Translating science into solutions for social justice, 2 December 2026

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) will host a panel session during the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) on Wednesday, 2 December 2026, from 16:20 to 17:50 at the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC). The session will bring together experts to discuss how scientific knowledge, evidence and technology can be translated into practical solutions that address societal challenges and advance social justice.
The panel session will explore how science, technology and evidence can advance social justice in South Africa by translating knowledge into accessible services, policies and innovations. It examines gaps between research, policy, implementation and community use, with particular attention to inequality in water and sanitation, digital access and artificial intelligence. Panellists will consider how communities can shape research agendas, how data can expose inequality without reinforcing bias, and how solutions can be affordable, ethical and scalable. The session aims to identify barriers, strengthen cross-sector collaboration and generate practical commitments for inclusive data, meaningful participation, accountability and equitable public value.