Namibia Scientific Society Wins National Award for Science Communication
- 8 April 2026
The Namibia Scientific Society (NSS) has been awarded Best Institution: Science Communication and Public Engagement at the 2026 National Research Excellence Awards, hosted by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST). The awards, which were handed out after a decade long break, recognise outstanding contributions across Namibia’s scientific community and highlight the role of research, innovation, and public engagement in national development.
As CEO Ruth Moldzio noted, “While one always hopes that a nomination is successful, it still is an unbelievable rush when you are announced as winner. This award acknowledges the work of the Society as a whole, including its staff, Executive Board, committees, and members and we are very proud to now display it at the Society.”
Founded over 100 years ago, the Namibia Scientific Society continues to connect scientific knowledge with the broader public. In recent years, its activities have included maintaining a reference library of over 90,000 titles on Namibia, publishing the Journal of the Namibia Scientific Society, currently approaching its 73rd volume, producing over 80 books with Namibian content through its in-house publishing programme, and hosting more than 50 public presentations annually. These activities are carried out by seven full-time staff members, supported by a membership base of more than 800.
Chairperson Michael Backes highlighted that all this work is sustained by voluntary contributions across multiple structures, including the Publishing Committee, the Journal Editorial Board, and the Executive Board, as well as by the efforts of previous generations who have shaped the Society over time.
The Society continues working in collaboration with partner institutions, organisations, and contributors, including speakers, scientists, and authors who engage with its platforms. Its activities are further supported by corporate members, working groups, event participants, and the broader membership community as well as the engagement of the Namibian public which remains central to the Society’s work, providing both audience and purpose.
The award included prize money of N$ 10,000, which will be reinvested into future educational and knowledge-sharing activities, as the Society will continue its focus on science communication and public engagement, building on existing programmes and partnerships.
You can watch the full awards event here: https://www.youtube.com/live/5gTsqC_Q0mE. For further coverage, read the article by The Namibian on the awards and their significance for Namibia’s science sector.