Université Paris-Saclay strengthens its cooperation with South Africa
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific cooperation between France and South Africa, Université Paris-Saclay welcomed a high-level South African delegation on 23 June 2026, bringing together representatives from the country's leading research, innovation and science diplomacy institutions.
At the request of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Université Paris-Saclay welcomed a high-level South African delegation that had taken part the previous day in the France–South Africa Joint Committee on Science and Technology (COMIX).
The delegation brought together representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) and the Agricultural Research Council, and was accompanied by representatives of the Embassy of France in South Africa.
The delegation comprised:
- Daan du Toit, Deputy Director-General: International Cooperation and Resources, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation;
- Kagiso Masete, Deputy Director: Overseas Bilateral Cooperation, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation;
- Teuns Phahlamohlaka, National Research Foundation (NRF);
- Tamaryn ("Tammy") Morris, Ocean and Polar Coordinator, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) and South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), specialising in ocean and marine sciences;
- Michael van der Laan, Specialist Researcher: Water Science, Agricultural Research Council, specialising in soil health and water sciences;
- Aurélien Leynet, Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of France in Pretoria.
The Vice-President for International and European Relations, Delphine Placidi-Frot, and the Vice-President for Science and Engineering, Rachid Bennacer, presented Université Paris-Saclay’s research and innovation ecosystem to these key stakeholders, while highlighting well-established scientific collaborations with South African partners.
Discussions focused on major topics addressing today’s global challenges and aligning with the bilateral priority areas identified by the France-South Africa Joint Committee on Science and Technology (COMIX):
- Climate and environmental change;
- Forestry and ecosystem modelling;
- Climate–volcanism interactions;
- Water resources and environmental governance.
Presentations by Université Paris-Saclay researchers and their South African partners showcased the breadth of existing collaborations and the prospects for developing new research, mobility and innovation projects.
This visit is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen French–South African scientific relations, driven by the work of the France-South Africa Joint Committee on Science and Technology (COMIX) and by the international strategy of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
It also reflects Université Paris-Saclay’s recent initiatives in South Africa, including the signing, in November 2025, of a framework agreement for academic and scientific cooperation with Stellenbosch University, during an institutional mission led by Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region. This partnership aims to strengthen student and scientific mobility, as well as the development of joint research and innovation projects in shared strategic areas.
Cette rencontre témoigne de l’engagement de l’Université Paris-Saclay en faveur d’une recherche ouverte sur le monde et du renforcement de partenariats stratégiques avec les acteurs et les actrices scientifiques internationaux afin de répondre collectivement aux défis environnementaux, sociétaux et technologiques de demain.
