible
grown significantly in the past decade, with science to policymakers and parliamentarians to support
engagement taking place in both formal and informal leaders and decision-makers on science-related
science settings and community organisations. The issues such as climate change, environmental
various institutions that will receive attention are management, and health issues.
highlighted below, although science engagement • Policy advice through these reports and
activities are not limited to this list. communiqués should be made more transparent

to both scientific communities and non-scientific A number of non-governmental organisations are
audiences. already participating and implementing science
promotion initiatives. Partnerships with these
(b) Higher education institutions Higher education organisations will be encouraged to enhance the
institutions should – implementation of this Strategy while ensuring
efficiencies. In pursuit of their various objectives,
• encourage all researchers to present their research
non-governmental organisations such as the
work to non-specialist communities;
National Science and Technology Forum could
• use their resources (extensive infrastructure, provide a platform for public debate in association
researchers, funding) to advance science with SAASTA.
engagement aligned to the aims and interventions
of this Strategy; Science, technology and innovation knowledge
• establish qualifications and short courses that will workers in South Africa are affiliated to various
create capacity development specifically in science professional bodies. These bodies (including
communication; the South African Council for Natural Scientific
• create incentives for researchers who lead science Professions) will be encouraged to contribute to
engage-ment initiatives related to their research the Strategic Engagement Strategy by creating
projects. incentives for their members or registered scientists
to communicate their work in an effective manner to
(c) Network of science centres the broader society.
The network of science centres (including natural (e) Society
science museums, zoos, aquariums and botanical
gardens) is a significant part of the science engage- The physical extent of South Africa and the diversity
ment landscape and will support the implementation of the sources for information and knowledge to be
exchanged to achieve the envisioned society will
of this Strategy by –
be enhanced by voluntary involvement of various
• providing the basic platform or infrastructure for sections of society. In the same context, access to
pursuing the Strategy’s intentions; community infrastructure meant for other purposes
• addressing the four strategic goals of science (such as public libraries) will lend impetus to the
centres that are aligned to and supported by the implementation of the Strategy.
DST: (a) promoting science awareness among
the youth and general public; (b) identifying
and nurturing talent and potential; (c) providing
mathematics, science and technology support;
and (d) providing SET career education.
(d) Industry, non-governmental organisations

and professional bodies
The role of industry in science engagement
includes the provision of supplementary resources
(human, infrastructure and financial) that enhance
the implementation of the science engagement
programmes, and exposing the public to tech-
nologies that have changed or have the potential to
change the world. Industry’s involvement is crucial
in implementing the interventions that address the
aims of this Strategy. This involvement is equally
important for international industry partners whose
research and development activities are located in
South Africa.

MONITORING AND
EVALUATION
The absence of periodic, dedicated studies measuring
public attitudes to science leaves the system without
sufficient baseline data

8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
The absence of periodic, dedicated studies “If you do not measure results, you cannot tell
measuring public attitudes to science leaves the success from failure” (National Treasury, 2007). The
system without sufficient baseline data to establish implementation of this Strategy will therefore be –
if science engagement programmes are making
• continuously monitored to establish if planned work
any difference in society. The HSRC’s South African
towards realising the strategic aims is on track, with
Social Attitudes Survey, which has been the only
the process including continuous data collection on
instrument to measure public attitudes to science,
interventions to implement the Strategy in order to
does not provide an in-depth study, as its core aim is
prepare for periodic evaluation;
to monitor change and continuity in a variety of social,
economic and political values over time. Nonetheless, • periodically evaluated to determine the impact on
the survey provides a limited opportunity to advance society in terms of its four strategic aims and vision.
the science engagement cause, as each round
of interviewing accommodates rotating modules While the monitoring and evaluation approach to
on specific themes with the intention of providing accompany the implementation of the Strategy will
detailed attitudinal evidence to inform policy and be geared to measure performance at system level, it
academic debate. will allow for the evaluation of individual interventions
as and when necessary. The input, output, outcome
and impact indicators will be included in the Strategy
implementation plan.

