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 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...
SAPRI inspires public at the Ian Player Magqubu Ntombela Annual Lecture
On 09 May 2026, the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) participated in the prestigious Ian Player Magqubu Ntombela Annual Lecture held at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, where members of the public, working professionals, and students gathered for a...
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...