South Africa’s involvement and stake in international projects such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and MeerKAT speaks to the importance of working collaboratively in order to achieve success and address local and globally relevant scientific questions.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterised by unprecedented advances in technology transforming the way individuals and groups across society live, work and interact. These advances, in the face of projects such as the SKA, place countries at the cusp of technical and engineering innovations and big data analysis. There is also a need for a more responsive approach to governing emerging technologies and the business models and social interaction structures they enable which have major leanings on science diplomacy. Policy development and new protocols that are not only geared towards the business of science but a human-centric approach to be sustainable are awakening new ways of doing science.
This session will focus on the need to place young scientists and researchers at the forefront of new scientific developments and innovations, as well as equipping them with the requisite skills that will be required whist addressing global challenges and mitigation strategies.

Panellists:
- Frank Bradley, Senior Developer - Project Lead, South African Radio Astronomical Observatory, South Africa
- Thebe Medupe, Deputy Dean, Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations,
  North West University - Astrophysicist and founding director of Astronomy Africa, South Africa
- Brian P. Schmidt, The Australian National University, Australia
- Buyisiwe Sondezi, Lecturer - Physics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Moderator:
- Beverley Damonse, Group Executive: Science Engagement and Corporate Relations, National Research Foundation, South Africa

Session coordinator:
- The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)