National Physics Development Plan 2026–2035

The National Physics Development Plan seeks not only to improve the physics ecosystem, but to articulate an ambitious vision for the future of physics in South Africa. We invite respondents to identify emerging scientific opportunities, bold ideas, major societal challenges and strategic priorities that can position South African physics as a global contributor to discovery, innovation and sustainable development. This survey gathers prioritised evidence, strategic choices and forward-looking recommendations for South Africa’s National Physics Development Plan (NPDP) 2026–2035.

Is physics in South Africa fulfilling its role as a foundational science underpinning scientific, technological, industrial and socio-economic development? If not, where are the critical gaps, and which interventions should be prioritised over the next decade?

• Answer from your direct experience and knowledge of the South African physics ecosystem.
• Make clear choices. The survey is intended to identify priorities and trade-offs, not to produce a long list of desirable actions.
• Support key claims with documents or data wherever possible. Upload fields accept multiple files (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Where an intervention is proposed, indicate who should lead it, what partnerships are required and how progress should be measured.

Personal information is protected under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the SAIP PAIA and POPIA Policy. All responses will be analysed in aggregate and quotations will be anonymised. Confidentiality is maintained unless you explicitly give permission to be identified. Contact details are entirely optional and should only be provided if you wish to be contacted for further contribution.

Survey results: A summary of the findings and the final National Physics Development Plan will be shared with all respondents who request it and will also be made available on the SAIP website for the public to access.

Please forward this survey: We encourage you to share this survey with colleagues and contacts who have an interest in physics or physics-related fields. This includes (but is not limited to) researchers, professionals, policy makers, managers and educators in astronomy, medical and biological physics, space science, earth observation, climate science, materials science, engineering, mining, energy, industry, finance, banking, data science, artificial intelligence, science communication, and relevant professional societies or associations. The wider the participation, the stronger the evidence base for the National Physics Development Plan.

Survey deadline: Please complete and submit the survey by 30 September 2026.

Saving progress: The survey is expected to take approximately 60 minutes. You may save your responses at any point and return later to complete it. To save your progress, click the three dots (⋯) at the top right of the page, opposite the SAIP logo, and select the option to save and resume later.