DSTI-2026 SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARDS

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA).  The awards recognise and reward excellence by women scientists and researchers, and profile them as role models for younger women. 
 
The awards are made to Distinguished Women Researchers and Distinguished Young Women Researchers in the categories of the Humanities and Social Sciences, the Natural (Life and Physical) and Engineering Sciences, Public Engagement with Science, and any field aligned with this year's special category, "Innovation for Impact: Women Leading Change".
 
The 2026 SAWISA theme "Placing women at the centre of science, technology and innovation (STI)".The awards ceremony will be hosted on 20 August 2026 as part of the Department's celebrations of Women's Month.

Click here SAWiSA 2026 to access the detailed call document and to download the application forms for both students and researchers.
Applications should be sent to: sawisa@dsti.gov.za 

Closing date: 31 May 2026.  No late applications will be accepted.

For more information, please contact Dr Maphuti Madiga at Maphuti.madiga@dsti.gov.za or 079 510 9279.