South Africa’s most prestigious science awards have announced the 2026 finalists.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 June 2026) – The NSTF-South32 Awards – known as the Science Oscars of South Africa – have announced their finalists for 2026.
The list spans some of the most impressive scientific work being done in the country.
The awards recognise outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology and innovation across South Africa.
This year is the 28th edition, covering 16 categories, from emerging researchers and clinician-scientists to green economy innovation, science communication and data curation.
Nominations were up 39% on last year, which points toward the growing energy around science and innovation in SA.
This year’s theme is Healthy Ageing, in line with the United Nations’ Decade of Healthy Ageing. A special award will go to the finalist making the most outstanding contribution to science in this space.
Two new categories have been added for 2026. This includes one for Research Software, and one specifically for Human Language Technologies, which recognises tools that enable the processing and understanding of South African languages.
A few names on the finalists list are worth particular mention, pulling nominations across more than one category.
Prof Sudesh Sivarasu of UCT is a finalist in three categories for his work developing medical devices that address African clinical needs. His platform has produced 30 granted patents and seen over 100,000 devices distributed across 17 countries.
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How Do We Keep Matric Dances Special Without Making Them So Expensive?Prof Farzahna Mohamed of Wits features in both the emerging researcher and clinician-scientist categories for developing low-cost tools that help predict severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Prof Ashwell Ndhlala of the University of Limpopo is recognised in both the researcher and science diplomacy categories for connecting indigenous African knowledge with modern science to develop climate-resilient crops that improve nutrition and support rural communities.
Prof Topside Mathonsi of Tshwane University of Technology appears in both the management and emerging researcher categories for developing AI and smart technology that protects critical resources like water and agriculture.
The Lifetime Award category, for careers that have made a lasting difference, has eight finalists this year, covering research into gender-based violence, tuberculosis, herbal medicine, fungal genomics and economic inequality in South Africa.
The awards gala takes place on 16 July 2026, simultaneously in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Find the full list of finalists, as well as other details, here.
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