QUEST  is excited to announce the upcoming edition of QUEST Magazine, the official quarterly popular science publication of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), scheduled for publication on Friday, 11 December 2026.

QUEST invite article submissions from South African universities and research institutions. This is an opportunity to showcase your institution’s latest research and innovation to a broad audience. Articles should be 500–1,000 words and accompanied by one or two relevant images.

Submissions can be sent to Quest-Editor@assaf.org.za by Friday 30 October 2026. (Please include image credits and permissions where applicable.)

QUESTT is designed to engage Grade 10–12 learners and students, as well as a general science-interested audience, both in print and online. We encourage articles that are accessible and engaging, with a strong preference for visuals such as photos, infographics, and diagrams. Including the ORCID of contributing researchers is welcomed.

Theme (Vol. 22.4): ‘Water: The world’s next crisis’

QUEST looks at water scarcity, pollution and ocean health. Clean, reliable water underpins public health, food production, energy and the economy, yet supplies around the world are under growing pressure from drought, a changing climate, pollution and ageing infrastructure. South Africa, a water-scarce country bordered by two oceans, faces these pressures on land and at sea. We want to showcase the research, technologies, data and policy thinking that can help secure water for people and nature, from the river catchment to the open ocean. Possible topics:

·       Water scarcity, drought and water security in a changing climate

·       Rivers, wetlands, groundwater and catchment management

·       Water quality and pollution: wastewater, acid mine drainage, plastics and emerging contaminants

·       Ocean health: marine ecosystems, fisheries, ocean warming and acidification

·       Water technologies and governance: treatment, reuse, desalination, monitoring, and access to safe water and sanitation

QUEST also welcome submissions on other recent scientific developments in South Africa for our features section.

For inquiries or to discuss potential article topics, please contact Magick M. Maphanga at magick@assaf.org.za.

Magick M. Maphanga

Programme Officer: Quest Magazine

Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)

Email: magick@assaf.org.za

QUEST looks forward to your contributions and encourages you to share this call with colleagues/network in your field.