Workshop Feature Johannesburg Skyline South Africa

Location

University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa

Date

Apr 07 - 08 2025

IIES Member Registration Fee

Free

9th Annual IIES Science & Policy Workshop | South Africa

Improving Water Security

If you are passionate about advancing sustainability and want to share your research with and learn from other like-minded individuals, we invite you to join us at the 9th Annual IIES Science & Policy Workshop. This event will offer valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration, giving you the chance to engage with others and contribute to vital conversations about pressing environmental issues.

The 9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop will be hosted by University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and will run from April 7-8, 2025. Participants of the workshop will have the opportunity to meet colleagues from our partner institutions as well as other industry, government and university organizations. All participants (especially students) are encouraged to present and discuss their research on socio-environmental issues relating to the workshop themes.

The overarching theme of the workshop is “improving water security”. We welcome papers on this theme, especially those that include multi-disciplinary thinking. You may want to consider some of the following:

  • Water resources, water quality, and the interface of these with emerging contaminants;
  • Circular economy considerations in the water sector;
  • A just transition to net zero (and beyond):
    • What is the effect of decarbonization on water security?
    • How does the increased reliance on critical minerals impact water security?
    • In its broadest sense, especially considering the above two questions, how might the drive towards future sustainability impact water security during a just transition?

Please note, however, that we do welcome all contributions relating to the IIES pillars:

  • Environmental Health
  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental Processes
  • Green & Novel Technology

For students, this is a chance to share your research and build potential collaborative relationships at an international level. The 8th International Graduate Student Forum will be held in Acornhoek, South Africa following the Workshop. Participants interested in attending both the Workshop and Forum must register for the Graduate Forum separately on the IIES website. Some travel grants will be available to students from IIES member institutions. Opportunities are limited, so please register early. Students hoping to receive a travel grant for this trip must attend both the Science & Policy Workshop and the Graduate Student Forum.

Organizing Committee

Professor Margaret Graham | Co-chair, Chair of Environmental Geochemistry, School of Geosciences, The University of Edinburgh
Professor Craig Sheridan | Co-chair, Director of Wits Water, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Professor Douglas Evans | Director, International Institute for Environmental Studies
Professor Huy Dang | Associate Professor, Trent School of the Environment and Department of Chemistry
Professor Tracy-Lynn Field | Professor, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Simone Dahms-Verster
| Lecturer, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Professor Marleen Dekker | Scientific Director, Professor, Leiden University
Professor Martina Vijver | Scientific Director, Professor, Leiden University
Professor Piotr Szwedo | Associate Professor, Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Lena Helińska | Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Dr. Sabina Favaro | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Tamlyn Naidu
| Postdoctoral Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Alechine Ameh
| Postdoctoral Fellow, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Dr. Sarah Donoghue | Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Edinburgh
Raquel Scott | Operations Coordination, International Institute for Environmental Studies

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: January 24, 2025
Notification of Abstract Acceptance: February 7, 2025
Health & Safety Training (MANDATORY): TBD
Science & Policy Workshop: April 7-8, 2025
Graduate Student Forum: April 10-12, 2025

Workshop

Venue: University of the Witwatersrand
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: April 7-8, 2025

Grad Forum

Venue: Wits Rural Facility
Location: Acornhoek, South Africa
Date: April 10-12, 2025

Plenary Speakers

Piotr Szwedo Headshot New
Presented by:

Professor Piotr Szwedo
Associate Professor
Jagiellonian University in Kraków

Piotr Szwedo is an Associate Professor of Public International Law at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, head of the Centre for Advanced Sustainability Studies and the OKSPO Centre for Foreign Law Schools of the Jagiellonian University. In his scientific work, he focuses on international trade and investment law, water law and sustainability (e.g. Brill 2018, Springer 2019). He gained experience at the University of Cambridge, Columbia Law School, Max Planck Institute of Comparative Public and International Law, Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, University of Kobe, and over a dozen other respected research centres. His recent projects include a project on Rights of Nature (https://ronsus.uj.edu.pl financed by the National Science Centre, Poland) and the French-Polish project “Durabilité et le droit” (PHC Polonium).


Martina Vijver Headshot
Presented By:

Prof. Dr. Martina G. Vijver
Scientific Director, Professor
Leiden University

In our industrialized world, many substances are in circulation, and new materials are synthesized daily. We, humans, introduce these substances in industry, in agriculture, in our homes. Unintentionally, the substances end up in nature at large though, where their concentration may exceed environmental quality standards, posing a hazard to the plants and animals out there – at which point they become “problematic substances”. The crucial question I am working on within the field of ecotoxicology is whether the large numbers of synthetic substances produced nowadays represent insurmountable risks to ecosystems. We work a lot with monitoring data, experimental observations in lab and cosm studies and from there we model. Overall I aim to understand underlying ecological processes and to develop integrative instruments, models and concepts to quantify the impacts of various stressors. I want to bring the “ecology within the ecotoxicology research field” and this viewpoint I have published in my publication (2019) entitled: The choreography of chemicals in nature; beyond ecotoxicological limits.

Read More »

My teaching is various; in BSc and MSc programs and I have supervised around 25 PhDcandidates. I am proud on the online open access environmental toxicology textbook https://maken.wikiwijs.nl/147644/Environmental_Toxicology__an_open_online_textbook

Apart from science, I advise policymakers and do lots of different outreach. I have won the International World Cultural Council award (2017) for this valorization of knowledge. 

Since 2015, I am the co-CEO & founder of the Researcher In Science for Equality network. This network advices the Faculty of Science on inclusion and gender issues, provides workshops to female scientists. I am the scientific director of the Institute of Environmental Sciences at the Leiden University Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML): best institute for quantitative environmental issues – Leiden University (universiteitleiden.nl)


Keagan Pokpas Headshot
Presented By:

Dr. Keagan Pokpas
Senior Lecturer of Analytical Chemistry
University of the Western Cape

Dr. Keagan Pokpas is a distinguished senior lecturer & researcher of Analytical Chemistry within the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Western Cape, where he has been since 2018. He holds an MSc in Nanoscience and a PhD in Electroanalytical Chemistry from the same institution. Keagan is a member of the ISE, SACI, Electrochem SA, AYCN, and RSC. He is a member and former EXCO member of SAYAS, and steering committee member of SAGE. He was awarded the 2018/2019 African-German Network for Excellence in Science (AGNES) Young Research award and the 2019 Van Humboldt Junior Research travel grant, participated in numerous international collaborations with the University of Missouri, Cergy-Paris University, and Ulm University, and holder of NRF, and MRC research grants. Dr. Pokpas was further awarded the 2022 Emerging Lecturer Award for the faculty of Natural Science (UWC) and a current 2024 NSTF TKW Emerging Researcher Award nominee. He is a current NRF Y-rated researcher and a fellow of the South African Department of Higher Education and Training’s Future Professor’s programme.

Read More »

Dr. Pokpas’ research focuses on developing innovative, low-cost, and disposable integrated point-of-care contamination and diagnostic devices for early diagnostics and sensing environmental and medical contaminants for use in resource-limited settings. He specializes in nano-electrochemistry and sensing technologies with an emphasis on electrochemical, paper-based and electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistor (EGOFET) electronic-based sensing. His research endeavors span environmental chemistry research, nanomaterials development, and analytical chemistry and align directly to sustainable development goals, 3, 6, and 10 related to good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, and reduced inequalities. He has made significant contributions to the development of sensitive, low-cost analytical devices as an alternative to conventional molecular spectroscopic techniques, particularly for application in underdeveloped regions.


Driven by a passion for scientific exploration, his research has been widely recognized and published in reputable journals culminating in excess of 24 peer-reviewed publications to date. With a commitment to innovation, Dr. Pokpas’ research continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge for electroanalytical sensing aimed at improving environmental & human health where he co/supervises 12 MSc and PhD students.


Current areas of research include (i) electrochemical biosensing of SARS-Cov-2 biomarkers through various strategies, (ii) development of high-sensitivity, low-cost and porous disposable paper-based sensors for metal analysis and biosensing, (iii) paper-based colorimetric analysis of priority environmental water pollutants, (iv) printed electrolyte-gated field effect transistor (EGOFET) sensors, and (v) hydro-cavitation systems for remediation of wastewater.


Sarah Nuttall Headshot

Professor Sarah Nuttall
Professor
University of the Witwatersrand

*Check back soon for additional Plenary Speaker information.

Workshop Themes

Improving Water Security
  • Water resources, water quality, and the interface of these with emerging contaminants;
  • Circular economy considerations in the water sector;
  • A just transition to net zero (and beyond):
    • What is the effect of decarbonization on water security?
    • How does the increased reliance on critical minerals impact water security?
    • In its broadest sense, especially considering the above two questions, how might the drive towards future sustainability impact water security during a just transition?
IIES Pillars

The above listed workshop themes are not inclusive and other topics are welcome. You may fall under one of the following topics:

  • Environmental Health
  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental Processes
  • Green & Novel Technology

Important Information for Participants

PRESENTATION/ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS: Participants may choose to present a poster OR a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation. Please submit an abstract for your presentation (regardless of type of presentation you choose), and indicate your preference and theme you will be presenting in. We ask that abstracts be no more than 1 page long, and to please include a title. Graduate Student Forum participants are not obliged to present at the workshop but if interested can choose either a 15-minute talk or to present a poster.

REGISTRATION: The cost of registration for students and faculty is FREE. We aim to have a proportional regional representation among attendees, allowing us to create a diverse and balanced environment that reflects various perspectives. Please note that submitting your registration does not guarantee acceptance into the workshop, as participation will be determined based on available spaces and representation criteria. Priority for registration will be given to IIES/UNA members to ensure their active participation in the workshop.

TRAVEL SUPPORT: Some travel grants will be available to students from IIES member institutions. Opportunities are limited, so please register early. Students who receive a travel grant must attend both the Graduate Student Forum and the Annual Science & Policy Workshop. Please register separately for these events.

MEALS: Lunches and coffee/tea breaks will be covered for participants during the Workshop.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel rooms will be reserved at the Holiday Inn – Rosebank (details in the FAQ below). More details for booking will be provided closer to the date.

HEALTH & SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants are important to us. Please be sure to read all of the information in the FAQ section below.
Please note: There will be a mandatory Health & Safety Training Meeting for all participants (online zoom meeting – cameras MUST be on). Information on this will be issued closer to the event date.

South Africa - Frequently Asked Questions​

Yes, but here are a few things to keep in mind when travelling to South Africa:

Don’t wear flashy jewellery
You can become an easy target if you wear flashy jewellery in South Africa, as it usually identifies you as a foreign tourist or somebody with money. That makes you an ideal target for a mugging.

Don’t have your phone out
Theft in South Africa can be as violent as an armed robbery, or as simple as pickpocketing. One of the biggest cases of reported theft comes because of phones being stolen, even directly out of your hand. This is a common occurrence in places like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Don’t go into dodgy areas
This one should be fairly self-explanatory. If you’re in an area that’s not as well-lit or secure as others, you’re opening yourself up to crime. This is especially true in Cape Town and townships in the Eastern Cape.

Don’t handle large amounts of money in the open
Similar to wearing jewellery, having wads of cash identifies you as someone with money (obviously). It’s always a better idea to carry a card since most establishments are happy to accept card payments.

Don’t walk alone at night
Walking alone at night makes you a prime candidate for a criminal. Either surround yourself with friends or stay at the hotel.

Here are some additional health and safety tips for travel in South Africa:

  • Protests and large gatherings can occur anywhere in South Africa at any time. Avoid areas affected by protests and demonstrations. Use major roads where it’s safe to do so and verify that alternate routes recommended by your GPS are safe prior to travel. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. 
  • Crime and violence are serious issues across South Africa, including murder, rape, assault, food and drink spiking, robbery and carjacking. South Africa experiences more crime during its rolling blackouts (load-shedding). Be particularly alert in major city centres and township areas and when travelling after dark. Crimes in South Africa often involve the use of weapons.
  • Terrorism is a threat worldwide and can occur anywhere at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places and follow the advice of local authorities. 
  • Opportunistic criminals also target travellers at the approaches to Kruger National Park, including Numbi Gate, and at the Lebombo/Komatipoort border. Criminals have also been targeting tourist vehicles at the approaches to Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City Resort.
  • Criminals target travellers and their bags at airports and on public transport. Vehicles parked or stopped at intersections are also targeted. Criminals have posed as fake tourist police to extort and rob tourists.
  • ATM and credit card fraud are common. Criminals wait near ATMs to rob people who have withdrawn cash. Be aware of your surroundings, and only withdraw small amounts. Keep your credit card with you at all times.
  • Respect local wildlife laws. Only use professional guides or tour operators. Follow park regulations and advice from wardens. Don’t swim in lakes and rivers due to the risk of wildlife attacks and disease.

Please note: There will be a mandatory Health and Safety Training Meeting for all participants (online zoom meeting – cameras MUST be on). We want to ensure the health and safety of all of our participants. Information on this will be issued closer to the event date.

