Women scientists from South Africa

"The approach that dominates organizational theory, teaching, and practice for most of the twentieth century looked at organizations from the top-down, starting with a view of the CEO as the "leader" who shapes the organization's strategy, structure, culture, and performance potential. The nature of work and the role of the workforce enter the analysis much later, after considerations of technology and organization design have been considered. However, if the key source of value in the twenty-first-century organization is to be derived from the workforce itself, an inversion of the dominant approach will be needed. The new perspective will start not at the top of the organization, but at the front lines, with people and the work itself — which is where value is created. Such an inversion will lead to a transformation in the management and organization of work workers, and knowledge. This transformation was signalled by McGregor, but we must go further."

"This paper develops a new theoretical model with which to examine the interaction between technology and organizations. Early research studies assumed technology to be an objective, external force that would have deterministic impacts on organizational properties such as structure. Later researchers focused on the human aspect of technology, seeing it as the outcome of strategic choice and social action. This paper suggests that either view is incomplete, and proposes a reconceptualization of technology that takes both perspectives into account. A theoretical model-- the structurational model of technology--is built on the basis of this new conceptualization, and its workings explored through discussion of a field study of information technology. The paper suggests that the reformulation of the technology concept and the structurational model of technology allow a deeper and more dialectical understanding of the interaction between technology and organizations. This understanding provides insight into the limits and opportunities of human choice, technology development and use, and organizational design. Implications for future research of the new concept of technology and structurational model of technology are discussed."

"Technology has always been a central variable in organizational theory, informing research and practice. Despite years of investigative effort there is little agreement on the definition and measurement of technology, and no compelling evidence on the precise role of technology in organizational affairs. I will argue that the divergent definitions and opposing perspectives associated with technological research have limited our understanding of how technology interacts with organizations, and that these incompatibilities cannot be resolved by mutual concession. What is needed is a reconstruction of the concept of technology, which fundamentally re-examines our current notions of technology and its role in organizations."

"Two views on the scope of technology have pervaded (and shaped) studies of technology, reflecting the different claims to generalizability that researchers have intended with their work. The one set of studies has focused on technology as "hardware," that is, the equipment, machines, and instruments that humans use in productive activities, whether industrial or informational devices."

"Rather than positing design and use as disconnected moments or stages in a technology's lifecycle, the structurational model of technology posits artifacts as potentially modifiable throughout their existence. In attempting to understand technology as continually socially and physically constructed, it is useful to discriminate analytically between human action which affects technology and that which is affected by technology. I suggest that we recognize human interaction with technology as having two iterative modes: the design mode and the use mode. I emphasize that this distinction is an analytical convenience only, and that in reality these modes of interaction are tightly coupled."

"Technology is built and used within certain social and historical circumstances and its form and functioning will bear the imprint of those conditions."

"As both technologies and organizations undergo dramatic changes in form and function, organizational researchers are increasingly turning to concepts of innovation, emergence, and improvisation to help explain the new ways of organizing and using technology evident in practice. With a similar intent, I propose an extension to the structurational perspective on technology that develops a practice lens to examine how people, as they interact with a technology in their ongoing practices, enact structures which shape their emergent and situated use of that technology. Viewing the use of technology as a process of enactment enables a deeper understanding of the constitutive role of social practices in the ongoing use and change of technologies in the workplace. After developing this lens, I offer an example of its use in research, and then suggest some implications for the study of technology in organizations."

"Technology - and its relationship to organizational structures, processes, and outcomes - has long been of interest to organizational researchers. Over the years, different research perspectives on technology have developed in parallel with research perspectives on organizations - for example, contingency theory (Woodward 1965, Galbraith 1977, Carter 1984, Daft and Lengel 1986), strategic choice models (Child 1972, Buchanan and Boddy 1983, Davis and Taylor 1986, Zuboff 1988), Marxist studies (Braverman 1974, Edwards 1979, Shaiken 1985, Perrolle 1986), symbolic interactionist approaches (Kling 1991, Prasad 1993), transaction-cost economics (Malone et al. 1987, Ciborra 1993); network analyses (Barley 1990, Burkhardt and Brass 1990, Rice and Aydin 1991), practice theories (Suchman 1987, Button 1993, Hutchins 1995, Orr 1996), and structurational models (Barley 1986, Orlikowski 1992, DeSanctis and Poole 1994)."

"I feel that many of us are often not open to seeing the bigger picture. Perhaps, in this era of information inundation, we prefer or feel more comfortable forgetting how much we still don’t know."

"I would like to point out that all the information we have gathered, all the observations we have made, have resulted from exploring the unknown."

"Life on Mars will be a precious and fragile resource, and I believe morality there will be defined by a deep appreciation for life and all that’s needed to sustain it, and I believe that this attitude will filter down to Earth."

"Exploring pathways to reach such futures is, I think, one of the most exciting and important research areas in the sustainability field, and where the broader CST team and I plan to focus much of our future work."

"This dream is rapidly becoming a reality through the development of the CST, which like other leading sustainability centres globally is pioneering new inter- and transdisciplinary institutional structures. It is also helping to position Stellenbosch University as a national and international leader in the fast-emerging sustainability arena."

"Balancing the demands of raising a young family with the demands of research and students can be tough, and a supportive partner and family make a huge difference. The COVID pandemic has highlighted some key gender inequalities, but also opened up some new possibilities for flexibility in the way we work that could facilitate greater engagement of women in senior research and leadership positions."

"As a relatively young woman in a male dominated senior leadership environment, it can sometimes feel difficult to be taken seriously and, consequently, to believe in oneself. So this is a big confidence booster in my intellectual leadership and a green light to venture out and continue forging new pathways."

"In one way, in Africa, we have an advantage because we're behind everyone else on the development trajectory." Now is the time to think more cleverly about different models for how poorer countries could develop in a completely different way that doesn't have such a high impact on the environment as has happened in most other places."

"The framework we're using assumes the planet, and human societies that live upon it, are complex and constantly evolving, so we need to continually learn about and adapt to these ongoing changes."

"People see certain things and draw conclusions that are actually valid for the data they have. But then somebody else goes to investigate, maybe at a different time or using a bit of a different approach, collects a different set of data, and they get a different answer."

"Once you engage the people who are managing a system, they can change the way they're thinking about it and actually influence the future, so it's very interactive."

"As far as women go, there's a lot more we still need to do."

"The vulnerability of young women is very much tied into gender power differences in society."

"For most of my life I thought about science and its application to leaving people better off, so I wanted to be a scientist and do something that would help people."

"Women continue to inspire me to persist with my scientific endeavors. While some progress has been made, much more remains to be done to ensure a non-sexist and just society."

"When we come together with unity of purpose, we can achieve great things."

"When solutions are not shared fairly or equitably, the pathogen thrives, as we witnessed during COVID-19, and another example where sharing information openly as South African scientists did during the emergence of the Omicron variant resulted in a travel ban by several countries in the Global North for the entire southern African region."

