The University of Limpopo’s School of Physical and Mineral Sciences will be hosting a Science Communication Public Lecture on Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at the Onkgopotse Tiro Hall, starting at 08h00. The event will be held under the thought-provoking theme: “South African Public Relations with Science – Advancing Science Communication for a Knowledgeable Society.”
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Vijay Reddy, a distinguished researcher and former Executive Director of the Education and Skills Development Research Programme at the Human Sciences Research Council. Dr. Reddy has led ground-breaking national and international studies, including the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the South African Public Relationship with Science National Survey. Her work has been instrumental in understanding how public perceptions of science influence education, career choices, and societal development.
This lecture will offer a platform for the university community, science practitioners, communicators, and the broader public to engage with the latest findings on South Africa’s relationship with science. It will also explore how effective science communication can contribute to building a knowledgeable society, bridging the gap between research and communities, and driving socio-economic transformation.
The event is hosted in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology & Innovation (DSTI) and NRF-SAASTA, key partners in the Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication programme. Attendees can look forward to exhibitions, campus tours, and insightful discussions aimed at strengthening collaborations between the University of Limpopo and its stakeholders.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Prof. H.R. Chauke at hasani.chauke@ul.ac.za or call 015 268 3492. You may also access the South African Public Relationship with Science Report online.