S2A3 is a non-profit organization with the following objectives:

  • promotion of contact between associations, groups and individuals, professional as well as laymen, who are interested in all aspects of science and related activities
  • to initiate and organise gatherings and excursions with a scientific theme
  • to promote scientific and human activities which are environmentally friendly
  • the promotion of a scientific approach to education.

The S2A3 presents a number of prestigious awards to promising postgraduate students and young as well as established scientists.

Award categories

The South Africa Medal (Gold)

The South Africa Medal (Gold) is awarded to the most outstanding scientist nominated who has contributed both locally and internationally in her/his particular field of science. Most winners of this award have established themselves as exceptional scientists for many years. However, the award has also been made to very young scientists in the past e.g. Professor JPF Sellschop and Professor PV Tobias. This prestigious award recognises the exceptional contribution to the advancement of science, on a broad front or in a specialised field, by an eminent South African scientist. The recipient traditionally delivers the annual Marloth Commemorative Lecture.

The British Association Medal (Silver)

The silver medal is awarded to a person under the age of 40 who is actively engaged in research and has, by way of international participation and publications, shown outstanding capability and achievement. It is one of the highest awards granted for original scientific research in South Africa.

S2A3 Medal and S2A3 Medal (Technikon)

This award serves to commend and encourage local science students at master’s level. The award is made at the discretion of each university and university of technology to the best master’s degree student in a scientific discipline.

Merit certificates

Over the years numerous awards have been made to people who have contributed, each in their own way, to either the advancement of science or the association's activities.

Eligibility

Category specific.

Application and nomination procedure

Category specific.

For a list of previous UCT winners of these awards, see UCT Research and Innovation.

Contact

For more information about these awards, contact researchfunding@uct.ac.za.