"We have to balance mission-oriented investments with curiosity investments, because the discoveries from curiosity research enable the innovation for mission-driven science. Undertaking biomedical research is high-risk, and more often than not does not produce the desired outcomes. However, we learn and understand the phenomenon better and move forward incrementally. This persistence and perseverance is a hallmark of scientific endeavours together with vigorous debates and discussions of findings."

"And it’s not a token affirmative action process, but creating the space for women’s voices to be heard, women to contribute in the context of complex challenges that face us is no longer a luxury – we need all voices heard and opportunities created for all to contribute."

"Environments can be created where women feel they belong, and we can see from the 20 years of CAPRISA’s existence how creating a supportive space for women has enabled a lot of women to thrive, to make their contributions and be constantly making cutting-edge contributions. So this is a concrete example. It’s not just rhetoric; it's not idealism that we can make it happen, and we need to illustrate that more and more because that means inclusivity at all levels, which bodes well for human security and planetary health."

"We focused on developing and testing technologies that empowered women."

"We can’t think of problems in the global south as just problems for the global south."

"The idea behind access and benefit sharing policy is laudable: it was created to try to harness the economic benefits of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge as a way to achieve economic and social justice, and to fund biodiversity conservation."

"Although access and benefit sharing has encouraged more equitable research partnerships in certain cases, from early on it became clear that that commercial demand for genetic resources was insufficient to incentivise biodiversity conservation."

"She replied 'to those who argued that women did not want independence' with a rhetorical question that '"If the bird does like its cage and does like its sugar and will not leave it, why keep the door so very carefully shut?"'6"

"The relationship between part-time and full-time forces can best be understood in terms of the typical Defence Force career of a white male. All white men must register for military service at sixteen, while still at school. They are then liable for service in the full-time force. Those who do not make a career in the permanent force are required either before or after tertiary education to render two years of national service in one of the five arms of the Defence Force. After this they are placed in the part-time citizen force for twelve years, during which time they must serve up to 720 days in annual thirty-, sixty-, or ninety-day ‘camps’. Then they are placed in the active citizen force reserve for five years and may be required to serve twelve days a year in a local commando until the age of fifty-five. Finally, they are placed on the national reserve until they are sixty-five."

"From a young age I was fascinated with biology and health sciences, and originally wanted to study medicine. When funding for my studies became an issue, I decided to study a general BSc degree with Human Physiology as my major. I have never looked back and ended up working in clinical population-based studies, general epidemiology and public health with a specific focus on hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease. By choosing this direction of work I am not limited to helping just one patient at a time, but instead I am able to contribute towards treating entire populations at a given time."

"When people think of Africa, they mainly focus on the significant burden of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. The health systems are often crippled by the high cost in treating these conditions."

"...the challenging circumstances in low resource settings are often overlooked by scientists in affluent countries."

"I was confronted with heart disease very early on. My father only knew his father for two years, and at six I thought I was farewelling my 38-year-old father at his hospital bed. Fortunately, medicine pulled him through in the early eighties."

"By improving healthcare setting conditions, including access to quality medications, better training of staff and team-based care, we can take significant strides forward."

"Importantly, diversity in a research team brings much creativity, innovation and insights."

"Blood pressure control rates have stagnated over the past decades. A reform in blood pressure management is needed, and I welcome all to get in touch and join forces to make this happen."

"I am very interested in novel technologies to monitor blood pressure using cloud-based systems and low-energy solutions that could be used in areas without electricity."

".These developments need to be evaluated, consolidated and implemented and is likely to substantially influence mobile healthcare in the decades to come."

"I commit to maintain and exemplify the highest standards of scientific integrity and agree to follow the Academy’s Code of Conduct."

"I can't see that happening because the White Paper has been approved by Parliament, even the Decadal Plan, so the wheels are running. And at the end of the day, the politicians can't stall the momentum at which this is going. I mean, they may be able to chirp about certain things, but the doing is actually in the hands of the scientists. And therein lies, you know, some of the frustrations we feel are scientists. We come from a sporting nation. I mean, you know, we all know that the Springboks (national rugby team) are playing on Saturday. There'll be an overwhelming voice of support for that level of stuff. When it comes to politics, we are all very opinionated. You know we can, we can air our opinions, whether we have supported the evidence, etcetera. But at least with the science, even though we don't get the same recognition as scientists and what science can do, the value of science is that it is evidence based. There's a line of evidence, a chain of evidence in terms of support of what it is we are doing. But sadly, during the COVID era, the trust in science was kind of obliterated. And so we have a lot of work to do to rebuild the trust, the confidence and to allow people to see why science, whether it is the, you know, the physical sciences, the hard sciences or the social sciences, to just stand back a little and watch the way science rolls in motion."

"Yes, the private sector is dependent on the public sector to produce the students. And they wait at the end of the pipeline and they suck them all up. So, yes, public-private partnerships early on are desirable, but I think there are challenges on all sides. I'm not so sure I'm not an economist, but I get a sense that, you know, having just been squeezed through the COVID pandemic, that there's challenges on all sides. So let's just hope that in years to come, there's better will, and that the private sector is more amenable to putting in more money into the system."

"I know you think you are poor. You have to wear second hand clothes and often walked barefoot to school in winter when you were young. The other learners laugh at you since you are not as well off as they are. But you get the top marks in mathematics and science. You see, being poor in material things does not make your brain also poor. What matters is that you are focused, disciplined and respectful. * Remember you grew up herding sheep and had to fend for yourself from the boys in the fields? That you had to go to school on alternate days and you had to do many other jobs which boys had to do such as working in the construction company, which involved mixing cement, laying bricks, etc? All this hard work was good for you. It gave you discipline and taught you never to shy away from hard work. It gave you the strong belief in yourself and capabilities. And you you learned all you had to do while maintaining your pride and dignity. What about your family? Will they understand why you need to go to University? Let me tell you, they will not. They would like you to work and support your brother and sister so they can complete their schooling. Also Tebello, remember that even though you are good in mathematics and general science, you decided not to do these two subjects when you entered high school? Do you know why? Let me tell you. You listened to your peers. Be wary of peers. You have always been an independent thinker. You never went along with the crowd. Why start now? Eventually, with two years of high school left, you realize that arts is not for you. So you are now doing Physics, Biology and Chemistry and an advanced mathematics course. You are worried that you cannot do all the courses in two years. But you will, since you are excited about being a scientist. Do you doubt you can make it? Do you think you have what it takes to be a scientist? Let me tell you this: you do have what it takes. You like nature, this may have come from your shepherd days. You like to ask deep questions about your environment and you like to fix things around the house. You like to see plants grow, you love to listen to birds and identify them. You do not realize that this is what science is about. Being a scientist means being in touch with your environment, having an inquisitive mind and asking questions about how things work. You like challenges, you like to do the impossible. All the hard work you did when you were younger was preparing you for the discipline needed for doing in TWO years what others did in THREE years. Yes, you will have to work very hard to catch up with the others, but then I know you would never shy away. You will thinking of going to University, later. Your peers will be there again, telling you that you will never get married if you are too educated. They will say men do not like educated women. Are you going to listen to them again after your experience in high school? I know you, you learn your lessons very quickly. You will ignore peers this time. In fact you will encourage some of your peers to go to University with you. What about your family? Will they understand why you need to go to University? Let me tell you, they will not. They would like you to work and support your brother and sister so they can complete their schooling. You know this is fair since you were supported. The family believes you have enough education. All they wanted was for you to be more educated than they were. Now you are going too far, they are now worried about when you will get married and have children. So what are you going to do? You cannot disrespect your family. But I know you, you will find a way out. You want to remain challenged by science. So you will decide to work for a year to support your family and to see your younger sister complete her high school. And you will be even more determined to go to University. The reason is you will not enjoy your job. It will not be challenging enough for you! You believe education will equip you to have a more fulfilling career. But you have been told endlessly that women do not need a career, they just have to marry well. But you are different. You have an independent mind. You believe you can be a wife and a mother and still be a bread winner and contribute to society. And you will."

