Expanding grasslands: How climate and livestock changes have contributed towards a grassier Eastern Karoo
A study by former SAEON PhD student Gina Arena has unveiled how ecological changes are reshaping the Eastern Karoo landscape, with potential implications for biodiversity, agriculture and conservation efforts.
Science and technology in action
Exploring international developments and collaboration opportunities in hydrogeology research
SAEON postdoc Retang Mokua’s ground-breaking research garnered significant interest at the 2024 World Groundwater Congress, leading to potential future collaborations to enhance hydrological research in South African mountainous catchments.
SAEON launches the Terrestrial Observations Monitor – a new platform for near real-time, raw data
Developed by SAEON’s uLwazi Node in collaboration with technicians from SAEON and EFTEON, this tool provides near-real-time data and lets users download citable datasets from terrestrial-monitoring sites across South Africa.
SAVANNA GIANTS: Elephants, trees and the birds in-between
MSc student Liam Taylor is exploring elephant impacts on the woody vegetation in Mapungubwe National Park. The project is the first large-scale avian study in the park that highlights the importance of large trees for a multitude of nesting species, including threatened species such as vultures.
Exploring critical issues around South Africa’s just transition
In her panel discussion, Professor Juliet Hermes, manager of SAEON’s Egagasini Node, focused on the disconnect between the ambitious policies and strategic frameworks South Africa has adopted.
Towards developing a comprehensive backbone observing system for the Agulhas Current
The Agulhas Current Observing System Design Workshop aimed to facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders to better understand and monitor this crucial western boundary current.
The sound of science in Europe
EFTEON PhD candidate Toka Mosikidi participated in the World Ecoacoustics Congress to create a platform for collaboration with international long-term monitoring infrastructures, and to gain a better understanding of advances in this rapidly growing field of study.
Towards advancing the aquaculture sector in Africa
SOMISANA scientist Aphiwe Mtetandaba’s presentation at the conference outlined how physical indices, including sea surface temperature anomalies and wind stress patterns, could predict the onset of harmful algal blooms.
Message from the MD
Building vital capacity
Reflections from postgraduate studies showcase event
Tsumbedzo Ramalevha, a PhD candidate at the Ndlovu Node, honed his presentation and networking skills at the North-West University postgraduate studies showcase event.
Biomes workshop ignites passion and knowledge in Western Cape educators
This SACE-accredited event brought together 20 dedicated educators from schools linked with the Egagasini Node for an immersive, interdisciplinary experience, equipping them with valuable tools to inspire and educate their learners.
Science engagement
Arid Lands Node’s 2024 science engagement impact
The Arid Lands team are well on their way to achieving their goal of educating and developing the young minds of the future in addition to collecting data for research purposes.
Engaging with the elderly community at Ikamva Labantu
A team from the Egagasini Node interacted with the elderly community in Khayelitsha as part of the node’s ongoing efforts to connect SAEON’s scientific research with local communities, and to foster a sense of stewardship towards the marine environment.
NRF-SAEON in the media
SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in national print, broadcast, online and social media.
