2026 AYSC Conference in Pictures
Past AYSC Conferences in Pictures 2011-2025
Timeline of AYSC Conferences
2026 Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063
Date: 13 – 15 September 2016
Venue: iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (WSU), East London
Outcome: AYSC 2026 provided a platform for young scientists to share research on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation, with an emphasis on connecting scientific evidence to policy and practical solutions. Its programme also supported researcher development through interdisciplinary exchange, science-for-policy activities and guidance on responsible scholarly publishing.
2025 Climate Change and Well-being
Date: 13 – 14 October 2025
Venue: Anew Hotel, O.R. Tambo, Johannesburg
Outcome: Adopted the S20 theme and focused on the nexus of food, water, land, energy, society and climate change. The conference promoted cross-sectoral solutions, scientific collaboration, peer mentorship and knowledge sharing among emerging African researchers.
2024 Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa
Date: 9 – 13 September 2024
Venue: Nelson Mandela University Science Centre, Ocean Sciences Campus, Gqeberha
Outcome: Provided a multilateral platform for scientific exchange among senior and young scientists, aligned with the 2024 AU education theme.
2023 Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development
Date: 12 – 13 June 2023
Venue: University of Venda, Thohoyandou, Limpopo
Outcome: Created a platform for early-career scientists to exchange ideas and present research aligned with UNESCO’s International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development. The call lists University of Venda as host and HSRC, Aspen Pharmacare and Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform among partners.
2019 Migration, Displacement and Mobility in Africa: Complex Issues in Current Times
Date: 28 – 29 October 2019
Venue: Future Africa, University of Pretoria, Gauteng
Outcome: Focused on migration, displacement, mobility and related social challenges, including xenophobia and migration management.
2018 Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Transdisciplinary Approach
Date: 13 – 14 September 2018
Venue: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Outcome: Provided a platform for scientific exchange among senior and young scientists on corruption, democratic governance, socio-economic transformation, peace, security and human rights.
2017 Young Scientists’ Role in Science Advice
Date: 19 July 2017
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg
Outcome: Explored young scientists’ role in science advice, aligned with the AU theme on harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth. The proceedings note that it created opportunities for young scientists to present research, build linkages and communicate science results.
2016 Human Rights
Date: 6 – 7 October 2016
Outcome: Addressed human rights in Africa, human sexual diversity, redress of colonial heritage, and the relationship between science and human rights. Around 80 young and early-career researchers attended.
2015 Inspiring Change post-2015: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation in Empowering Women in Africa
Date: 16 – 18 September 2015
Venue: Boksburg, Gauteng
Outcome: Focused on women’s empowerment, gender equality in science, feminisation of poverty, and the role of STI in empowering women in Africa.
2014 Agriculture and Food Security
Date: 14 – 16 October 2014
Venue: Pretoria
Outcome: Attracted primarily PhD, postdoctoral, young and early-career researchers and scientists; focused on agriculture and food security as policy priorities.
2011 Changing Lives Through Chemistry
Date: 26 – 27 September 2011
Outcome: Listed as the Second Annual South African Young Scientists’ Conference, published as a conference announcement in the South African Journal of Science.