"You didn’t dream too far because in that environment, there aren’t many people who have gone far."

"I completely object to the notion that there is anybody special in this world. We are all good at what we do. We just have to find a way of understanding what we want to do, and not ask for short cuts.”"

"After school, I knew that I was a scientist, one way or the other. How far I would go with the science, I did not know. I didn’t know what chemistry was about, I didn’t even know what I would do with chemistry, but it was challenging and I liked it."

"I learnt a lot from being in the fields. You have to learn about the birds. You have to learn the sounds. That is science, you know. You had to learn in the field what kind of plants are edible, and so science started there in my view. I think that is when a scientist was born."

"Our whole aim is to make molecules that are cancer-specific so that healthy tissue will not be affected."

"In our research, PDT is combined with nanoparticles that absorb and re-emit light, thus enabling for visualization in addition to cancer treatment. In cancer therapy, nanoparticles act as delivery agents of the drugs selectively to the cancer tissue."

"At the start my father influenced my path. He believed that the apartheid system could only be defeated through education and I was encouraged to excel at a very young age."

"The teachers accepted me after this mad move from arts to science and when I entered the University of Lesotho, I was greatly influenced by my lecturer, Dr Gray. After that I was driven by my desire to beat the odds."

"I had academic loneliness, since there were very few women when I started. Now my past students have become professors and are my academic colleagues."

"I am driven by being an African, completely, I’m passionate to see us succeed."

"I urge all young people in the country to study to the highest possible level [PhD]. The development of South Africa will depend on highly skilled labor. No country can have lasting economic."

"Sometimes I think gosh, that is not me. I’m just doing my work, that’s all it is. I love my students and I embarrass them a lot sometimes."

"I keep telling people I’m no longer a role model, I’m too old, too straight and not hip enough."

"There were no role models to look up to back then. You just learned to follow your peers. They told me science was too hard and way beyond me, but I was adamant I wanted to do it and with two years left switched courses."

"I was brought up to work hard, whether it was as a young shepherd or working long hours mixing cement and concrete for my father’s company. I was just used to touching things. Now when I talk to schools or parents, the first thing I say, is let your children touch and explore, it’s the first path to science."

"In South Africa we have this system that constantly strives for 100% pass rates at schools. Many of the teachers themselves find science hard, as very few are trained in teaching the discipline, and therefore under great pressure, they discourage students from courses. It is a deeply flawed system."

"Science is not just part of our culture, it is part of our everyday life, and role models are crucial in promoting this. I didn’t have any, other than my teachers. Nobody knew what a chemist was back then. Students need people to look up to, as well as a mentality of if someone from that background can do it, why can’t I?” exclaims Nyokong, who often refers to her humble background as proof of this."

"Over the years I have become very passionate in making people aware of science in the marketplace. I used to run a programme for high school learners where I would take them to the supermarket and show them how the products they buy everyday are influenced or impacted on by science."

"South Africa has made the right policies and in terms of output is beginning to show on the world map. Where the limitations are noticeable and the government is very aware of, is taking those outputs, not all but some, and turning them into products through innovation. That is where we really struggle.”"

"When I collaborate internationally, I see a culture where scientists will pitch an innovative idea to the industry and a company can choose to take or fund it if they are interested. However in South Africa, we just don’t have that, which puts a lot of strain on the market. My frustration comes on the medical side. I’m not into development, I’m into research and training young people to develop, and if industries, particularly pharmaceutical industries and others were to really invest in research, we would see a massive boost in productivity.”"

"Many students in Africa have excellent theoretical scientific knowledge, but lack the tools for research. It is a travesty in a continent where we need that critical mass of young people with great ideas coming through academia. It is worrying because many of the productive researchers at African universities are aging and there is a major gap in between developing."

"We immediately needed engineers and could have trained many in South Africa and neighbouring African countries if we had young people with maths and science from high school. Sadly, the harsh truth was we didn’t have enough and work was outsourced."

"The aim is to take African lecturers in and equip them with the right training before sending them back to their respective classrooms. Many go back with a renewed confidence and vigour, but frustratingly return to facilities that are not fit to teach or carry out research."

"I can do nothingon my own. I am achemist - we candevelop things –but collaborationis what’simportant to see ifthey work."

"There are very poorpeople, eating from bins out there, and very rich.The infrastructure is there and the governmenthas made a conscious decision that they are notjust going to combat poverty, they will alsodevelop science and technology."

"I want to see Africa become less dependent on the West and find solutions to our own problems through science. No country has ever developed without a good science base."

"All awards are important. They are a privilege. But the awards that give me an opportunity to educate the public have huge significance."

"It is important to place science as a priority in African countries. No country has ever developed without a good science base."

"I think women need to remove the fear of science and the fear of a male dominated workplace. If somebody tells you “it’s not for women,” remove that fear, it’s not difficult. Like anything else, when you work at it, you can make it."

"Young women and girls who would wish to pursue science careers should seek education to the highest level and work hard to excel in their careers."

"They should work hard and consistently. I believe strongly in putting a lot of time in what you do. They should not choose a career based on money, they should base their choice on passion. Yes, we need money to survive, but choose a career which will make you happy, fulfilled and challenged. That will make you want to wake up and go to work."

"Electroanalysis and electrocatalysis are electrochemically driven analytical protocols for measurement and monitoring of a wide range of environmental pollutants, depending on the chemical transformations that give rise to the pollution effect."

"Each environmental problem requires careful analysis of the chemical nature of the problem before the best suited methods for analysis and monitoring may be developed."

"The common factor between all these projects is the interest in novel high surface area electrochemically active nanomaterials which could benefit the focus of either sensors or energy applications."

"Preliminary work includes the development of polymer electrodes for sulphonamide detection, with very sensitive and reproducible analytical reporting in laboratory standard solutions as well as municipal tap."

"This is very important for capacity building, research training of postgraduate students and for developing teaching capacity in teaching current hot topics in science."

"Nobody gives you opportunities; they present themselves to you. And it's up to you to see them and to seize them, no matter what other people may say – you can achieve what you believe"

"Follow your passion, but understand that passions shift over time, and that’s okay. Balance motherhood and ambition, reflect often, and always be building towards a purposeful legacy."

"Make it count, because how we use these opportunities now will shape what’s possible for generations of women after us."

"My story is not just about overcoming barriers—it’s about building bridges for others"

"The practical component of oceanography required long periods at sea, but the boats weren’t equipped for women, and the crew were not ready to accept a person of colour as a professional... By actively sharing my journey, I’ve become a tangible example for female students to explore careers based on capability, not stereotypes"

"Most current medical interventions are designed for ex post facto implementation"

"The major shortcoming of modern medicine lies in the absence of continuous monitoring tools to inform medical practitioners of the early onset and progression of a disease"

"We are bridging a crucial gap in healthcare knowledge and implementation"

"Collaborative research sharpens our skills and pushes us to think beyond our comfort zones"

"Women often remain primary caregivers, facing career interruptions due to maternity leave and family demands - factors rarely accounted for in promotions"

"Surround yourself with leaders who embody excellence, kindness and fairness. We must create spaces where all can thrive"

"The Fellow in residence programme has allowed me to integrate as an active team member with the LPPI researchers, to develop joint interests in a diverse range of projects centred around sensor development and energy applications. The common factor between all these projects is the interest in novel high surface area electrochemically active nanomaterials which could benefit the focus of either sensors or energy applications. During the 4 month FIR stay, the initial contact with LPPI has been expanded to a fully representative consortium working on mutually beneficial materials and technology outcomes. This is very important for capacity building, research training of postgraduate students and for developing teaching capacity in teaching current hot topics in science. The consortium partnership established between SensorLab (University of the Western Cape ) and the LPPI laboratory (CY Cergy Paris) is a unique innovation in science knowledge sharing and capacity building between South Africa and France."

"These chemical transformations include highly specific binding reactions, electrolysis, energy efficient catalytic conversion of chemical reactants, adsorption reactions, diffusion controlled reactions and coupled chemical reactions **"

"I hope that my work and determination inspire young scientists to persevere in their efforts until we find lasting solutions to address cancer in Africa."

"This achievement reaffirms that my dedication to addressing the urgent cancer challenges in the African region is both recognised and valued."

"I also want to encourage more young women to pursue careers in STEM. The opportunities are boundless – embrace them, and together, we can change the world."

"The mixed method design was adopted for this study which triangulated focus group semi structured interview, documentary analysis and lesson observation."

"Writing is dominant in schools and continues to be important for effective communication. Therefore, learners need to be up- skilled in writing skills as their everyday activities."

"Education has the power both to include and exclude, and the effects it has are down to the Higher Education (HE) professionals working in institutions and taking responsibility for what the student experience looks like."

"I am motivated by a vision of equity in society, a belief that opportunity in education can help transform society into a more equal community."

"I passionately believe we can take such students through an immersive university experience which they enjoy and through which they succeed. It is a complex journey for our students, and I appreciate that the scaffolding needs to be in place throughout their journey. Perhaps even before and post-graduation."

"We learn a lot through interaction in real time and in a real shared physical space. Of course, we have attentive support for transition to campus learning and counselling for any student facing difficulty balancing campus presence, online learning and interaction."

"Our students need to feel accepted and valued, we need to make sure that we work with them and not decide for them what this might mean in practice. Part of this work on belonging and inclusion is knowing who our students are. I need to know where they come from, their concerns, what inspires them, and their ambitions; therefore, I must create and align resources."

"I believe that African women have the capability to excel in the sciences and make Africa advance a lot in socio economic development."

"I hope we can achieve gender equality where women and girls are empowered to ensure inclusive and quality education for all."

"Well, I climbed the academic ladder from tutorial fellow to full professor. In the university there are four to five key performance areas: teaching undergraduate and supervising postgraduate students; research, development and innovation; community outreach; international networks and management or leadership. I have had significant outputs in the five areas."

"I am particularly interested in water research because water is simply vital. Nanotechnology has an essential role to play in purification techniques. Our current methods can filter water to levels that are safe for domestic use, or by up to 80%, but we want to refine them to filter [out] about 100% of water contaminants in one filtration cycle."

"I want us [Africans] to have access to safe drinking water, just as is the case in developed countries such as USA and in Europe."

"We drew water from a river about two miles [about 3km] away. The river where kids went to swim and women laundered their dirty clothes, was the same river we drew water from to fill our calabashes and plastic jerrycans."

"We need these technologies, not just for industrial use, but also for domestic use, for everyday use. So that individual households can mount them in their homes."

"My dream is to produce a commercially viable water nanofilter that removes contaminants in one filtration cycle, enabling rural African families to install affordable water filters in their homes. It is to have a continent where everyone can access safe and clean drinking water."

"Joan Morice, a member of the class of 1927, broke the tradition of male student domination at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty."

"We all love a good fictional superhero, but real scientists, real people, have just as amazing powers!"

"Just take that first leap of faith and trust the process! All whilst working hard and intentionally at achieving the goal."

"Trust the process, and if you don’t like it or it’s not working for you, change it. Be the change instead of waiting for change."

"For as long as there's people around asking questions, exploration isn't dead. Once we accept that, new and exciting things will come to light that will add to the story of our deep human journey."

"Be true to yourself. The dreams that you had as a child were real and pure. With sheer determination, those dreams can come true."

"We were really put in very extreme situations, crawling through very tight tunnels, i've had my butt stuck, I've had my head stuck and it's a challenge not to panic -- but also, you learn a lot about yourself and inner strength in those conditions."

"I am fortunate to be able to work within this fossil-rich reserve. It’s been fun to share my excitement with the women who will become South Africa’s ambassadors, taking part of the story of human origins with them and raising critical interest in our globally shared heritage."

"Imposter syndrome. My insecurities regarding not being good enough at times lead to self-sabotage."

"I always loved mathematics, and was inspired by particular teachers in both primary and secondary schools, and so I went to University to study mathematics."

"I gave “extra mathematics lessons” while I was doing my degree and enjoyed this (as well as earning quite well from it) and so went on from a B Sc to do my professional teaching diploma."

"Psychology was my second major – this also wasn’t in my original plan – I had thought I would do Applied Maths, but I enjoyed Psychology in first year and so continued, and then enjoyed work on child development, learning and so on."

"I moved into teaching – rather than set out to teach, or work in education. When I began my working career as a secondary mathematics teacher, I had no intention of becoming an academic and researcher in education. My first post was in a so-called ‘coloured’ school in Cape Town, a school with a strong political identity tied to the Unity Movement."

"We need really curious leaders"

"because then you don’t make assumptions, you don’t take diversity views for granted."

"Once you get a big role, that's the starting line, not the finishing line. So it's really, how do you understand what the need is from your organization and in society?"

"If you don't know as a leader what your license to operate is from society, then you've got tunnel vision. So it's understanding the context, what society expects, what the organization needs, and having to adapt yourself and evolve.” Asked about the way forward"

"You have to be vulnerable. You have to recognize you don't know the answers. Good ideas can come from anywhere"

"Broadly my time is shared between supporting the professional development work we do in schools, and doing and supporting the research that is linked to this work, with a large proportion of time supporting full time doctoral students in the project. I teach less than I did before. I travel internationally a fair amount, to conferences and for other international work I do."

