eNews
#01 2026
Bridging Science and Action: A 2026 Update from the NRF-SAEON Acting MD
By Professor T. Borman, Acting Managing Director, NRF-SAEON
As we move further into 2026, it is encouraging to reflect on the breadth and tangible impact of NRF-SAEON’s work. Our mission to understand a changing climate is only as strong as the people behind it, and I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues: Sbusiso Skosana, Shandré Dreyer, Siyanda Sophangisa, Masifo Letsoalo, and Dumisile Mbuyazi. Their diverse expertise arrives at a pivotal time, strengthening our network across observation, research and vital support functions.
Our commitment to innovation is reaching new heights—literally. We are rapidly expanding our research platforms, particularly through advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities. By integrating hyperspectral imaging and LiDAR, we are gaining multi-scale insights into complex environmental processes that were previously out of reach. These tools aren’t just for data collection; they are the backbone of informed policy and resource management.
Beyond the air, our digital foresight is delivering critical societal value. Our high-resolution ocean and oil spill modelling for Algoa Bay now provides essential early-warning insights, ensuring South Africa is better prepared to protect a region of immense ecological and economic importance.
However, the data also sounds a clarion call. Recent findings regarding significant biodiversity loss across sub-Saharan Africa underscore the urgency of our work. It is a stark reminder that we must look beyond protected areas, fostering collaborative research and sustained observation to manage entire landscapes.
Finally, I am consistently inspired by the “SAEON spirit” found in our communities. From student-led citizen science tackling water loss to restoration experiments and digital literacy programmes, we are doing more than just observing nature—we are fostering stewardship. By connecting educators and learners to their local environments, we ensure that the next generation is equipped with the scientific and digital skills to lead.
Together, these efforts reflect our unwavering commitment: delivering high-quality long-term data that helps us understand, and ultimately sustain, the systems that support us all.
Professor Tommy Borman, NRF-SAEON acting managing director.
