Young Science Communicators

You are here: / / Young Science Communicators

Tell your science story! The Young Science Communicator’s Competition challenges you as a young scientist to tell your science story in a captivating, informative and interesting way.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) invite you to participate in the 2022 edition of the Young Science Communicator’s Competition.
This year we focus on the natural sciences, under the theme of the “International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development.”
The 2022 International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development recognizes that basic sciences are vital for sustainable development and to improve the quality of life for everyone. Find out more here: www.unesco.org/en/year-basic-sciences 

To enter, you need to be:

• Under the age of 35 (as of 1 January 2022)
• Registered as a Natural Scientist, or as a student with SACNASP (visit SACNASP at student enrolment)

If you meet these criteria, read more about the competition details for 2022

Overview

The Young Science Communicator’s Competition (YSCC) specifically challenges young scientists and researchers between the ages of 18 and 35 to communicate their world to a larger audience beyond their scientific community.

Scientists are by nature passionate people. This can be reflected in the way stories are told and communicated. You, the scientist, can engage and excite your community about your science. You can connect and show your science is relevant to people in their everyday lives.

The number of entries received for the competition shows that many young scientists are passionate about communicating. In line with SAASTA’s purpose of developing science communication skills, the feedback from the judges for each entry is made available – to encourage the young scientists to develop their skills and to take their passion for communication further.

This competition alternates biennially with the SA Science Lens competition, which awards the use of photography as a mode of communicating with and engaging audiences on science and technology.

SAASTA is also the national partner and major sponsor of the FameLab competition in South Africa, which awards science communication through the art of public speaking.

Categories

Writing
Write an article of no more than 700 words for popular print or online media. Well-crafted articles for print or online newspapers or magazines can reach a wide audience and can capture science-related issues in an accurate and engaging way.
Audio
Record an audio clip of no more than 3 minutes long for online or broadcast media. Radio has far-reaching potential into communities where other forms of communication may be limited
Video
Produce a video clip of no more than 1 minute long, for online or broadcast media. The viral nature of popular and entertaining videos that are spread by social media platforms, such as TikTok, make them a great way to reach people and start a conversation.
Open
Produce a creative communication piece, using any mode of communication, such as poetry, infographics, cartoons, drama.
Indigenous language
Produce an article, audio clip or video clip about your research in any of South Africa’s official languages that will engage local communities. To encourage more science communication in indigenous South African languages, we will have an award for a communication piece in an indigenous South African language. The same format guidelines as per the categories above will apply.

Prizes

  1.  R 5 000 to the winner and R 2 500 to the runner up of each category  (sponsored by SACNASP)
  2.  Winners and runner up per category: a practical experience with community newspaper/radio station (arranged by SAASTA)
  3.  Winner of each category: trip to NRF research facility (determined in consultation with and arranged by SAASTA)

How to enter?

  1. Make sure you are eligible (see above)
  2. Send us your original communication pieces on any field of practice here . Ensure your piece shows how basic sciences support any one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  3. Click HERE to enter online
  4. Read and sign the competition rules.
  5. Submit a separate entry form for each entry. Any one person may not enter more than three communication pieces per category.
  6. Entries close on 31 October 2022.
  7. Click HERE to read the Rules and Regulations.

Young Science Communicators 2017 winners

Young Science Communicators 2018 winners

Young Science Communicators 2019 winners

Poetry in Science Communication
Science Communication Online Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Applications are now open for the 2023 online short course in science communication on offer at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. More than 400 participants from across Africa and beyond have successfully completed this course since 2015.

Over the course of six modules in six weeks, we explore theory and practice in science communication and public engagement with science, and get to grips with key challenges and trends in these fields. The course provides ample opportunities for professional development and linkages to everyday life and work, but also encourages critical reflection. Completing this course could also be a stepping-stone to further postgraduate studies in fields related to ‘science and society’.

The course will be presented by Dr. Marina Joubert and Lili Rademan, with weekly guest speakers.
 
Please click here to apply. The application deadline is 7 July 2023.

Click here to learn more about the Course .

Ms. Lithakazi Masilela

Project Coordinator
Email : sciencecommunicators@saasta.ac.za
Call : (012) 392 9300