"I think our whole field of educational research in South Africa is relatively young. There is so much we need to know more about, and from the empirical base of our schools, classrooms and learners. I think the transition years from primary into secondary mathematics what teachers need to know and do to teach across subjects at that level are very poorly understood. This is critical in mathematics where the move to greater abstraction and working with symbolic forms emerges. It is also a critical point where we need to know more about what it means to learn and teach mathematics in a dominant minority but extremely powerful language (English)."

"Interesting as I think about this, Eva Hoffman’s Lost in Translation had an immense effect on me. I happened to read this while I was working on my PhD, and it provided a different gaze on what it meant to learn and live in a language that was not your mother tongue, or as she called it, the language of her heart and emotions. I have since read much of her work, the most powerful of which was After Such Knowledge: Meditations on the Holocaust. The latter, a philosophical and social commentary rather than an academic text, has contributed significantly to my understanding of the social world, as well as some of my own location in history."

"Most influential at the start of my academic career was Lev Vygotsky’s work: Mind in Society and Thought and Language. As a mathematics education researcher I am always working between educational theory and literature in mathematics education. With my early work on teaching mathematics in multilingual classrooms, David Pimm’s book Speaking Mathematically was pivotal in turning my attention to mathematical language more generally. More recently, with my interest in mathematical knowledge in and for teaching and particularly what is produced as mathematics in teacher education practice, influential resources are Basil Bernstein’s Pedagogy, Symbolic Control and Identity, and Anna Sfard’s Thinking as Communicating and then the extensive work done by Deborah Ball in the past decade. I could go on, as I enjoy reading, and spend time relaxing with whodunnit."

"For me it was worth trying out a few different things until I found what I liked. Even though it might have seemed undirected at the time, I ended up with some really useful skills"

"My research helps create the landscapes and environments that support us"

"Being creative is a huge part of being a good scientist. You need to find new ways to look at old problems and you must be able to design experiments that reveal new information"

"In other words, a scientist needs vision."

"Young people still care about the problems of the world and are willing to solve them, and they know that having fun is part of life"

"I work on understanding the dynamics of savanna ecosystems in the context of global change. My work integrates field ecological data, remote sensing, modelling, and biogeochemistry."

"I am involved in collaborative research projects with Yale University, Edinburgh University and the University of Liverpool among others which variously work on fire-grazer interactions, inter-continental savanna comparisons, the importance of land-atmosphere feedbacks, and pursuing a global theory of fire."

"I’m constantly looking for new ways to reach people"

"So we’ve had a youth centre down in Masiphumelele for years. But we realised that we were missing young men aged between 17 and 29. So we have built a health park alongside the youth centre, basically it’s a gym with all the latest equipment."

"So the message now is: ‘get ripped, get prepped.’ You know, if you want to look gorgeous, if you wanna be attractive, build your muscles, but have a healthy penis too."

"And in the middle of the health park, we still have the sexual reproductive health clinic"

"Plus a mental health support component. We are seeing a ton of mental health difficulties post-COVID. So just some basic support. Somebody who can sit next to you and say: ‘I see you, I feel your pain. If you are using substances, can you use less? If you’re smoking, can you smoke less?’ We’re trying to address the non-communicable diseases as well."

"There is an epidemic of obesity now. So we are trying to say to young women: ‘this BMI [Body Mass Index] is going to get you into trouble. What can we do, sister? How can we help you? What’s your diet? Can we advise around the dietary side?’ You know, gentle engagement around non-communicable diseases"

"To be honest, I’m 62, so I kind of feel like my career is – with the lens that the glass is half full – that I am at a career summit somehow. I suppose I’ve been quite reflective in thinking what has been achieved and what still needs to be done."

"I’ve got a lot of thoughts now about ensuring that the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre are in stable and sustainable spaces. But you’re right, it’s such an exciting time in prevention, particularly antiretroviral-based prevention. I’ve also been looking back on 40 years of the epidemic: What have we done?"

"I’m a paleontologist, and a biologist. The particular area that I work in is called paleobiology. I use my understanding of bone structures of modern animals to make extrapolations to the fossil record."

"When fossils are found, people try to identify and understand the fossil itself. But my research goes beyond that. I want to try and understand something about the animal when it was living — how long did it take to grow, what kind of factors affected its growth, did it have any disease, was it male or female."

"My second book is called . This book is about is the history of life on earth from a perspective of the African continent. It’s like a big picture story. The book was aimed at the high school level but can also be enjoyed equally by adults.One of my very big interests is to promote science through different platforms."

"Kids have so much information about the prehistoric world, it is unreal. They know the geological time, they know about predators and prey and the names of so many dinosaurs."

"South Africa certainly has unique issues. As you know, our country has the legacy of the apartheid. So for me, as an Indian woman, growing up in South Africa meant that there were certain restrictions — which universities I could attend, what I could do. If you look at the numbers of black women in science in South Africa"

"I often work with the Association for South African Women in Science and Engineering and I’m very involved in trying to promote and encourage young people to come into science"

"I was lucky enough to be mentored by Dr. Botha de Meillon, the doyen of African Anopheles mosquitoes and author of several books on the topic, who encouraged me to embark on post-graduate studies at Wits University."

"Throughout my career, my research has focussed on the mosquitoes that transmit malaria parasites and how to control them. I have studied their morphology, chromosomes, and isoenzymes, cross-mated them, and bred them in huge numbers in the laboratory."

"The project I was involved in, in northern South Africa, looked at the effectiveness of reactive or targeted IRS (responding only when there was a malaria case) versus proactive IRS (the standard IRS blanket spraying program carried out at the beginning of the season) and how much each cost per annum."

"Entomology is quite often neglected but is critically important if real control or elimination is to be achieved. Capacity building in entomology would also be a crucial aspect that could be addressed by the savings made in targeted IRS."

"It's hard for anybody. There are people who are comfortable -- I don't know what the percentage of the people who are comfortable or are not comfortable [is], with people being differently able. I wrote in my book"

"It might have to do with how my mother was, and I observed her dealing with people who were different and as matter of fact and equal to anybody else, as deserving of respect and kindness. People have asked me over the years, "How do you work with people who are differently abled?" I always say,"

"I just have to learn what their special needs are. And what I'm going to do with them, I do with everybody. I want to find out what they're capable of, not what they're not capable of -- I mean, we know what they're not capable of, but it's so different for everyone, even if you don't have a physical disability."

"Everybody underestimates. And then there are people that think, am I a freak? Am I kinky? Is this strange? And I always say, "No." Find the person who loves to do what you love to do, and then you'll have the best relationship."

"If you're with somebody you feel is judging you when you make a suggestion, give it a try if you're really attracted to the person, but I wouldn't stick around for that."

"The Role of Gender-Responsive Organizations in Global Science," explaining the concept and expanding on it. Being gender-responsive, she said, means creating an environment that promotes an inclusive approach, recognizing the needs of both women and men."

"There are still many unconscious biases that prevent building a workplace where everybody is appreciated, respected and treated equally. Unfortunately."

