South Africans strongly value science, yet many feel disconnected from scientific institutions and daily opportunities to participate in them. In a recent HSRC Connect panel hosted by Dr Saahier Parker for National Science Month 2026, researchers, policy experts, and youth leaders gathered to unpack findings from the South African Public Relationship with Science Survey (SAPRS).

The panel—featuring HSRC researchers Dr. Sara Naicker and Sylvia Hannan alongside student Space Design Competition winner Zayaan Abdurahmaan—addressed a fundamental question: how do we build a science engagement ecosystem that is genuinely relevant, trustworthy, and accessible to all South Africans?

The core paradox: high value, low access

Data from the SAPRS survey reveals a striking paradox in public attitudes. South Africans overwhelmingly recognize the promise of science and technology for young people, scoring this potential at 78 out of 100. However, public participation—such as attending science events, visiting science centers, or participating in community science initiatives—scores a mere 23 out of 100.

As the panelists emphasized, the primary barrier to public engagement is not a lack of interest or curiosity. Rather, it is the “unequal distance” between public interest and practical opportunities to participate. Opportunities remain heavily partitioned by socioeconomic background, school resources, geography (urban vs. rural infrastructure), and language diversity.

Moving beyond surface representation

When evaluating STEM transformation, the discussion highlighted the need to move past fixed assumptions and examine field-by-field evidence. National administrative and survey datasets point to significant progress in higher education demographics. However, the panel noted that broad averages can conceal lingering structural inequalities. Women remain underrepresented in disciplines like engineering and computing, while academic evaluation structures continue to penalize career interruptions like maternity leave. Additionally, broader educational data reveals emerging concerns, such as declining male post-school participation and high graduate unemployment rates.

Key pillars for the 2030 science ecosystem

To close the access gap over the coming decade, the panelists outlined three core priorities for policy and practice:

• Broadening what counts as science: Engagement must expand beyond university laboratories to recognize technical, vocational, and artisan pathways—such as electricians, renewable energy installers, and laboratory technicians—alongside human sciences and traditional knowledge systems.
• Adopting a hybrid channel ctrategy: While digital platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer vital tools to engage youth through short-form visual content, traditional media remains crucial. SAPRS findings show that the public continues to place higher trust in television and radio news than in social media.
• Realigning institutional incentives: Public engagement cannot be treated as an afterthought. Research institutions and universities need to provide formal recognition, communication training, and funding incentives for researchers who build sustained, two-way relationships with local communities.

Ultimately, creating an inclusive science ecosystem requires meeting citizens where they live—in their home languages, in their communities, and across diverse media platforms. Science engagement should not simply bring science to communities, but actively develop science with them.

Watch the episode: