Our impact
In just a few years, ARS has grown from a student initiative at UCT into a continent-facing research society — convening Nobel Laureates, running hands-on lab experiences, and connecting thousands of students to research and mentorship.
These are the verified figures behind the work. Read the full impact report → · Meet the network →
The record
2022
ARS founded at the University of Cape Town.
31 Jul 2023
Registered as a non-profit (NPO 294-803) with the Department of Social Development.
17 Aug 2024
Nobel Laureate evening with Prof. Joachim Frank; 1,900+ students engaged in ARS events across 2024.
2025
Incorporated as African Research Society NPC (K2025477702).
2026
Winter Lab Camp (July).
Programmes
Our flagship inspiration series brings Nobel Laureates to African students. The 2024 edition featured Prof. Joachim Frank at UCT. Five Nobel Laureate speakers have featured across ARS events.
A six-month mentored program connecting undergraduate students with researchers and supervisors to conduct real research. A practical on-ramp into the research world.
Hands-on laboratory exposure — medical and science students shadow postdocs and PhD researchers for a week, run with UCT partners. The most recent edition was the 2026 Winter Lab Camp.
A multi-day, interdisciplinary gathering in development — convening science, technology, culture, and policy around how to build healthier, more resilient African societies.
Dates for upcoming editions are published as they are confirmed. See the events calendar →
In pictures
Collaborations
ARS is backed by 40+ institutions. The organisations named below are collaborators we have worked alongside directly — a named subset of that backing, not an addition to it.
Partner with ARS to fund the lab camps, mentorship, and events that build Africa's next generation of researchers.
