South African Association of Botanists (SAAB)

About the South African Association of Botanists

The South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) is the professional society for plant scientists in the country. Its stated mission is to advance knowledge and protect biodiversity through shared insight. Members include researchers, lecturers, conservation workers and students.

SAAB keeps the community connected in several ways. It holds an annual conference, offers webinars, publishes a peer-reviewed journal and gives awards for achievement in the field. It also runs a Student Council, which gives young botanists a voice and a place to meet peers.

How SAAB supports students

South Africa has a rich plant life, but the number of trained plant scientists is small. The society uses bursaries to help new researchers enter and stay in the field. Each year it offers funding at two levels. Honours students can receive R15,000, and three of these awards are normally available. Master's students can receive R50,000, also with three awards available.

The Master's money is paid in two parts over two years. The second payment depends on satisfactory progress in the first year. Bursars also receive free SAAB student membership while the award lasts, which opens the door to conferences and networking.

This is an academic research award. It does not tie students to an employer, and there is no work-back duty. Its only purpose is to support study and research in botany and related plant sciences.

What to know before applying

The requirements are fairly strict. Recent calls asked for a minimum overall average of 70%. Applicants must study full-time at a South African tertiary institution, and their studies must be botanically related. Master's applicants must also hold a BSc Honours degree with the same minimum average.

Your supervisor matters, too. The supervisor must be a paid-up SAAB member, and you must either hold SAAB membership or apply to join. Speak to your supervisor early, since they may need to confirm their own membership before your form can be accepted.

Timing is tight. In recent years the call has closed at the end of February, with successful applicants told by about mid-April. As a result, you should prepare your academic record, motivation and research outline well before the start of the year. Amounts, number of awards and dates can change, so always read the current notice on the official SAAB website. Questions can go to the association's secretary, whose address is listed on that site.

If you win an award, make the most of the membership. Attend the annual conference, present your work to other botanists and take part in Student Council activities. These contacts often lead to supervisors, collaborators and later job leads in research, conservation and teaching.