ICGEB participated in the launch of South Africa National Science Week (NSW) 2025, at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa, celebrating the start of weeklong activities focussed on STEM.
On Saturday, 4 August 2025, the South African Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande launched the annual event under the theme, Science, technology and innovation are for everyone. Addressing learners, the Minister explained in his address that “Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we have ensured that science is no longer confined to laboratories or lecture halls, but brought directly to our people in townships, rural areas, schools and public spaces.”
At this year’s launch, in partnership with the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, ICGEB researchers, Dupe Ojo (Bioinformatics) and Mariet Wium (Cancer Genomics) ran a hands-on Foldscope workshop, bringing the ‘magic’ of the paper microscope to the exhibition, with more than 1,000 learners, their life sciences teachers, and the public in attendance. ICGEB also donated Foldscopes to various science teachers, to be used as an educational resource tool within the classroom and outdoors.
Celebrating the annual science focus week, ICGEB also participated in other activities aimed at bridging the gap between science and society. As part of the ICGEB Cape Town School Outreach Programme, the Component hosted learners from Heideveld Secondary School for a full day of hands-on science, and Dr Nyaradzo Chigorimbo-Tsikiwa (Group Leader – Infectious Diseases) met with final year school learners at Pinelands High School to talk about her Group’s research as well as career options in STEM.
ICGEB continues to promote a culture of effective scientific communication and outreach through science for citizens, science education in schools, and participation in Science Festivals, with the Cape Town Component championing science engagement activities in South Africa and across the continent.
