Image: Learners at the CSIR Career Day in Pretoria’s CSIR International Convention Centre

On August 5-6, 2025, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) held its annual Career Day in Pretoria’s CSIR International Convention Centre. The event, which commemorated the CSIR’s 80th anniversary, was part of National Science Week (NSW) under the theme “Science, Technology, and Innovation are for Everyone.”

NRF-SAASTA made a lasting impact at the event by inspiring learners to explore the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI). By disseminating valuable information about STEM-related careers, NRF-SAASTA showcased a diverse array of science engagement programs, from national competitions and writing projects to outreach activities that bring science directly into communities across South Africa.

The event provided a dynamic platform for learners to discover the numerous opportunities available to them in the STEMI fields.

Learners realised that there are numerous ways to participate and demonstrate their skills, while educators acquired valuable knowledge to help lead and encourage their learners on the path to science related careers. NRF-SAASTA provided learners and their educators with educational resources designed to assist them in exploring science related careers. The atmosphere at Career Day was lively and interactive. Learners alternated between exhibitions, experiments, and demonstrations, with each activity demonstrating how mathematics and science relate to the actual world. The NRF-SAASTA stand was usually busy, with many learners stopping to ask questions about how they could get involved in projects, and some even sharing their own goals of being scientists, engineers, or scientific communicators one day. The highlight of the day was witnessing learners’ faces light up as they realised science is not distant or unattainable but within their reach, a world of discovery waiting for them to explore. The Career Day reinforced that they have a place in science and innovation, aligning perfectly with National science week theme.