It gives me great pleasure to reflect on some of the progress, achievements and milestones we have reached together at NRF-SAEON in 2024, a year marked by growth and a continued commitment to advancing our vision to establish world-class environmental platforms for the benefit of South Africa, and beyond. 

First and foremost, I am proud to highlight the expansion of our team. We welcomed several education officers, technicians and scientists during the year, as well as support staff in the Finance, Supply Chain Management and Human Resources sections, highlighting the rapid expansion of NRF-SAEON. Their expertise and dedication will be instrumental in driving the successful implementation of the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) programmes and enhancing the NRF-SAEON landscapes.

2024 also marked a historic moment for the National Research Foundation (NRF), as activities for the first-ever award ceremony for staff were initiated. Such recognition not only celebrates individual and collective excellence but also inspires us to strive for greater heights in our respective fields. To all of you who contributed to the success of the NRF-SAEON local event, thank you for your hard work and dedication.

One of the highlights of the year was Alutha Botha, supervised by the Elwandle Coastal Node’s Nozi Hambase, who travelled to the United States to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles as part of our science engagement activities. This opportunity not only showcased the calibre of talent and mentorship within NRF-SAEON but also reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers.