UCT-MARiS Researchers Engage in South Africa’s 7th SANAP Symposium

Celebrating Collaboration, Innovation, and Early-Career Leadership in Polar and Southern Ocean Research

We are incredibly proud of the research team that represented UCT-MARiS at the 7th South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) Symposium, held from 16–19 November 2025 at the Kwalata Game Reserve in Gauteng. The symposium brought together researchers, students, policymakers, and environmental stewards from across disciplines to share discoveries from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and to reflect on how these polar regions shape our understanding of global change.

From the southernmost ice sheets to Africa’s beating heart, SANAP researchers explore the connections that link polar science to climate, ecosystems, and society. The symposium offered a unique opportunity to discuss new research, inspire collaboration, and strengthen the community committed to safeguarding the world’s most remote environments.

A Showcase of Diverse Polar Science

The event highlighted the breadth of SANAP-supported research through a wide range of presentations and discussions, including:

• The role of Antarctic sea ice in the global climate system
• Engineering innovations supporting polar field activities and advances related to the S.A. Agulhas II
• Conservation efforts linked to the Mouse-Free Marion Island programme
• Historical, cultural, and literary studies of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic exploration

Attendees included representatives from APECSSA, NRF policymakers, researchers and students from universities across South Africa, as well as artists, explorers, and science communicators—underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of South Africa’s polar research community. The team that represented UCT-MARiS consisted of the following members from the Oceanography, Chemical Engineering and Electrical Engineering research groups: Robyn Verrinder, Marcello Vichi, Lawrence Stanton, Yaxuan Zhu, Tristyn Ferreiro, David Sephton-Poultney, Sarah Tallack, Megan Sorour, Agoritsa Spirakis, Tokoloho Rampai, Safiyyah Moos, Magata Mangatane, Wayne de Jager, Hamidreza Moradi, Dayna Collins, Amelia Deary, Christina Monteiro, Nikita Qosholo and Sadiyah Rawat. 

In addition to scientific sessions, discussions focused on updates to SANAP projects, changes in funding models, and guidance on developing funding proposals aligned with national research priorities.

Insights and Experiences from the UCT-MARiS ECR Team

Linking Polar Science to Society – Magata J Mangatane (PhD Oceanography Student)

Magata highlighted the value of the symposium as a platform that convened experts, students, and policymakers to share emerging research from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. He emphasized how the discussions clearly demonstrated the critical links between polar science, climate systems, ecosystems, and society—particularly their relevance for Africa.

“The symposium created a valuable space for collaboration and collective commitment to protecting some of Earth’s most vulnerable environments,” he noted.

Presentations ranged from Antarctic sea ice and its role in the global climate system, to innovative engineering solutions for polar fieldwork, conservation initiatives at Marion Island, and historical studies of human engagement with polar and remote island environments. Magata also highlighted the importance of sessions focused on SANAP project updates, changes to funding models, and in-depth guidance on framing funding proposals within national research priorities.

Exploring Beyond One’s Field – Dayna Collins (MSc Oceanography - Sea Ice Biogeochemistry Student)

Dayna described the symposium as an invaluable opportunity to engage with research beyond her immediate field. She presented her work on sea ice sampling and biogeochemistry, sharing early results from her Master’s project.

She particularly valued the informal networking opportunities created through APECSSA activities such as quiz night and bingo, as well as the game drive at Kwalata, which provided space to connect with fellow researchers outside the formal conference setting.

Engineering Perspectives in Polar Science – David Sephton-Poultney (MSc Electrical Engineering)

David reflected on the privilege of being part of SANAP and engaging with such a broad and impactful research programme. 

“Being a part of something as important and broad as SANAP is a massive privilege,” he shared. “It was truly inspirational to be exposed to the full scope of work being done across multiple disciplines, and to interact directly with the experts involved.”

While the presentations provided valuable insights, David highlighted that one of the most meaningful aspects for him was gaining a deeper appreciation of the fieldwork conducted on the Antarctic continent and the extensive behind-the-scenes preparation required to support these expeditions.

“It was exciting to share my work for the first time with the SANAP community,” he added, “especially with researchers outside of the engineering field, and to receive their perspectives and feedback.” His experience underscored the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in strengthening polar research and innovation.

Seeing the Broader Scientific Landscape – Christina Monteiro (PhD Oceanography - Southern Ocean Biogeochemistry Student)

Christina reflected on the extraordinary diversity of Southern Ocean research on display, spanning ecosystem restoration, engineering, microbiology, and biogeochemical modelling. She praised the SANAP presentation format, which encouraged synthesis and big-picture framing through longer, PI-led sessions, and noted how these discussions sparked new ideas relevant to her own research.

A Vibrant and Connected Antarctic Community – Megan Sorour (MSc Electrical Engineering Student)

For Megan, the symposium showcased the strength and vibrancy of South Africa’s Antarctic research community. She valued the emphasis on knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary exchange, particularly through interactive APECSSA activities, and appreciated the opportunity to connect with researchers from across the country.

Building Inclusive and Accessible Science Conversations – Tristyn Ferreiro (MSc Electrical Engineering Student)

Tristyn highlighted the inclusive atmosphere of the symposium, where scientific presentations were complemented by conversations around art, social engagement, and personal expedition experiences. She appreciated the effort made by presenters to communicate their work in accessible ways and valued the openness of the SANAP community. Informal events, including the APECS bingo and quiz night and the game drive, created meaningful opportunities for social connection.

Strengthening National Capacity in Polar Science – Dr Wayne de Jager (Oceanography Postdoctoral Fellow)

Wayne emphasized the strategic importance of SANAP symposiums for strengthening South Africa’s role in Southern Hemisphere polar science. 

“The Southern Hemisphere remains comparatively underrepresented in global polar science.” 

He highlighted how regular national gatherings enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, improve coordination around shared logistical and funding challenges, support early-career researcher development, and align scientific priorities with national infrastructure and policy frameworks.

Looking Forward

UCT-MARiS celebrates the dedication, curiosity, and leadership demonstrated by our early-career researchers at the 7th SANAP Symposium. Once again the event highlighted the critical role that national gatherings and associated networking events play in strengthening South Africa’s polar research ecosystem. Beyond showcasing scientific advances, these community meetings provide a structured platform for engagement between researchers, government departments, funding agencies, and logistical operators. This direct interaction strengthens the alignment between scientific needs and operational planning, ultimately supporting more efficient, coordinated, and well-resourced field campaigns.

Annual in-person symposiums also build the professional relationships, trust, and familiarity across institutions that underpin successful collaboration. These often-overlooked “soft” factors directly enhance research outcomes by improving communication, encouraging interdisciplinary proposals, and making it easier to assemble strong, multi-institutional teams for competitive funding calls. For early-career researchers in particular, the opportunity to interact directly with senior scientists offers invaluable mentorship, visibility, and collaboration opportunities that support long-term career development and help retain skills within South Africa’s polar research community.

As SANAP projects continue to evolve, the insights gained and relationships built at this symposium will play a key role in shaping future research directions—ensuring that UCT-MARiS remains at the forefront of polar and Southern Ocean science in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Looking ahead, South Africa’s geographic position as a gateway to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands provides a unique strategic advantage. 

Strengthening the presence of individual disciplines at SANAP symposiums encourages adjacent fields to more effectively leverage national infrastructure, vessel access, and logistical systems. This creates a positive feedback loop in which growth in one research area supports and expands others—reinforcing South Africa’s leadership in Southern Hemisphere polar and Southern Ocean science.