SAEON eNews
#01 2025

SAPRI ensures long-term monitoring of top predators on Marion Island

Long-term monitoring of seabirds and marine mammals is vital for tracking ecosystem health, conserving biodiversity, managing invasive species and studying the effects of climate change. It also contributes valuable data to global scientific research efforts.

Science and technology in action

Meet the manager of NRF-SAEON’s award-winning uLwazi Node

Leo Chiloane leads the uLwazi team in managing and curating NRF-SAEON’s research data and information for environmental observation and global change-related projects.

Introductory session of the interregional meeting on the architecture and development of the NUTEC plastics database for marine microplastic monitoring.

SAEON systems development lead presents expert opinion to International Atomic Energy Agency

Held in Vienna, Austria, the interregional meeting focused on the architecture and development of the NUTEC plastics database for marine microplastic monitoring.

Dr Nanette van Staden will be exploring the metalliferous nature of plant species.

Exploring the “metalheads” of the Plant Kingdom in Griqualand West

This study by Dr Nanette van Staden of the Arid Lands Node has the potential to inform future phytoremediation (or green technologies) and guide mining rehabilitation programmes in the region.

The automated weather station that was installed in Mosu, the main camp of Mokala National Park.

Expanding EFTEON’s footprint within the Kimberley Tri-Biome Landscape

Research infrastructure established in Mokala National Park will enable researchers to answer questions on environmental functioning under different land use types, biodiversity patterns and climate change.

Voices of women, youth advancing climate action in Maputaland

In celebration of World Wetlands Day 2025, the Grasslands Node spearheaded a series of dynamic activities to delve into the rich history of wetland farming and raise awareness about the critical importance of wetland ecosystems.

The Egagasini team at the IOPredict Workshop.

Highlights from the Indian Ocean Predict Workshop in India

This international event brought experts, early career researchers and students together to share new research in ocean processes, modelling and prediction – to address challenges in ocean sciences and its contribution to the Blue Economy.

Message from the MD

SAEON excited to host ICSHMO 2025 in Cape Town

ICSHMO is the primary conference facilitating oceanic and atmospheric scientific exploration in the Southern Hemisphere. ICSHMO 2025 will not only serve as a scientific conference but will also provide a platform for dialogue between researchers, politicians and other representatives of government, industry and civil society.

Building vital capacity

Aphiwe and Gustav gave a practical demonstration of Python during the coding session.

Empowering marine educators for a sustainable future

The MCEN 2025 conference brought together marine and coastal educators, scientists and conservationists from across the country to share knowledge, develop innovative teaching methods and collaborate on ways to advance marine education.

The annual Indibano is an unforgettable event.

Calling all postgraduate students in environmental science!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something remarkable! Join SAEON’s Graduate Student Network, a dynamic platform that offers access to training opportunities, research support and mentorship.

NRF-SAEON in the media

SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in national print, broadcast, online and social media.

The universe does not behave according to our pre-conceived ideas. It continues to surprise us.

~ Stephen W. Hawking

SAEON eNews