The NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node and its research infrastructure, the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), were part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) South African delegation at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China. South Africa being invited as the Country of Honour, provided a high-profile international platform to showcase the country’s scientific capabilities, research infrastructure and contribution to global environmental research.
Minister Professor Blade Nzimande, with the ministerial delegation visiting the SAPRI NRF-SAEON exhibition at the innovation forum
Based on the theme of “Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future: The Mission of the Global Sci-Tech Community Amid a New Round of Sci-Tech Revolution”, the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum ran from 11 to 14 September 2026, in Shanghai, China.
Representing the two organisations, Kelebogile (Kelly) Mogotsi from SAPRI and Thomas Mtontsi from the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node, joined as Team South Africa to showcase the country’s marine, Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research capabilities. Their participation highlighted South Africa’s unique position in advancing marine offshore research across the Southern Ocean and polar regions, while exploring opportunities for collaboration and new technologies that can strengthen environmental observation and research.
DSTI Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele with Thomas and Kelly
A national showcase on an international stage
As the Country of Honour, South Africa had a dedicated pavilion at the forum, where the delegation showcased the country’s scientific capabilities and research infrastructure. The SAPRI and NRF-SAEON exhibition attracted significant interest from high-level visitors, including the Mayor of Shanghai Municipality Zhu Zhongming, Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, DSTI Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele, and the rest of the dignitaries. This provided us an opportunity to highlight South Africa’s investment in long-term environmental observations and the country’s contribution to research across its marine offshore, Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments.
The South African Pavilion as the Country of Honour at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China
Bringing marine and polar to Shanghai
The SAPRI and NRF-SAEON exhibition stand brought South Africa’s remote marine and polar research environments to life through a blend of science, technology and interactive experiences. Visitors explored underwater and ocean-floor environments through virtual reality, viewed footage from Marion Island, Antarctica, Gough Island and St George Island, and discovered the tools researchers use in the field – from a LEGO model of the SA Agulhas II to seal-tagging devices and polar field equipment.
Visitors to the SAPRI NRF-SAEON exhibition stand including Mayor of Shanghai Municipality, Zhu Zhongming, and DSTI Deputy Director General, Dr Kenny Tenza
A pair of distinctive “pumpkin boots”, worn in polar fieldwork, proved to be an unexpected favourite and conversation starter, drawing visitors into discussions about the realities of conducting research in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.
SABC News coverage – from South Africa to Antarctica through the Polar Lab
The SAPRI and NRF-SAEON exhibition stand also received SABC News coverage. During the media broadcast, Kelly Mogotsi highlighted SAPRI’s four integrated facilities: Long-Term Observations on Land, Long-Term Observations of the Ocean, Data Products and Society (DPS), and the Polar Lab.
Kelly shares insights about SAPRI during SABC News interview
The Polar Lab emerged as a particular highlight. Kelly explained that the facility effectively brings a simulated Antarctic environment to South Africa, allowing scientists to pilot and test their research before submitting a request to conduct work in Antarctica. SAPRI’s sea-ice experts can then guide researchers through the process, helping them better understand and prepare for the demanding conditions they may encounter in the field.
The approach demonstrates how South Africa is investing not only in access to polar environments, but also in the preparation, testing and support needed to enable effective polar research.
Connecting South African science with global innovation
The forum gave Thomas Mtontsi of NRF-SAEON’s Egagasini Node an opportunity to introduce international audiences to South Africa’s environmental observation and research capabilities while experiencing China’s rapidly advancing science and technology landscape first-hand.
Kelly and Thomas with DSTI Deputy Director General, Dr Kenny Tenza, and NRF board member, Ms. Funeka Khumalo.
Featured in China Daily Global’s coverage of the forum, Thomas highlighted the value of stronger South African–Chinese collaboration in understanding and responding to environmental change. Reflecting on his first visit to China, he described the country’s scientific and technological advances as remarkable and emphasised the potential to combine expertise, co-create solutions and advance environmental research together.
Looking Towards the Future of Marine and Polar Research
Beyond showcasing South Africa’s existing research capabilities, the Pujiang Innovation Forum provided SAPRI and NRF-SAEON with an opportunity to explore emerging technologies and innovations that could strengthen marine observation, polar research, biodiversity monitoring and long-term environmental data collection.
The experience highlighted the value of connecting South Africa’s research expertise with global technological advances and opened conversations around future collaboration and innovation.
Visitors to the SAPRI NRF-SAEON exhibition stand including, (right) the China Daily Global newspaper journalist
For SAPRI and NRF-SAEON, the forum was therefore more than an exhibition – it was an opportunity to share South Africa’s science story on an international stage, build connections and explore new ways to observe, understand and respond to a rapidly changing environment.
The South African delegation “Team South Africa” at the Pujiang Innovation Forum
We would like to thank the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation for the opportunities provided and making this possible.
Written by Kelebogile Morwa Mandi Mogotsi (Kelly) (SAPRI)
Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 23 September 2026
