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
Eggshells, fluff and feathers
Every year from August to April, Marion Island transforms into a bustling seabird nursery. This remote volcanic island in the sub-Antarctic provides a critical breeding refuge for thousands of pelagic seabirds that spend most of their lives roaming the open ocean. The...
MMP Cohort 3 Workshop: a day of connection, confidence, and community
The Mahlalela Mentorship Programme (MMP), a collaboration between the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists of South Africa (APECS SA) and the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research...
The killer whales of Marion Island
Local and global importance of monitoring killer whales The monitoring of killer whales (Orcinus orca) at Marion Island is of great importance both locally and globally. The work done by the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) on Marion Island...