UCT explores strategic science & innovation collaborations with Shanghai delegation
The University of Cape Town (UCT) recently welcomed a delegation from the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM) for strategic discussions aimed at identifying opportunities for future collaboration in science, technology and innovation.
The STCSM delegation was led by Mr Li Jing, Director of STCSM, and included Mr Yang Wenzhan, Programme Officer of STCSM; Ms Meng Yining, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Center for Pujiang Innovation Forum and General Manager of Shanghai Technology Convention & Exhibition Co., Ltd.; and Ms Wang Xiaoyue, Director of the International Cooperation Division of the Shanghai Center for Pujiang Innovation Forum. The delegation was accompanied by Mr Mpho Mathonsi, Assistant Director: Africa Bilateral Cooperation, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and Mr Duke Nkadimeng, also from the Department of Science and Technology and Innovation. DSTI is coordinating South Africa's participation in the Pujiang Innovation Forum, further strengthening the country's engagement with this important international platform for science, technology and innovation collaboration.
Hosted by the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO), the visit brought together representatives from the Vice-Chancellor's Office, the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, the Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) and Innovation Services to showcase UCT's research strengths and explore areas of mutual interest with one of China's leading science and innovation authorities. UCT participants included Emer. Professor Danie Visser, Acting Director of the International Academic Programmes Office; Ms Olwen Manuel, Director in the Vice-Chancellor's Office; Ms Isha Dilraj, Project Manager in the Vice-Chancellor's Office; Ms Nhlanhla Msomi, Special Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor; Associate Professor Jon Shock from the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics; Mr Roger Deane, Director of the Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy; Mr Bruce Maseko, Senior Manager: Innovation Services; and climate scientist Mr Chris Jack.
The discussions formed part of STCSM's engagement with South African research institutions to strengthen international scientific collaboration and identify opportunities for joint research, talent exchange, innovation partnerships and participation in global science initiatives. Key areas of interest included artificial intelligence (AI), climate science, astronomy, mathematics, advanced materials, research commercialisation and international cooperation within the China-Africa innovation landscape.
The delegation described it as a great honour to visit UCT, recognising the university as Africa's leading institution and a globally respected centre for research excellence. During the discussions, STCSM representatives highlighted Shanghai's position as one of the world's foremost centres for science, technology and innovation. Guided by China's national innovation strategy and the city's long-term development agenda, Shanghai continues to invest significantly in research, technology and international collaboration, strengthening its position as a leading global innovation hub.
A central focus of the visit was the Pujiang Innovation Forum, Shanghai's flagship international science and technology forum, which has been convening global leaders in research, innovation and policy for the past 18 years. Taking place from 11–14 September, this year's forum is themed "Shared Innovation Together" and will explore how a new era of AI-driven scientific and technological transformation is reshaping societies, economies and research ecosystems.
The delegation explained that the forum has evolved into an important international platform for people-to-people exchange, bringing together governments, universities, research institutes and industry to address global challenges through collaboration and open innovation. As part of the discussions, UCT was invited to participate in the forum, with an invitation extended to the university's leadership to deliver a keynote address and for UCT researchers to contribute to specialised scientific sessions.
Several promising areas for future collaboration emerged during the visit. Artificial intelligence featured prominently throughout the discussions, with both parties recognising its transformative potential across research disciplines. UCT's interdisciplinary approach to AI was highlighted as distinctive, particularly its application to societal challenges and emerging research priorities. Discussions also explored opportunities to leverage AI within climate-related research and other fields where data-driven approaches can accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.
Astronomy and data-intensive science were also identified as areas of strong alignment. UCT's internationally recognised expertise through the Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy and its role in supporting research linked to the MeerKAT radio telescope complements Shanghai's own investment in astronomy infrastructure, including the Chinese MeerKAT Centre and a growing community of approximately 600 astronomers. Participants noted the significant potential for collaboration in data science, astronomy and large-scale international research programmes.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue exploring opportunities that build on the complementary strengths of both institutions. While exploratory in nature, the discussions laid a strong foundation for future engagement in research collaboration, academic exchange, participation in international innovation platforms and the development of initiatives capable of addressing shared global challenges through science, technology and innovation.