"We tend to think that numerical gender parity is a good achievement in itself and that increasing the number of women fellows within institutes and academies is a valuable milestone," Diab said in her presentation."

"She continued, “However, gender transformation involves far more than achieving gender parity. It is a shift from a focus on statistics to a deeper dimension that embraces an understanding of the needs and aspirations of all people, especially women."

"Addressing only the notion of parity in numbers is not enough. We need to take bolder steps,"

"Institutions and academies worldwide should give more visibility to women scientists."

"TWAS has great potential to play a powerful gender-transformative role and to influence norms and practices in science academies across the developing world. TWAS draws its fellows, prize winners and attendees at events from multiple countries and also has five regional partners through which it can play an influential role.” And finally"

"Achieving gender transformation requires the engagement of both men and women. It's not only a men's or women's responsibility: we can travel this journey together"

"Our goal is to build relationships with companies so we can help meet their needs and solve their problems in ways that benefit our students, too"

"That may be talent development, industry research, or even developing innovative curriculum to meet emerging workforce needs"

"Apart from enjoying and having an aptitude for math and science at school, I decided to pursue a career in physics because there are very few female scientists in South Africa. Having a degree in physics opens the door to a variety of careers across a variety of sectors. And since only a few women pursue these careers it means more opportunities for those who do."

"My responsibilities involve implementing structured light to increase the bandwidth of optical communications systems. I design and construct optical experiments as well as develop code to automate measurement processes and analyze data."

"I also assist on the business process and program development of our prototyping facility which develops photonics prototypes well-aligned to market needs."

"In terms of what I want to do, Africa, Africa, Africa. We are a continent that’s reliant on rain for our crops: we are already a poor continent so we cannot put in a lot of irrigation."

"It is also the continent where there is the greatest predicted food shortage compared to the population growth. The United Nations has projected the African population to double to 2.4 billion by 2050, while global warming is likely to worsen droughts and reduce crop yields. But apart from all of that, it is my passion to do this for Africa."

"No, definitely not. It can be a solution for only a small amount of crops that are going to help with food security. People are thinking about aeroponics, hydroponics, eating insects, eating all sorts of other foods. Resurrection crops is one solution of many – but I think it is a very important one."

"Without trying to be rude, they are very ignorant about the subject. Genetic modification of plants is probably the safest kind of GM, yet it is the most vilified one."

"The crops that we are eating [today] are highly genetically modified. Through conventional breeding, thousands of gene changes happened without us knowing that we were doing GM all along."

"I want to cater to the subsistence farmer, the person who wants to make enough food to live"

"Farmers are becoming more and more dispirited, and droughts are killing them."

"We should make agriculture part of the solution to our issues… the climate change problem is so huge everything should be on the table"

"I hold two fundamental beliefs close to my heart,” she explains. “First, I’m a technology explorationist. I believe in pushing technology as far as possible because that’s how society progresses. Second, ignoring the inevitable is the worst decision we can make."

"Winning the Google Science Competition was a pivotal moment for me. It not only validated my belief that young people can drive significant change, but also opened doors to a global platform where I could advocate for sustainability. The experience taught me that innovation paired with advocacy can create meaningful impact."

"My advice is simple: start small, but think big. We can’t tackle sustainability challenges overnight, but every action matters."

"This is really cutting-edge stuff... it's very exciting, for me as a geneticist, what can be done."

"Astronomy has to be your life, not just your job, or you are unlikely to do well or be happy. If you are going to get married…then you must find a partner who is a true partner, because it is impossible to do everything yourself."

"It is 33 years since I got my PhD."

"I am currently Head of the Astronomy Division and I was Acting Director for about 18 months following the death of the Director."

"I have also been President of the South African Institute of Physics."

"The only woman and only astronomer to hold that position."

"What is clear in South Africa is that many things were strongly biased against women prior to our first democratic election in 1994."

"That bias has been more or less eliminated since."

"That is not to say that women occupy 50% of top posts, but there are at least some women in top posts and the profile of the workforce is gradually changing."

"The legislation that was put in place to try and remove racial discrimination."

"Is also dealing with other types of discrimination but it will take time."

"The racial imbalance in the workforce remains the major problem."

"At SAAO there are a few women in scientific posts."

"All in senior engineering or IT posts. Of the 25 astronomers on the SAAO staff, 5 are women only one of them born in South Africa."

"Of the 5 astronomers on the Executive Committee, I am the only woman."

"8 or 9 hours now, but I used to do 10 to 12 when I did more research."

"I have a husband, John Menzies, who is also an astronomer and who has always been very supportive."

"I do not have children, and am immensely impressed by women who do and also manage to be successful astronomers."

"Less bureaucracy would help in almost every single way."

"As far as my career is concerned I am sure I have got where I am going."

"It is well worth it, but astronomy has to be your life, not just your job, or you are unlikely to do well or be happy."

"If you are going to get married and or have children then you must find a partner who is a true partner."

"It is impossible to do everything yourself."

"Wow! That’s fantastic – I am absolutely thrilled. I look forward to working with the new executive board and, of course, with our fabulous staff in Trieste and to engaging with as many members as I can."

"The use of every modern tool that can improve both productivity and nutrient value. If that involves genetically modified crops, indigenous knowledge, artificial intelligence, better use of grey water – no matter – go for what works best."

"When I was a young woman starting out in science I made a conscious decision not to have children as, in those days (1970s), that was the only way for me to realize my full academic potential. I don’t want other women to have to make that decision."

"Africa needs improved seeds. As climate change dries out its soil and struggling plants become ever more susceptible to pests and disease, we need new technologies to deal with these problems."

"African farmers already suffer from drought, disease, internal trade barriers, corruption and lack of property rights; refusing them the benefits of genetically modified food is a cruel and nasty trick."

"I believe we are at a key moment in the history of our species when we are grappling with the consequences of an unjust and inequitable development path that has left many vulnerable human and natural communities at risk."

"I am therefore extremely proud to be able to work with the other members of the board to ensure that the Climate Centre continues to drive its mission forward in an energized and sustained way."

"I accepted the nomination because I believe the seventh assessment cycle of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a critical one and that my more than 30 years of experience at the science-policy-practice interface put me in a good position to positively contribute to the leadership of the organisation, helping it to innovate and respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities of the cycle."

"We are already a third of the way through the United Nations’ ‘decade of action,’ focused on accelerating sustainable solutions to the world’s biggest challenges."

"Policymakers are having to make increasingly difficult decisions about the many challenges we face. So it is important that the IPCC Chair has the right experience for the key task we must confront in this decade. That task is implementation. This is why I am moving forward with my candidacy for Chair of the AR7 cycle:"

"I am a scientist with a strong academic profile, working at the science-policy-practice interface. With three decades of leading on-the-ground policy and practice, I bring a practical approach to the science: always asking what can be most useful to the decision makers who must make evidence-led judgments on which strategies to implement."

"I have extensive experience across diverse fields including biodiversity, climate change adaptation, climate change mitigation, sustainability and resilience, and can use those skills to help maintain the scientific caliber of the IPCC."

