Do protected areas shield birds from drought? Researchers take a closer look at South Africa’s largest national park

A research team comprising experts from SAEON, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, BirdLife South Africa and a collaborator from the U.S., set out to explore how bird communities in the Kruger National Park responded to an unusually intense drought.

Science and technology in action

Marine biology assistant Danielle Chetty operating the ZooScan.

Small ocean drifters with an important role

Researchers from the Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure are investigating marine cladocerans in SAEON’s Algoa Bay Sentinel Site. These tiny organisms’ sensitivity to environmental factors makes them useful indicators of environmental change.

Advancing understanding of seasonal sea ice in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone

Riesna R. Audh’s research findings challenge long-standing assumptions about the seasonality of sea ice processes and underscore the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to studying the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone.

SAPRI 2025/26 Marion Island overwinterers appointed

These dedicated marine mammal and seabird field researchers form part of the Marion Island Top Predator Long-Term Observation Programme, a key initiative under the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.

A fairy shrimp (Branchipodopsis sp.) collected from a temporary habitat, displaying its vibrant orange tail and frontal appendages.

Putting South African fairy shrimp on the global map

Dr Betsie Milne, an honorary NRF-SAEON research associate, was one of the branchiopod taxon leads that conducted the Red List assessment of South African Anostraca (fairy shrimp), which aims to strengthen the fight against current threats that Anostraca are facing.

A dazzling display of colour on heuweltjies during the spring bloom northeast of Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape.

NOW AVAILABLE! Heuweltjie-Covered Landscapes of Western South Africa – Interpretive Fieldtrip Guidebook

Researchers have long debated the origins of heuweltjies. Now, a new guidebook by an international group of researchers provides comprehensive coverage of recent findings.

Forging learning experiences through collaboration

The long-standing relationship between the National Research Fund of Kenya and the National Research Foundation of South Africa has been sustained by multilateral programmes that advance shared development priorities.

Working in Big 5 conservation areas requires constant vigilance to minimise potentially dangerous interactions with wildlife.

Adding critical skills to the field scientist toolbox: First aid and fire safety training

The Ndlovu team recently undertook week-long training in First Aid Levels 1 and 2, and basic firefighting. Staff were equipped to respond quickly and effectively to injuries, medical emergencies and sudden health crises.

Building vital capacity

Shaping future ecologists: North-West University and Arid Lands Node join forces in the Karoo

The Arid Lands Node hosted postgraduate students and lecturers on a field excursion to Tierberg-LTER and Wolwekraal Nature Reserve. These SAEON research platforms provided the ideal location to demonstrate different field methodologies.

From intern to technician: A five-year journey of growth and discovery

Tsumbedzo Ramalevha describes his internship at the Ndlovu Node as a launchpad for his career: “It was where the theoretical knowledge from my studies was grounded in the real-world application of science.”

Preparing for RNA extractions and qPCR analysis in the laboratory.

Seed Physiology summer school: A solo leap to Germany

MSc student Lanja Oosthuizen set off on an academic journey of a different kind as one of eight international students selected to attend the Applied Seed Physiology summer school in Germany.

Data in action: Highlights from the Graduate Student Network Indibano

Centred on the theme “From Data to Action: Science for a Sustainable Future”, the 17^th Indibano challenged delegates to consider how their work can drive real-world impact.

Grasslands Node showcased at annual Indibano

The field excursion, hosted by EFTEON’s Northern Drakensberg Landscape and SAEON’s Grasslands Node, offered hands-on exposure to environmental monitoring platforms.

Science engagement

EFTEON highlights career opportunities in environmental science at 2025 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists

EFTEON highlights career opportunities at 2025 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists

EFTEON staff set out to ensure that learners were exposed to environmental research tools and instrumentation, preparing the next generation for higher education and careers.

All participants out in the garden familiarising themselves with ecophysiological equipment.

Arid Lands Node celebrates National Science Week with Ikhutseng emerging farmers

The challenge was to join forces in bringing transdisciplinary approaches to tackling the substantial global challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

Learners are introduced to the instruments that make up an enhanced rainfall station at Mahlale High School, Welverdiend village.

Science for everyone: Targeting the youth to foster a science-literate and engaged society

As part of National Science Week, EFTEON Lowveld and NRF-SAEON’s Ndlovu Node led demonstrations to grade 9 and 10 classes at several schools in northeast South Africa.

NRF-SAEON in the media

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

We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place – or not to bother.

~ Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist

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