Performance indicators
Strategic aims
Input Output Outcome Impact
To popularise • Size of funding • Number of existing • Increased uptake • Improved public
science, engineering, invested in relevant science centres of Mathematics, perception about
technology and programmes upgraded and newly Science and the critical role
innovation as • Number of science established science Technology (MST) of science and
attractive, relevant and communicators centres school subjects by technology in
accessible in order participating in the • Number of science learners ensuring national
to enhance scientific programmes awareness • Increased student prosperity and
literacy and awaken programmes enrolment for higher sustainable
• Number of
interest in relevant education science development
science promotion • Number of
careers studies • Improved science
institutions participants in
participating in the science awareness • Improved public and technology
programmes (e.g. programmes confidence, interest literacy among the
science centres, in, and attitude citizens of South
higher education towards science Africa
institutions, natural • Teaching and •S
ET human capital
science museums learning of MST development
and science subjects enhanced endeavours
councils) enhanced
To develop a critical • Number of science • Number of • Increased •D
evelopment of a
public that actively institutions providing programmes and/ participation society that critically
engages and a platform for public or opportunities by people in scrutinises key
participates in the engagement with for citizens’ science dialogue scientific issues
national discourse science engagement with programmes enhanced
of science and science • Increased •R
educed possibility
technology to the • Number of participation by of discourse
benefit of society participants people in public on science and
(individuals and hearings on science technology issues
organisations) in and technology being the preserve
science engagement issues of the scientific
programmes community and
business institutions
•A
ttainment of civic
scientific literacy
– citizens able to
formulate their
own opinions on
opposing views of
scientific issues
To promote science •S
ize of funding • National qualification • Access to formal and • Improved public
communication that invested in relevant framework accredited science perception about
will enhance science programmes for science communication the critical role
engagement in South •N
umber of local communication capacity-building of science and
Africa and international developed programmes by technology in
partnerships • Established local science ensuring national
established ongoing science communicators, prosperity and
communication journalists, scientists sustainable
capacity-building and researchers development
programmes • Increased media • Improved science
benefitting learners, coverage of science and technology
local science and technology literacy among the
communicators, issues citizens of South
journalists, scientists • Increased availability Africa
and researchers of qualified science
• Number of learners, communicators and
science

Performance indicators
Strategic aims
Input Output Outcome Impact
communicators, trained scientists, •S
ET human capital
journalists, scientists researchers and development
and researchers journalists endeavours
• Number of • Improved relations enhanced
learners, science between media
communicators, and the scientific
scientists, community
researchers and • Established
journalists who environment for
benefit from science developing and
communication nurturing the culture
capacity-building of communicating
programmes science to the public
by aspiring scientists
and researchers
To profile South • Size of funding • Targeted science • Increased public • South Africa’s
African science and invested in relevant awareness and confidence in and scientific competitive
science achievements programmes engagement respect for science advantage enhanced
domestically and • Number of programmes • Increased public • Improved public
internationally, science promotion established on each interest in and perception of
demonstrating their institutions priority area of the familiarity with the critical role
contribution to national participating in the DST the local scientific of science and
development and programmes (i.e. • Local scientific and technological technology in
global science, thereby science centres, inventions and environment ensuring national
enhancing their public higher education discoveries prosperity and
• Enhanced
standing institutions, natural mainstreamed sustainable
international
science museums in awareness standing of South development
and science and engagement Africa on science • Improved science
councils) programmes and technology and technology
• Number of local • Science tourism issues literacy among the
and international concept citizens of South
partnerships institutionalised Africa
established

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ABBREVIATIONS
ASSAf Academy of Science of South Africa
CAISE Center for the Advancement of Informal Science Education
DST Department of Science and Technology
HSRC Human Sciences Research Council
HSS humanities and social sciences
MST Mathematics, Science and Technology
NACI National Advisory Council for Innovation
NDP National Development Plan
NRDS National Research and Development Strategy
NRF National Research Foundation
SAASTA South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement
SARChI South African Research Chairs Initiative
SET Science, Engineering and Technology
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
TYIP Ten-Year Innovation Plan

Department of Science and Technology
Building 53, Meiring Naudé Road, Scientiae Campus
(CSIR) South Gate Entrance
Brummeria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tel : +27 (12) 843 6300
Fax: +27 (12) 349 1030
www.dst.gov.za

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Science Engagement

Science and society engaging to enrich and improve our lives

Science Engagement Strategy | January 2015

Science, technology and innovation serve to make

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Science Engagement Strategy | January 2015 3

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Most recently, the 2012 National Development Plan

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Thirdly, the formulation of this Strategy will 4.4 Popularisation of science,

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In addition to intentions to improve the public’s (c) Careers in science

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In terms of communicating science, the media are

The public awareness of scientific issues and

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Proposed interventions Strategic Aim 4:

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In the meantime, SAASTA will be requested and

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(d) Industry, non-governmental organisations

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Thirdly, the formulation of this Strategy will 4.4 Popularisation of science,

(d) Industry, non-governmental organisations