CONFERENCE AND EVENTS
27th SAASTEC CONFERENCE
Southern African Association of Science & Technology Centres
27th SAASTEC CONFERENCE
UNIZULU SCIENCE CENTRE University of Zululand
Southern African Association of Science & Technology Centres
Registration
Registrations close on the 16 October 17:00
| Category | Fee |
| Full member | R3000 |
| Non-member | R4000 |
| Students | R2000 |
| Exhibitors | R4000 |
Conference Details
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Date
10–12 November 2026
09 Nov: Registration & Pre-conference workshops
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Venue
RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA Unizulu Science Centre, Alton, Richards Bay
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Contact Details:
Theme
Science Centres: Challenging the Field.
Sub-Themes
Beyond Science Engagement
Beyond “edutainment” to socio-scientific action.
Driving meaningful public engagement that inspires informed action on real-world challenges.
Access & Inclusion
Breaking barriers and reaching underserved communities through inclusive and innovative models.
Driving meaningful public engagement that inspires informed action on real-world challenges.
Student Membership
Addressing Southern Africa’s STEM crisis through trans-disciplinary approaches and action research.
Strengthening STEM pathways with cross-cutting solutions and evidence-based practice.
Conference Info
Conference Objectives
The SAASTEC conference aims to foster knowledge exchange on science and technology education among professionals in Southern Africa and worldwide.
It focuses on the impact of science and technology centres, encouraging their development by presenting new educational models.
The conference also provides a platform for networking with government officials, private sector partners, academics, and other community stakeholders.
Who Should Attend?
The conference brings together a wide range of professionals involved in science and technology. This includes staff from science centres, research facilities, museums, and planetariums, along with researchers, educators, government officials, and policymakers.
The goal is to improve the public understanding of science, mathematics, and technology. The event also welcomes sponsors, industry partners, and community members.
Conference Activities
- Plenary sessions
- Panel discussions
- Parallel sessions
- Poster presentations
Organisations / Partners
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation – Republic of South Africa
- National Research Foundation (NRF)
- South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)
- UNIZULU Science Centre
- University of Zululand
2026 Conference
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GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT 2026
On the 17-21 August 2026
the SAASTEC Chairman, Prof Rufus Wesi attended the International Directors Forum (INTEDIF), which was hosted by the National Science Museum (NSM) in Bangkok, Thailand.
INTEDIF is a global gathering of senior leaders in the science engagement sector – such as CEO’s and Directors of science centres and museums. This high-level forum is organised every second year in collaboration with regional networks of ASPAC (Asia Pacific), ASTC (North America), Ecsite (Europe), NAMES (North Africa & Middle East), RedPOP (Latin America & Caribbean) and SAASTEC (Southern Africa).
This year’s forum was led by leaders of the six networks and was also attended by other 50 representatives from science centres around the world. The forum built on the momentum from previous forums with focus on strengthening relationship, addressing strategic challenges and exchanging views on how science museums can adapt to rapid technological change and evolving global challenges.
The forum presents the only opportunity for leaders of science centres to directly engage and learn from each other.
The next forum will be hosted by ASTEC (North America) in 2028.
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Date
17-21 August 2026
From L-R: Miquel Garcia Guerrero (RedPop), Maria Joao Fonseca (Ecsite), Maria Isabel Garcia (ASPAC), Suwarong Wongsiri (Deputy Director of NSM), Christopher Nelson (ASTC), Maisah Azab (NAMES), Rufus Wesi (SAASTEC)
2025 Conference
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The 26th SAASTEC Conference
Join us for the 26th SAASTEC Annual Conference
A vibrant gathering of science engagement professionals, educators, and policymakers from across the region. The conference features keynote speakers, workshops, exhibitions, and opportunities for networking, and to share experiences and innovations.
Abstract submission closing date: 14 November 2025
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Address
Sci-Ed Science Education Centre
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein -
Date
1 – 4 December 2025
2024 Conference
The 25th SAASTEC Conference
Was hosted by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), Cape Town, Western Cape
Main Theme: Science Engagements Embracing Research and Innovation in Bridging the Gap between Science & Society
Sub-themes:
- Explore and Discover the Cosmos: from the depths of the oceans to the edge of the universe
- Journeying with the United Nations into the World of the Camelids
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Address
South African Astronomical
Observatory, Cape Town -
Date
25 – 28 November 2024
Donors
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous contribution towards the success of the 2024 SAASTEC Conference. The conference would not have been possible without your support.
We are proud to acknowledge your role in helping us create opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.
Thank you for investing in the future of science engagement in Southern Africa. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come.