6th SANAP Symposium Reflections: Governance and Closing Ceremony
During the 6th SANAP symposium, time was allocated for the presentation of governance issues, and this was done on the first day during the opening ceremony. Dr Gilbert Siko , the Director of Marine & Polar Research at the Department of Science and Innovation gave the first presentation. His role within the Research Development and Support Programme it is to promote the development of research, the production of scientific knowledge, and human capital development in science areas in which South Africa enjoys a geographic advantage, that includes Antarctic and marine research. Dr Siko highlighted the strategic importance of the research conducted through the South African National Antarctic Programme.
Dr Siko was followed by Tracy Klarenbeek, Director of Knowledge Advancement and Support of the National Research Foundation (NRF). She highlighted that create innovative funding instruments such as SANAP serve to transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. She shared the outcomes of the 2023 SANAP Call for Proposals for funding cycle 2024 – 2026 with the community. She also mentioned that mentorship initiatives for unsuccessful applicants would be implemented via SAPRI.(right)
Dr Siko was followed by Tracy Klarenbeek, Director of Knowledge Advancement and Support of the National Research Foundation (NRF). She highlighted that create innovative funding instruments such as SANAP serve to transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. She shared the outcomes of the 2023 SANAP Call for Proposals for funding cycle 2024 – 2026 with the community. She also mentioned that mentorship initiatives for unsuccessful applicants would be implemented via SAPRI.
Prof Bettine van Vuuren (right), Chair of the South African National Committee for SCAR gave feedback on the committee meeting. She also highlighted the function and activities of SCAR and the importance to be informed of these activities, and to be aware of scholarship opportunities. She encouraged early career researchers to become involved in SCAR committees and action scholarships.
The highlight of the Symposium was the international Antarctic day celebrations where Tracy Klarenbeek (left)addressed all attendees during the closing ceremony with a heartfelt talk. All participants, old and new, were thanked for their participation in the Symposium and their dedication to the SANAP programme. Tracy Klarenbeek talk gave a personal perspective of administering the SANAP programme:
“by facilitating Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, and awarding student bursaries, it is evident that the work I do changes lives”.
The opportunity to access the Southern Ocean, Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands (Gough and the Prince Edward Islands) is limited to the lucky few, and the work of the National Research Foundation makes this a reality for researchers and students alike.
A printed Map of Antarctica was signed by everyone on International Antarctica Day 1st December 2023 at Houw Hoek Hotel!
Speakers photos: credit Anche Louw – SA Polar Research Infrastructure/Antarctic Legacy of SA
The Early Career Event at the SANAP symposium was a first for Early Career Researchers(ECR), but also for the first time during a SANAP symposium recognition was given for oral and poster presentations done by ECR’s. (above9l-r): Awardees – Joshua Tsamba, Saffiyah Moos, Ben Steyn, Stephni van der Merwe, Lillina Ruiters, Morgan Raath-Kruger)
(l-r): Joshua Tsamba, Saffiyah Moos, Ben Steyn receiving their certificates
(l-r) Certificates handed to Stephni van der Merwe, Lillina Ruiters, Morgan Raath Kruger( had to leave before ceremony)
Awards for oral and poster presentations were given to early-career scientists. These awards were to give recognition to Early career researchers and the effort they did in preparing and presenting their research. Principal Investigators made themselves available to mark presentations of ECR’s via a marksheet and we appreciate their time and comments. We congratulate the awardees and their Principal investigators and hope this recognition will motivate them in their career development. (above: Michelle Greve, Sandy Thomalla, Annie Bekker, Tokoloho Rampai, Peter le Roux)
Certificates signed by Dr Gilbert Siko of the Department of Science and innovation and Ms Tracy Klarenbeek form the National Research Foundation were handed to the recipients. There were a few Honours students that participate in the symposium and there presentations were of high standard and although they do not qualify for the ECR awards we would like to mention Sarah du Preez and Amber Sneddon for their Presentations. (above (l-R): Dr Gilbert Siko, Honour students with Annie Bekker and Tracy Klarenbeek, Tracy Klarenbeek)
For the first time ever at a SANAP Symposium an Early Career Event was organised by APECS-South Africa. The event was an opportunity to encourage ECRs to become members and to socialise with current members, in fact it was the first time that the current committee had all managed to meet in person and not over zoom. (Above group photo of APECSSA committee members 2024 that were able to attend the Symposium)
APECS-South Africa also wanted to use this time to engage in a community survey with ECRs to discuss important topics around career development and community inclusion. This survey was being conducted anonymously in real time and so provided a safe space for ECRs to raise any concerns they felt within the SANAP community. Most importantly, APECS-South Africa was able to then relay the results of this survey to the PIs and senior leadership of the SANAP community. (Above words used by ECRs to describe their journey, skills they need and what is missing in the organisation)
APECS-South Africa plans to continue running this survey going forward at future SANAP Symposiums so that ECRs feel like their voice is being heard and help the SANAP Community become better and more inclusive for everyone. During the workshop ECRs were able to respond to many questions (above ex). If you as an ECR has not yet responded click on the QR Code.
The last session on research themes were earth observations within the 
Above(l-r): Michael Kosch, Tshimangadzo M. Matamba, Nkosinathi Masango, Pierre Cilliers, Alicreance Hiyadutuje
The last session on oceans and marine ecosystems under global change within the 
Above: Marcel van den Berg, Issufo Halo, Jenny Huggett, Fannie Shabangu
Above (l-r): Sarah du Preez, Robyn Daniels, Ivana Schafer, Amber Sneddon
