The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (WSU), the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), and partners invite applications for the Annual Young Scientists’ Conference 2026, which will take place from 13–15 September 2026 at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, Mthatha Campus, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Conference Theme
Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063
The 2026 AYSC is aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme, which places sustainable water availability and safe sanitation at the centre of Africa’s development agenda. The theme recognises the critical role of water and sanitation in economic transformation, climate resilience, public health, food security, environmental sustainability and regional stability.
The conference will provide a dynamic platform for early-career researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, build interdisciplinary networks and contribute science-based solutions to pressing societal challenges. The AYSC also promotes mentorship, collaboration, peer learning and engagement between emerging researchers and established experts.
Conference Sub-themes
Applicants are invited to submit abstracts aligned with one or more of the following sub-themes:
1. Water Resources and Infrastructure
This sub-theme focuses on water quantity and quality, investment in infrastructure, innovative technologies, equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation systems, and the role of fit-for-purpose water in sustaining ecosystems, human well-being and economies.
2. Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability
This sub-theme focuses on adaptive strategies, nature-based solutions, resilient communities and sustainable water systems in the context of climate variability and environmental change.
3. Inclusive Development, Innovation and Cooperation
This sub-theme promotes the custodianship of water and sanitation systems by local communities, including the integration of indigenous and local knowledge systems, inclusive decision-making, and gender-responsive water and sanitation planning and management.
Who Should Apply?
The AYSC 2026 is open to early-career researchers based in South Africa. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- be based at a South African institution;
- be under the age of forty (40) years by the application deadline;
- hold at least a Master’s degree, or be a PhD candidate, PhD graduate, postdoctoral researcher, or early-career researcher;
- have research interests aligned with one or more of the conference sub-themes;
- be available to attend the full conference in person from 13–15 September 2026;
- submit an abstract relevant to the conference theme;
- submit only one proposal as the presenting author.
The application must be completed by the prospective presenting author, not by co-authors. Only the presenting author will be considered for attendance support, should the application be successful.
Abstract Submission
Applicants must submit an abstract relevant to the conference theme and sub-themes. The abstract will form the basis for an oral, poster, or alternative/creative presentation at the conference.
Abstracts must:
- be written in English;
- not exceed 300 words;
- include a clear title;
- include the presenting author and affiliation details;
- include 3–5 keywords;
- where appropriate, include background/objectives, methods/approach, results/findings and conclusions/recommendations.
Presentation Formats
Applicants may indicate their preferred presentation format as part of the application process. Presentation formats may include:
- oral presentation;
- poster presentation;
- either oral or poster presentation;
- alternative or creative presentation format.
Alternative or creative formats may include storytelling, poetry, prose, drama, dance, music, film, photography or other creative approaches. These proposals must remain relevant to the conference theme or sub-themes and should clearly explain the proposed format, required materials or space, and how the format will support meaningful engagement.
Attendance Support and Registration
There is no registration fee to attend the conference. Applicants may indicate whether they require attendance support, including accommodation support, travel support, or both. Attendance support is not automatic and will be subject to the outcome of the application process and available resources. Successful applicants will receive further information by email.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online AYSC 2026 Application Form in full. The application form must be submitted by 21 June 2026 at 23:45. No password or file upload is required.
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Technical Assessment Criteria
Applications will first be screened against the eligibility criteria. Eligible applications will then be assessed according to the technical criteria below. The final decision on acceptance and presentation format will rest with the organising committee.
Applications and abstracts will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Relevance to the conference theme and sub-themes
The proposed presentation should clearly align with the AYSC 2026 theme, Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063, and one or more of the conference sub-themes. - Clarity of the abstract or proposal
The abstract should clearly present the research focus, objectives, methods or approach, findings or argument, and conclusions or expected contribution. - Scientific, scholarly or creative contribution
The presentation should demonstrate a meaningful contribution to knowledge, practice, policy, innovation, public engagement or community-based solutions. - Suitability for the selected presentation format
The proposal should be suitable for the selected format, whether oral presentation, poster presentation, or alternative/creative presentation format. - Relevance to African and societal challenges
Preference will be given to presentations that show relevance to South Africa, Africa, Agenda 2063, sustainable development, communities, policy, or practical implementation. - Quality of communication and audience engagement
The presentation should have the potential to communicate ideas clearly and stimulate discussion, learning, collaboration or knowledge exchange.
Important Dates
- Application closing date: 21 June 2026 Closed
- Announcement of successful proposals: 31 July 2026
- Final date to accept/decline invitation to attend & present: 7 August 2026
- Final date for changes to submitted information: 31 August 2026
- Conference dates: 13 – 15 September 2026