In a rapidly changing world, science and innovation sit at the heart of how society will navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. The session “Looking Beyond 2030: The Role of Science and Innovation in Shaping Future Societies” – that took place during Science Forum South Africa 2025 – offered a thought-provoking exploration of what the future landscape may look like and what kind of scientific mindset will be needed to build it.
Moderated by the IAU OAD Director Kevin Govender, the session featured a diverse panel of leaders and thinkers, including Ms. Lavina Ramkissoon; Ms. Wilma De Souza, Fundraiser at Usiko (Stellenbosch, South Africa); Dr. Vanessa McBride, Science Director and Acting Head of the Centre for Science Futures at the International Science Council; and Prof. Heidi Hackmann, Chair in Science Futures at the University of Stellenbosch.
Some reflection on the key themes, insights, and implications highlighted in the discussion are listed below:
Science and Innovation Beyond 2030: A New Vision
Looking ahead, scientific and technological breakthroughs will continue transforming how we live, work, learn, and connect. But the message is clear: innovation must do more than create new tools, it must address the evolving needs of society.
The session reminded us that long-term thinking is essential. Projects and research undertaken today should anticipate the world of tomorrow, taking into account shifts in demographics, environment, technology, and social priorities. As we move beyond 2030, the focus must shift toward building resilient, equitable, and people-centred systems that serve both current and future generations.
Key Insights from the Discussion
Innovation Must Be Socially Grounded. The future of science is not just about discovery, it’s about relevance. Solutions must respond to real social challenges such as climate vulnerability, inequality, education, health, and community cohesion. Innovation that fails to engage with society risks missing the mark.
Long-Term Planning Is Non-Negotiable. Many of today’s scientific investments will bear fruit decades from now. This requires patient vision, future-oriented policies, and the ability to plan beyond election cycles or short funding windows. “Looking beyond 2030” means making decisions now that enable future societies to thrive.
Collaboration Is the Path Forward. No single discipline or sector can tackle global challenges alone. The session underscored the importance of partnerships, across science, policy, education, communities, and industry. Innovation becomes most powerful when it draws from multiple strengths.
Why This Matters: Reflections for Science-for-Development Work
For organisations and practitioners working at the intersection of science and development (like the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development and similar initiatives), the themes from the discussion resonated strongly.
- A long-term view is essential. Many astronomy-driven development projects, including astrotourism or science education programmes, unfold over decades, perfectly aligned with a “beyond 2030” perspective.
- Societal relevance must guide scientific work. Astronomy, for example, can support education, wellbeing, heritage preservation, and socio-economic development, demonstrating that even “pure” sciences can have deep societal impact.
- Partnerships are central. From working with local communities to collaborating with international institutions, astronomy for development thrives through multi-stakeholder engagement.
The conversation reinforced that science reaches its highest potential when it improves lives.
Moving Forward: Building the Future We Need
As we look ahead, the discussion challenged us to rethink how we design scientific systems and innovation pathways. It invited us to consider:
- investing in research with long-term societal value,
- building stronger bridges between science and communities,
- and imagining a future where innovation truly serves the public good.
The message is ultimately one of optimism, a reminder that science is not just a tool for understanding the universe, but a resource for shaping a more equitable, resilient, and inspired global society.
Recording of the session is available below.
Making Astronomy Accessible for Visually Impaired Audiences – National Disability Rights Awareness Month in South Africa (3 November – 3 December)
How can we ensure that everyone, including visually impaired audiences, can experience the wonder of the Universe? Around the world, our community is developing creative, inclusive solutions. Projects like SYSTEM Sounds in Canada use music to translate astronomical data into sound, while LightSound devices allow visually impaired users to hear celestial events such as solar eclipses.
At the Science Forum South Africa, SABC News interviewed OAD Director Kevin Govender on these and other initiatives showcasing how astronomy can drive inclusive development. Watch the interview here:
