The HSRC prepared the first South African Public Relationship with Science survey- aimed at measuring and monitoring public levels of science knowledge, attitudes, and engagements – for the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. The report was launched during the opening plenary session of Science Forum South Africa 2024, on Wednesday 4 December 2024. The HSRC’s Prof Vijay Reddy, Distinguished Research Specialist, presented the results to a packed auditorium at the CSIR in Pretoria.

The South African Public Relationship with Science (SAPRS): 2022 survey results is the culmination of more than four years of work involving conceptualising the study, developing the instruments, collecting the data, analysing the data, and writing the report. It was a collaboration between the Science Promotion Unit at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Equitable Education
and Economies (EEE) Research Programme at the HSRC. The DStI team was led by Mr Isaac Ramovha and
the HSRC research team by Prof Vijay Reddy. Over the course of the four years, the core research team members were Dr Vijay Reddy, Dr Benjamin Roberts, Ms Sylvia Hannan, and Dr Steven Gordon.

This first national survey provided a basis for developing informed strategies to enhance the connection between science and society. The survey will be conducted every five years, with the next one planned for 2027. 

View and download the full report, highlights report, and snapshot infographics here.

WATCH THE RESULTS PRESENTATION AT SFSA 2024: