House of Science Overview
Science Communication & Public Engagement
We recognize that science and society engagement is essential to the scientific process and offers significant benefits at institutional, individual, and societal levels. Our students, alumni, academics, and researchers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between science and society, inspiring positive change through various science engagement activities and platforms. The science communication and public engagement core area focuses on addressing capacity-building needs through initiatives such as the 3-phased Africa Scientifique: Leadership, Knowledge and Skills for Impactful Science Communication programme. We create engagement platforms for meaningful public dialogue through AIMS Public Lectures and Science Festivals.
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Gender Equality - Women in STEM
We believe that addressing the gender imbalance in Africa’s scientific and innovation sectors is crucial for South Africa’s progress. However, the journey towards attaining postgraduate degrees in STEM and beyond can be challenging, causing many young women to lose their way. Therefore, we collaborate with African governments, universities, scientific institutions, the private sector, and partner with organizations such as African Gong to implement capacity-building and mentoring programmes that advance women in STEM fields at various career stages. Additionally, we actively engage men and boys to challenge gender stereotypes within the field, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.Key initiatives include the Women’s Advancement Forum: International Exchanges, Research & Academia (WAFIRA) programme, AIMS Gender in STEM mentoring programmes, and advocacy efforts.
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Youth & Community Outreach
Our Youth & Community Outreach initiatives strengthen the mathematical community in South Africa and across the continent by inspiring young people and promoting inclusive participation in STEM. Through a weekly Saturday Tutorial Programme launched by Africa Scientifique alumni, we provide mathematics support to Grades 8–11 learners in Muizenberg and surrounding communities, building confidence, strengthening problem-solving skills, and exposing learners to diverse STEM career pathways. The initiative also creates meaningful leadership and mentoring opportunities for AIMS students to give back to the community. In addition, our Après-Lunch/Dinner with the Mathematical Scientist series connects emerging researchers at South African universities with leading scientists from academia and industry, fostering mentorship, dialogue, and professional growth.
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Mentorship, Academic Scholarship & Global Visibility
The House of Science actively contributes to research and scholarship in science communication and the advancement of women in STEM. A recent highlight is the contribution of a book chapter to the seminal publication “Race and Sociocultural Inclusion in Science Communication”, published by Bristol University Press, UK, in July 2023. This work directly connects to the impact of the Africa Scientifique Programme, helping to position our initiatives on the global stage.
Mentorship is embedded in the House of Science’s work, supporting participants in the six-month Phase 3 of the Africa Scientifique Programme, invited workshop facilitators, panellists, mentors, role models, and programme alumni to strengthen their contributions and amplify programme impact. Student volunteers also receive valuable hands-on mentorship while assisting with the implementation of House of Science activities.
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Our Community
Guided by Ubuntu and Afrocentricity: philosophies rooted in mutual care, solidarity, humanity, respect, and an African-centred worldview, the House of Science places collaboration at the core of its mission, forging partnerships that underpin Africa’s scientific renaissance. We are committed to transformative approaches that ensure sustainable impact across communities and institutions. Engaging with local and international science, technology and innovation networks, universities, government agencies, donors, and civil society organisations in Muizenberg and beyond, we strive for a broad and inclusive reach.
Since formalising our partnership with African Gong, a Pan-African Network for Popularising Science, Technology, and Science Communication, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019, we have jointly delivered our capacity-building flagship programmes, Africa Scientifique and WAFIRA, both conceptualised by African Gong.
Our Team
The AIMS House of Science is led by Dr Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe, a mathematician and science communication practitioner who joined AIMS South Africa in 2013 as a Postdoctoral Fellow after completing her Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mathematics at the University of Alberta in Canada. She provides empowering leadership in public engagement, develops sustainable engagement frameworks, and leads innovative capacity-building and training programs in science communication, public engagement, gender equality, and the advancement of women in STEM.
At AIMS South Africa, Dr Gavhi-Molefe also leads the Subdivision, Network, and Data Science Research Group, which brings together mathematical scientists working at the interface of theoretical and applied mathematics. The group focuses on teaching, supervision, mentoring, and research in Subdivision Schemes, Network Science, and Data Science, with a strong emphasis on societal impact, inclusive science communication, and gender inclusion in the mathematical sciences.
Get Involved
AIMS House of Science is a dynamic and growing department, supported by dedicated student volunteers who assist with the implementation of activities throughout the year.
We welcome and value the time, contributions, and participation of students, researchers, and academics in our public engagement and community outreach programmes, as well as in the broader Science and Society and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion research agenda.
For more information or to get involved, please contact: houseofscience@aims.ac.za
Testimonials
What participants, contributors, funders and partners say about our programmes
Africa Scientifique Programme
“The Africa Scientifique programme has offered wonderful content and intentions. I will take this workshop to be a starting point for my science communication in my career to enhance my employability and the impact of my knowledge in my community. The programme has given me a boost of self-confidence in public speaking, even though I am not yet where I want to be. After this workshop, I will challenge myself to communicate my knowledge and my research project so that I will see the impact within my stay at AIMS.” — AS Participant 2025
WAFIRA
“Attending the WAFIRA workshop was a transformative experience that left me with a deeper appreciation for my own privilege. Interacting with women from diverse backgrounds made me realize that I’ve never had to fight for access to education or opportunities due to societal limitations placed on women. As Program Director, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and take charge. It was a daunting task, but it showed me that with self-confidence, I can overcome any obstacle. This experience reminded me that self-confidence is not just a trait, but a powerful tool that can help women break down barriers and achieve their goals.” — Tabitha Masha
Public Lecture
“I found the public lecture event informative and stimulating. I was happy to see such a well organised and well attended event. The fact that the audience were so diverse was very heartening.”
Volunteer
“As a volunteer in the AIMS House of Science I gained a lot of experience in communication, leadership skills, association and self-confidence. The best part of being a volunteer in House of Science was when we were given an opportunity to assist students at a community library — that gave me love and patience with others.” — Siphosethu Mathonsi
Programme Director
“As Program Director, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and take charge. It was a daunting task, but it showed me that with self-confidence, I can overcome any obstacle. This experience reminded me that self-confidence is not just a trait, but a powerful tool that can help women break down barriers and achieve their goals.” — Tabitha Masha
