SOCIETY
COMMUNICATION, AWARENESS & EDUCATION
The SAPRI Engagement Strategy is based on the fourth pillar of SAPRI – where the aim is to build capacity in marine and polar research for transformation and societal awareness.
This pillar focuses on one of the founding principles of SAPRI, which is to ensure that the investment in new infrastructures – and the utilisation of existing infrastructures – translates into the generation of science for the benefit of society.
4 Main Pillars of SAPRI
Marine and polar research coordination and logistics
Sustainability of long-term marine and polar observations
New infrastructures, innovation and engineering
Capacity building in marine and polar research for transformation and societal awareness
TRANSFORMATION
Transformation is a key driver considered in all actions of SAPRI. It is immediately evident that an urgent change needs to be made within the marine and polar research community not just in terms of diversity of scientists but from an institutional perspective.
SAPRI is committed to having a diverse staff complement and launched its Professional Development Accelerator initiative in 2023, and is establishing a mentorship programme in 2025 – initiatives to build and retain transformed skill sets. SAPRI is working to implement both top-down and bottom-up approaches to encourage and support marine and polar research in underrepresented tertiary education institutions.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
The mentorship programme is aimed at postgraduate students and/or ECRs in polar and offshore marine research.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSIVITY
SAPRI is committed to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusivity in the marine and polar research environment.
FEATURED NEWS
SAPRI welcomes its third cohort of Marion Island overwinterers
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) has been responsible for the long-term monitoring of top predators on sub-Antarctic Marion Island since 2024, taking over from the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP) and the FitzPatrick Seabird...
Explore the S.A. Agulhas II in 360° | South Africa’s Polar Research & Supply Vessel
Step aboard without leaving your seat We are excited to announce the go-live of the S.A. Agulhas II 360 Virtual Tour, an immersive digital experience that brings South Africa’s premier polar research vessel into your hands, anywhere in the world. The S.A. Agulhas II...
SAPRI at the 2026 DSTI Budget Vote Exhibition
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) participated in the 2026 Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Budget Vote Exhibition hosted at Iziko Museum in Cape Town, 15 May 2026. The museum was chosen as the venue due to its role of...