SFSA Thematic Session: Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) is described as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines and computer systems. It was invented in 1956 and has since become popular generally and in the world of…
Ocean Science for Sustainable Development The United Nations proclaimed a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) to support efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and gather ocean stakeholders worldwide behind a common framework that…
How do publicly funded institutions contribute to sustainable socio-economic development? The key question is: How do research, development and innovation (RDI) in public sector institutions contribute to sustainable socio-economic growth in South Africa? South Africa has a variety of public…
UNGA78 Science Summit Panel: Pitfalls of AI Pitfalls of AI: AI is becoming indispensable as users of various AI technologies become aware of the advantages of using it. AI can perform frequent, high volume and automated tasks without fatigue, can…
Transitions in South Africa’s energy provision The key questions are: There are various transitions that can be related to the Just Energy Transition. How should these transitions be managed? What science, engineering best practice, and technology can inform these transitions?…
Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence The key question is: How do we prevent AI technologies from taking away human agency, put AI to good use and mitigate the possible harmful impact of these technologies? The world as we know it is changing…
Science and disaster management for social justice The scale, impact and occurrence of natural, human-made and epidemic disasters are increasing. The recent disasters caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, as well as those caused by the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal province and…
Basic sciences for sustainable development Basic sciences are known ultimately to have contributed to improving the quality of life of human beings, through their contributions to medical sciences, agricultural sciences, space sciences, etc. These applied sciences, in turn, have generated…
STEM education – disruptions and the future STEM education has developed to be more significant for the world as it poses a range of advantages in a myriad of fields. As most sectors are dependent on STEM fields, it indirectly…
Climate Change Just Transition Framework: Comments and consultation session with the Presidential Climate Commission The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) invites members and stakeholders of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) to comment and make input on the Just Transition…