UK’s R1bn investment aims to cultivate a skilled group of South African researchers

The UK and South Africa are boosting their scientific collaboration, with the UK declaring an investment of R1 billion to create the International Science Partnership Fund. This fund is designed to advance the science and research partnership between the UK and South Africa over the next two years, including support for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory.

The announcement was made by the UK’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, during Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh’s recent working visit to South Africa.

The declaration was made at a reception held by the British High Commission and was attended by South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, and Prince Edward. Following 30 years of joint research, the new R1 billion fund will allow the two nations to continue their efforts to address priorities related to climate, health, and employment, as stated by the British High Commission.

At the event, Nzimande underscored South Africa’s strong dedication to cooperating with the UK to foster peace and prosperity for everyone.

“South Africa warmly welcomes the launch of the International Science Partnership Fund. Both of my departments − the Department of Science and Innovation and the Department of Higher Education and Training − stand ready to work with their counterparts in the UK to co-design and co-fund programmes to be implemented with the support of the fund. 

“These values of co-ownership and co-responsibility, which also underpinned our successful cooperation under the Newton Fund, is crucial for South Africa, as it ensures alignment with our national priorities,” noted Nzimande.

“I am also delighted that the fund will continue to support our joint efforts in support of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory global partnership, by developing skills for radio astronomy in Africa.”

Phillipson commented: “Rapid, equitable progress against global challenges such as climate change or towards the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without collaboration on science, research, technology and innovation.

“We need to come together to share expertise and experience, which is why we are grateful for the close partnership we have with the Department of Science and Innovation and minister Nzimande himself and all the partners here tonight.”

“We look forward to continuing to work together, to amplify the impacts of our science partnerships over the months and years ahead.”

The UK stands as the most substantial foreign investor in South Africa and also ranks as the nation’s fifth-largest export destination. Over the years, these two nations have forged a partnership in science and innovation.

A memorandum of understanding pertaining to science, technology, research, and innovation was signed between the UK and South Africa during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to the UK in November 2022. This agreement paved the way for expanded collaboration in research and innovation in mutually prioritized sectors encompassing emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, health, oceans, climate and energy, and space.

The British High Commission has noted that UK and South African researchers and scientists have maintained a collaborative relationship for decades, endeavoring to address some of the world’s most crucial challenges. Their joint ventures have resulted in innovations such as weather warning systems, providing South African communities with vital information enabling effective responsive measures.

“This new investment will further strengthen the UK and SA’s research partnerships and networks that have been nurtured over the years. It will address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases by connecting experts in the UK and SA through our countries’ Medical Research Councils, harnessing medical innovation and building regional capacity to tackle shared health priorities.

“To tackle unemployment and boost economic growth, it will nurture tomorrow’s talent by building and sustaining a talented and skilled cohort of early-career researchers.

“It will catalyse partnerships between universities, large companies, SMEs and start-ups, to address sustainable development goals; for example, through the Royal Academy of Engineering’s ‘Transforming Systems through Partnerships’ programme and the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme working alongside SA’s Technology Innovation Agency.”

According to the commission, the fund will also be dedicated towards better understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change, including improved monitoring and prediction of extreme weather events by continuing joint initiatives.

“It will support the development of research and innovation systems across SA, with the aim of driving economic development and prosperity.”