Image: The management team from NRF-SAASTA and senior delegates from Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST) met at Didacta Building recently to share best practices and resources related to science engagement and science communication.

The leadership of the NRF-SAASTA and the Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST) recently discovered that they have much more in common than the distance and cultural divide would suggest. On the other side of the globe, BAST echoes NRF-SAASTA’s emphasis on the importance of Science Engagement for the development and empowerment of its people.

Dr. Mamoeletsi Mosia, Managing Director at NRF-SAASTA, welcomed a high-level delegation from Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST), marking an important step in deepening international collaboration in science engagement and public understanding of science. The visiting delegation consisted of Mr. Chen Weicheng, Vice President of BAST; Ms. Zhou Juan, Deputy Director, Department of Publicity and Culture and Ms. Zhang Chao, Project Manager, Collaborative Development Department, Beijing Development and Research Centre for Popular Science.

A broader knowledge exchange aimed at sharing best practices in science communication, strengthening institutional relationships, and identifying opportunities for future cooperation between South Africa and China resulted from the engagement.

Dr. Mosia showcased key programmes and initiatives that drive public engagement with science across South Africa. These included the flagship National Science Month campaign, science centre networks, educator and learner development initiatives, the development of science communication skills and the coordination of science engagement in communities.

Of great interest was the fact that China has also recently made the move from a week-long science awareness campaign to a month-long activation with the aim of deepening awareness and collaboration. NRF-SAASTA is hard at work preparing to launch National Science Month with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in 2026. 

The BAST delegation shared insights into their extensive work in promoting science literacy in one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced cities. Discussions highlighted innovative approaches used in Beijing, including large-scale science museums, intensifying public science events, the use of digital platforms to popularise science, and bringing science to less privileged citizens.

Both organisations found strong alignment in their mandates to popularise science and build a scientifically literate society. The exchange created a valuable platform for mutual learning, with both sides identifying practical ideas that could be adapted within their respective contexts.

The heads of both delegations concluded that opportunities for collaboration should be exploited, including: joint science communication resource sharing; exchange programmes for science communicators and practitioners; and collaboration during major science events and observances.