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 will be aimed at postgraduate students and/or ECRs in polar and offshore marine research.
CODE OF CONDUCT
SAPRI is committed to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusivity in the marine and polar research environment.
SAPRI is supporting stakeholders to develop a Code of Conduct to help ensure a safe and inclusive space for the South African marine and polar community.
FEATURED NEWS
SAPRI participates in the IASSIST 2025 Conference in Bristol, UK
In June 2025, Dr Anne Treasure, Manager of the Data, Products and Society (DPS) Integrated Facility (IF) of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), attended the International Association for Social Science Information Service and Technology (IASSIST)...
SAPRI 2025/26 Marion Island Overwinterers Appointed
2025 saw the appointment of the second cohort of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) team of Marion Island overwinterers in March. This dedicated team of marine mammal and seabird field researchers forms part of the Marion Island Top Predator...
SAPRI Inspires Youth at Ministerial Launch of NRF-SAAO’s Remote Operations and Visitor Centres
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) was invited to exhibit at the Ministerial Launch of the National Research Foundation's South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO)’s Remote Operations and Visitor Centres on 9 July 2025 in Cape Town, South...