For more information on safety, health, travel, and laws in South Africa, visit this website »

Sources:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
https://startlivingafrica.co/7-safest-cities-in-south-africa-and-the-3-most-dangerous

Here are the details to the hotel we will be staying at for both the Workshop and Graduate Student Forum:

Science & Policy Workshop – Johannesburg
Holiday Inn Johannesburg – Rosebank
The Zone, Oxford Rd, Rosebank
Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
April 7-9, 2025
*Check-in is on April 7, 2025 at 4pm and check-out is on April 9, 2025 at 11am.
*Please note that the check-out time is based on the hotel’s policy, but we will be checking out much earlier to get a head start on the day. Details to come closer to the day.

Graduate Student Forum – Acornhoek
Wits Rural Facility
Orpen Road
Acornhoek, 1280, South Africa
April 9-13, 2025
*Check-in is on April 9, 2025 from 2pm to 4:30pm (no check-in access after 4:30pm) and check-out is on April 13, 2025 at 10am.

Anyone from the following countries/organizations are required to have a travel visa when entering South Africa:

  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Belarus
  • Bulgaria
  • China
  • Comoros
  • Congo
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Ivory Coast
  • Liberia
  • Lithuania
  • Mali
  • Mexico
  • Morocco
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Romania
  • Rwanda
  • SADC Iaissez-passers
  • Senegal
  • Sierre Leone
  • Slovak Republic
  • Uganda
  • United Nations Lasse Passer
  • Vietnam

To get more information, please visit the following website: Department of Home Affairs – South Africa.

To apply for a travel visa, you must fill out the following application form.

You will need the following when applying for a travel visa:

For more information, please visit the following website: How to Apply for Travel Visa to South Africa

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), and is probably the smartest currency to have if you want to make cash purchases. And though hard currencies such as USD, EUR and GBP are accepted in some places, to be safe, exchanging your money ahead of time into ZAR is probably the smartest and safest way to go.

If you choose to bring USD, be sure to bring crisp, recent notes in small denominations (torn bills or older bills from before 2006 are sometimes not accepted). You won’t always be able to get change for a $100 bill, so be sure to bring plenty of $10, $5 and $1 bills.

South Africa also accepts all major credit cards, but MasterCard and Visa are more widely accepted than American Express or Diner’s Club. Most bigger cities or towns will have card machines to make payments, but cash is always handy in case of an emergency.

Please note:
*Most African currencies (with the notable exception of the South Africa ZAR) cannot be exchanged back into hard currencies, so any notes and coins you have left over will simply be souvenirs when you return home.
*Some USD banknotes may not be accepted due to the high levels of counterfeit currency in circulation, it is recommend that you only travel with notes printed within the last five years.

Sources:
https://wild-wings-safaris.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-currency-should-i-bring
https://africatravelresource.com/safari-resources/money
https://www.gsafrica.com/travel-guide/money

In Johannesburg, we will be staying at the hotel from April 7-9, 2025. Check-in is on April 7, 2025 at 4pm and check-out is on April 9, 2025 at 11am.
*Please note that the check-out time is based on the hotel’s policy, but we will be checking out much earlier to get a head start on the day. Details to come closer to the day.

In Acornhoek, we will be staying at the Wits Rural Facility from April 9-13, 2025. Check-in is on April 9, 2025 from 2pm to 4:30pm (no check-in access after 4:30pm) and check-out is on April 13, 2025 at 10am.

Note: If you plan on arriving early or leaving later than those dates, and you require additional days at the hotel, please contact for a group booking code so that you can pay for the rooms at our group rate. You will be responsible for booking your own additional days.

You are responsible for booking the following flights:

  • Return flight from home to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Transportation by bus will be booked by the IIES to and from Acornhoek, South Africa. Transportation to and from the venues/hotels will also be booked by the IIES.

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels in the morning. Coffee/tea, snacks, lunches, and a group dinner will be provided at the Workshop and Graduate Student Forum.

Breakfast at the Holiday Inn in Johannesburg will be served from 6:30am to 10:30am during the week.

Meals at the Wits Rural Facility are as follows:

  • Breakfast will be served between 7:00am and 8:00am daily
  • Lunch will be served between 12:30pm and 1:30pm daily
  • Dinner will be served between 6:30pm and 7:30pm daily

Feel free to explore the city and discover local restaurants for any other meals. Be sure to check the Safety in South Africa link.

For more information, please visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page.


If you have any questions or require any further information please contact:

Raquel Scott, Operations Coordinator, International Institute for Environmental Studies
Email: 

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2025-04-07 - 2025-04-08
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