Competition Terms and Conditions

About the Competition

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), is tasked with the science engagement mandate of contributing towards the aspirations of the NRF Vision 2030 of supporting the development of a scientifically literate and engaged society in order to strengthen the relationship between science and society. The NRF-SAASTA is also responsible for the leadership and coordination of the DSI system-wide science engagement programme guided by the Science Engagement Strategy.

SAASTA hosts an array of workshops with the aim to provide scientists and researchers with a better appreciation for the communication of their science to the broader public, and to encourage them to ‘package’ and share their science using accessible language.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Students are invited to submit original logo designs that visually communicate the purpose and impact of National Science Month, which seeks to:

  • Promote public engagement with science
  • Inspire interest in science, technology and innovation
  • Celebrate scientific achievement and innovation in South Africa
  • Encourage science participation among communities and youth

Participants are encouraged to produce designs that are bold, innovative, and adaptable across digital, print, and promotional platforms.

Competition Information

Competition start date:  08 May 2026

Submission Deadline: 31 May 2026

Eligibility: Registered South African students from HEIs and TVET colleges in South Africa

Maximum Entries Per Participant: One (1) logo design per participant

Competition Prize: R20 000 cash

To ensure fairness and quality submissions, participants must adhere to the following rules:

  • Entries must be submitted via the official NRF-SAASTA website.
  • Only one (1) Entry per Participant will be permitted..
  • Submissions must be the original work of the applicant.
  • Team entries, collaborative submissions, or entries submitted on behalf of another person are strictly prohibited.
  • Designs must not contain trademarked or copyrighted imagery.
  • Designs must not have been previously published or used for purposes unrelated to National Science Month.
  • The use of computer-aided design software is permitted.

To ensure that the winning logo can be applied across multiple platforms, submissions must comply with the following specifications.

Image Quality

  • High-resolution image suitable for digital and print use.
  • Recommended minimum: 300 DPI

Image Style

  • Floating image
  • Transparent background preferred

Accepted File Formats

Participants must submit:

  • The competition host may request the participant to submit editable source file(s) (AI, PSD, or SVG format) where necessary

Maximum file size per upload: 5 MB per file. Files exceeding this limit may not be processed successfully

Dimensions

Designs must be scalable and adaptable for use across:

  • Websites and digital platforms
  • Print publications
  • Event branding
  • Promotional merchandise
  • Social media campaigns

Each submission must include a short written description explaining the concept behind the logo.

The description should outline:

  • The inspiration behind the design
  • The symbolism of visual elements
  • How the logo represents National Science Month and the spirit of science in South Africa

Recommended length: 150–300 words

All submissions will be evaluated by an appointed judging panel consisting of experts in science communication, branding, design and innovation.

Entries will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Creativity and Originality
  • The uniqueness and innovation of the design concept.
  • Relevance to National Science Month
  • How well the design reflects science engagement, discovery and innovation.
  • Conceptual Clarity
  • The strength and meaning behind the design elements.
  • Visual Impact
  • The design’s ability to attract attention and communicate effectively.
  • Adaptability and Usability
  • Suitability of the design across multiple platforms and formats.

By entering the competition, participants agree to the below terms and conditions:

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY

Enquiries

Email : [email protected]
Call : (012) 392 9300