"I want to build on the progress we have already made by strengthening the foundations of the IPCC so we can continue to deliver in accordance with our growing scientific mandate."

"In terms of the health of a person, this is really a difficult thing to study because there are endless combinations, and trying to understand what is relevant and important is not so easy."

"Because when I started, so little was known about the human genome. It was unthinkable that we could look at a person’s DNA and make a diagnosis for a disease or perform a prenatal diagnosis where we could diagnose babies in utero to see if they inherited a genetic disease from their parents. I feel that I have been so fortunate in my career to have experienced all these changes and to work in a field that has its heyday right now."

"I think the biggest tool for resilience is recognizing that we're already resilient, that we've already done the hard things."

"It's always okay to lick your wounds a little bit."

"do whatever you want to get your mind off it, talk to your friends, rage, cry a little, whatever works for you."

"I believe that curiosity, integrity and generosity are the key attributes for good scientists. You need to be addicted to asking and answering questions! In doing this, we get to discover new things, either small details or big leaps in knowledge, on a daily basis - which is incredibly wonderful."

"No, I don’t miss being in the lab. For me, the exciting part of science is working out what the question is, and how to answer it. I am very privileged - I get to ask questions, and have a wonderful team who generates data to answer them."

"African scientists have to be resilient - it’s a tough career anywhere, but especially in Africa where we face many additional challenges. But it’s essential that we African scientists use our skills and determination to do good research that is relevant to our communities."

"The only good TB bacillus is a dead one"

"People said that suddenly changing fields was either reckless or brave, but I found that my chemistry and maths background really set me up well for moving into biology."

"It was the ground-breaking start of molecular biology, so I really felt the need to capitalise on that."

"There's no room for mediocrity here. Excellence is what I've aspired towards in my own work and excellence is what this institute is about."

"I would also like to see more South African and African plants being commercialised nationally by a completely local supply chain – from researchers, manufacturers and formulators to the promotion of indigenous knowledge systems and traditional knowledge holders."

"Over the past 18 months, we have been working to identify natural preservatives in indigenous biological resources that can be used in the preservation of cosmeceutical products."

"We already know a lot about human history from archaeology and anthropology, but recently genetics has provided a wonderful boost to the field."

"we could actually look and say: ‘We see a Neanderthal version of the gene and we can measure its effect on phenotype in many people—how often they get sunburned, what color their hair is, and what color their eyes are."

"I’ve always seen it as being absolutely essential to combine research with activism and I believe that really solid activism can be bolstered by having a research basis."

"I’ve held a belief that I will incrementally be able to try and contribute towards making the world a better place for women."

"You can do anything if you want to do it and shouldn’t be restricted by what you have learned at school."

"I really wanted to know about the archaeology of South Africa and although Professor Wintle and I came from different backgrounds, we learned from each other. She took me through the steps of the science behind luminescence dating. I was meticulous and hard-working and never gave up and realised I had innate ability to do science."

"For vaccine development presently, the South African AIDS Vaccine initiative has no money."

"If we do not continue working on this, we will never have a vaccine... it's incredibly important that we keep working."

"I consider myself to be an "Environmentalist for Nuclear Science--despite a lot of concerns and criticism because many benefits for mankind arise from the use of nuclear applications, specifically in health, food, agriculture and environmental protection."

"This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."

"My life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is a privilege to do for it whatsoever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no 'brief candle' to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment; and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

"I use lasers to optically manipulate cells … my goal is to translate my research from petri dishes to human testing."

"I am concerned about the brain drain of African scientists out of South Africa."

"We are using laser technology or laser-based technology for drug delivery."

"I have dwelt on the events which led to the founding of the Hydrological Research Institute."

"What of the work for which the HRI was intended."

"It was clearly the view of the "founding fathers."

"The Interdepartmental Commission which, to counter the growing fragmentation of hydrological research, recommended the establishment of a central, unifying division of hydrological research that hydrology was, and should be nurtured as, a HOLISTIC science."

"This is a view I still uphold."

"At the risk of being trite, let me repeat what is well-known but tends to be overlooked."

"That our planet's water resources, dating back to its creation, are substantially fixed but are both highly mobile and subject to constant changes in form between the gaseous form."

"Interacting powerfully with other substances."

"Our water resources are also highly variable and sensitive as regards quality."

"The many hydrological processes are intricately interrelated."

"With the result that a change in any one has a chain reaction on others, often with far-reaching consequences."

"Even common practices such as burning large expanses of veld or ploughing them and planting mielies alter the quantity."

"Time disposition and quality of runoff, base flow, and groundwater accrual, not to mention the quantity and quality of water reaching users downstream."

"More often than not these changes, sometimes damaging, occur inadvertently and may be difficult to remedy."

"They could have been anticipated by the foreknowledge whose acquisition is the task of the hydrological researcher."

"Such foreknowledge also enables us to manipulate hydrological processes beneficially."

"One example being mulching to curb unproductive evaporation of soil moisture, so as to make more available for assimilation and thus the growth and yield of crops."

"Cloud seeding, again, is an example of an intervention with potential for both harm and good."

"As you all well know, it is because South Africa's water supplies are at best undependable, and at worst grossly inadequate."

"They are infinitely more precious than our much vaunted gold for they are vital not only to all sectors of our economy."

"Small wonder therefore that South Africa has a long and creditable history of water research and development."

"I recall hearing vivid accounts by the late Dr M S du Toit, an eminent soil scientist who later became Secretary for Agriculture."

"In another sphere the late Prof. CL Wicht put forest hydrology on the world map with his catchment experiments at Jonkershoek on the effects of afforestation and forest management on stream flow."

"Which he was a pioneer in the statistical design and evaluation of controlled catchment Experiments."

"We can also look back with admiration on the construction, largely by manual labour, of the Vaal-Hartz Irrigation Scheme."

"A major scheme by any standards, which was undertaken primarily to give employment to many of those hit by the great depression of the early '30's."

"That the entire scheme was completed without provision of drainage canals for the return flow was certainly an oversight."

"Later came bold and imaginative schemes in yet another sphere, that of large-scale transfer of surplus water from some catchments to make good deficiencies in others."

"The Tugela-Vaal and Orange-Fish being two major examples."

"When the need arose to start thinking of desalinating and reusing water, Dr Stander of the CSIR earned world recognition."

"It seems to me that during the first 60 years of this century we relied more on the vision, initiative and drive of gifted individuals."

"The corporate style of management via a plethora of committees, which is so prevalent today."

"The greatest professional honor of my life has been to be a Member of Whitehead Institute and a Professor of Biology at MIT. To be part of the extraordinary research landscape, to educate our outstanding MIT students, and to have had opportunities to contribute to governance and international activities, has been quite wonderful."

"The great thing that we give our students at MIT, in terms of employability and flexibility to respond to shifts in careers, is the ability to solve problems, a training that is applicable across every field."

"Engaged research is not merely about conducting studies; it's about creating meaningful partnerships that translate scientific innovation into tangible benefits for communities."

"Our mission is to use biotechnology and nanotechnology to develop accessible and affordable diagnostics for disease detection and monitoring."

"When my teacher explained astronauts to us, it was fascinating to learn that there are people who can leave this dimension and go to the moon. When I learned that no one in Africa had ever traveled into space, that is when I fell in love with science. I wanted to create history and be the first to travel to space and was so hurt when Mark Shuttleworth beat me to it,"

"This was a life-changing experience for me as it is every scientist’s dream to go to CERN. The competition for spaces is too high and everyone from Professors to Doctors want to go there. To be there makes one hungry for knowledge and success and it remains one of my greatest achievements. I learned a lot there."

"I knew that it was not the end of the world and I had to pick myself up, accept my failure, and learn from it. My family also supported me and this helped me pull through."

"It was her first day at a new school. She left in the morning and never came back. What kept me going was my faith in God. He has greater plans for my life and I know that he can never give me what I cannot handle."

"The 25 years of freedom have not removed barriers to young women advancing in the science technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. No one believes in you and you constantly need to prove yourself first that you can do the job and belong here. It’s worse when you are black. What works for me is that I have a never-say-die spirit and want to break barriers."

"Young people need to be taught from a young age that there is no easy way in life and the road to success is never easy. There will always be obstacles but with determination and hard work, these can be overcome."

"The world needs fearless women like myself who can avail themselves and serve as mentors for young women because having a mentor early on can help them build confidence."

"My late father, Dr M J Masango, is one of them. Nine years after his passing I still live by his teachings. He grew up in the apartheid era in a poor family without a father, but that didn’t stop him from achieving his dreams."

"The biggest challenge in my career is my skin colour. If you look like me, no-one believes in you; you must prove that you know your job and that you can think! There are still very few black women scientists. This means women like me have to work twice as hard to prove their worth."

"Girls are discouraged at an early age from taking science subjects; it is the root cause of the lack of women in the nuclear space."

"Ms Masango's was a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women. Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science in particular, will be sorely missed,"

"As the country's first black nuclear scientist, Masango's remarkable achievements paved the way for future generations of scientists and inspired countless young minds. Masango's tireless efforts to promote science education and empowerment, particularly among women and disadvantaged communities, will be deeply missed."

"Senamile Masango was more than a nuclear scientist; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless young women aspiring to pursue careers in science and technology. Her passing is a profound loss not only to her family, friends, and colleagues but to the entire country. Her contributions to the National System of Innovation (NSI) will forever remain part of South Africa’s scientific and developmental legacy,"

"I have always thought that animals are interesting and wondered why they act in certain ways. Why do some dogs get on well, while others fight? How do bees know where to find flowers and pollen, and how do they get back to their hives? Are they really all female? Why are some species so successful while others are continuously threatened and faced with extinction; especially considering that our world is changing much faster than ever before?"

"I am currently involved in a number of larger projects which aim to understand how species (individuals / populations) respond to change."

"Poverty is a human-nature disaster. We have to understand the broad context of poverty and climate change, and the impact of both on humans and nature. We must look at ending poverty from a much broader scope than just social justice. Both poverty and climate change require a fight against all forms of injustice."

"The social and economic impacts affect the poor disproportionately. They are less likely to withstand, cope and recover. Climate change is exacerbating poverty and inequality in society. We need to deal with global warming in an unequal and unjust world."

"The defining moment that drove my interest in immunology was an inspiring talk delivered by Prof Yechiel Becker from Israel, who was visiting the then National Institute for Virology (now the NICD)."

"You need to love what you do – enormously. Things don’t always work out as you may think, you need to persevere, be proactive and be resilient. See failure as opportunity – more is often learnt from facing challenges."

"All science communication begins with the ability to write clearly and engagingly."

"I tune in on what is happening in the world, looking at current events through a science communication lens which helps me to identify new opportunities for research."

"Hearing from a young age that you are a “words person” can heighten your anxiety about math. As a result, you may avoid it."

"In science stories, math helps the reader understand real-world phenomena."

"Science became my life’s work, research my passion and mentoring students my mission."

"I always knew I wanted to work with nature. Plant pathology became a calling, combining my love of biology with real-world impact. It connected my scientific interest with a moral purpose: to make food safer for everyone."

"I am a cosmologist, which means that I spend my time thinking of the universe and how it formed and evolves with time. I work with a combination of data and theory – it is important to me to make sure that our theories actually match the data we observe!"

"Because I analyse data as well as testing theories, a lot of my time is spent writing (and debugging) computer code, and doing statistical analysis. It is very rewarding to go from a theory that you think might explain our universe, to the nitty gritty of data analysis. I’m lucky to be able to work in both areas."

"I’m Nancy Hafkin. I live now in Boston, Massachusetts in the US. And the bulk of my work years were spent in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I was working at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa."

"I think my proudest achievements were to be able to set up and launch the first program at the United Nations to promote information technology in a region. And the region was of course Africa. I got into it, as I’ve gotten into many things, starting out from a personal interest. I had been in charge of a research and publications program on women and development. And in order to do it, publications were produced using Selectric typewriters and pink correction fluid."

"We have come to tolerate ineptitude and leadership, management and governance failures; we do not have a fully functional district health system (DHS), which is the main vehicle for the delivery of primary health care; and we have not dealt decisively with the health workforce crisis."

"I know what it feels like to be at the bottom of the health hierarchy, in a racially segregated and unequal health care system."

"Every human being has God-given potential which is theirs to exploit. My background, which I had originally considered a hindrance, became the ideal sword to empower and inspire others who see themselves in me."

"True mentorship dismantles barriers and creates equitable pathways for innovation."

"Leadership is about creating opportunities for others to excel."

"Together, we will build a legacy of excellence that resonates across borders. I am ready for the CHALLENGE!."

"Believe in yourself: When I was young, I never thought I could be where I am today. I doubted myself. I lacked self-confidence."

"We drive transformative and sustainable change by supporting research that changes lives, informs policy, and empowers communities. Africa must see itself not merely as a consumer of knowledge, but as a producer of solutions."

"Theory is part of the romance of archaeology and is vital if we want to breathe some life into the snippets of information drawn from stone and other artefacts."

"The reason why much of Stone Age history has remained a secret for so long is not that it may not be told or that it has not been told in other books, but rather that it has to be individually discovered. Because we are remote from the past, we have to find it and immerse ourselves in it, if we wish to understand it and unlock its secrets. Pursuing the past is rewarding, and we hope it is a challenge more will follow."

"The faunal sample from Kadzi, an Early Iron Age site in the Zambezi Valley, is the first substantial sample for that period and region in Zimbabwe."

"The site appears to have been a permanent or semipermanent settlement. The sample consists mainly of bovid remains, dominated by buffalo as a single species, suggesting special hunting skills."

"The presence of some domestic animals proves that these animals were available to the inhabitants of the site. Their status in the community is, however, uncertain. Possible explanations for the small number of cattle fragments could be the result of paucity of livestock for environmental or other reasons, or may reflect differential disposal of cattle bones as part of ritual expression."

"People who are immunocompromised face greater risks of adverse outcomes from infection with SARS-CoV-2."