I’m thrilled to share that I have won tickets to the 4th Annual Southern Africa Oil & Gas Conference (SAOGC2025)! The event will take place on March 19-20, 2025, at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. This is an incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to be part of the conversations shaping the…
A Milestone in Science-Policy Engagement: Ulwazi Scientific Communications and STEM Research at the 2025 Mining Indaba
The Mining Indaba is one of Africa’s most significant gatherings for leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the mining sector. It serves as a platform where discussions shape the future of responsible mining, investment opportunities, and environmental sustainability. This year, I had the incredible honour of representing Ulwazi Scientific Communications and STEM Research at the 2025…
Why Is No One Talking About Ocean Mining at the Mining Indaba?
Attending the Mining Indaba was an eye-opening experience, showcasing the latest innovations and investment trends in Africa’s mining sector. However, one crucial topic was missing, ocean mining, a growing industry with significant environmental and economic implications. Why are we not discussing its sustainability? Read my full take here: 🔗 Why Is No One Talking About…
Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya: All American Entertainment (AAE) Speaker
I am thrilled to announce my role as a speaker with All American Entertainment (AAE), where I bring my passion for ocean advocacy, science communication, DEI and transformation, and environmental stewardship to the stage. As a PhD holder in Ocean Biogeochemistry and an experienced science communicator, my journey has been fuelled by a desire to…
How I Started M’Afrika By Kolisa and Sold Out My First Collection
2024 has been an incredible year of growth and new ventures. One of the highlights of my journey this year has been launching my African streetwear clothing brand, M’Afrika By Kolisa. This dream was inspired by my love for African culture, storytelling, and self-expression, and I’m thrilled to share the story of how it all…
The Transformative Impact of NEWF on my career: From Speaker to Fellow and Beyond
A Moment of Pride: Speaking at NEWF Congress 2019 In 2019, I had the honour of being invited as a “New Voices” speaker at the Nature, Environment, and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) Congress. This platform is a melting pot of creatives, scientists, and environmental storytellers, all united by a passion for driving impactful change. Standing on…
Experiencing the Complexities of Early Career Academia: My Experience with Publication Challenges
The journey of an early-career researcher is often filled with triumphs and challenges. One such experience brought significant recognition and valuable lessons but left me grappling with questions about equity in academic systems. This reflects on that journey and the systemic issues it highlighted, which are relevant to many early-career scientists. A Prestigious Honor and…
Navigating the Future: My Journey with the International Ocean Institute’s Ocean Governance Training
The ocean is the beating heart of our planet, connecting nations, cultures, and ecosystems. As someone deeply invested in ocean biogeochemistry and sustainable development, I’ve always believed that science and policy must work hand in hand to ensure the health and longevity of our marine environments. This conviction led me to take part in the…
Dr Sinyanya’s Journey as an AGU CoP Global Ambassador: Empowering Communities and Advancing Geoscience
As a passionate advocate for science and its transformative power, I had the privilege of serving as the 2022- 2023 Global Ambassador for the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Community of Practice (CoP). This role allowed me to deepen my engagement with the global scientific community, strengthen collaborations, and amplify the voices of diverse researchers across…
Significant challenges that have turned into blessings
As the year ends, I’m reflecting on a significant challenge I faced just before the completion of my PhD because I had ideas I wanted to implement. However, the national funder would only fund projects they approved of, which did not particularly interest me. What I wanted to achieve with my PhD had never been…
Dr Kolisa Sinyanya Represents Ulwazi at the South African Parliament’s Inaugural Weekly Committee Cluster Media Briefing
I had the pleasure of representing Ulwazi Scientific Communications and STEM Research at the first-ever Weekly Committee Cluster Media Briefing in the South African Parliament. This landmark event united the leaders of four parliamentary oversight committees to underscore their commitment to financial accountability and governance excellence. The briefing marks a significant milestone in promoting transparency…
Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya’s PhD work in Forbes Science: How Do Ocean Microbes Change the Climate?
Thanks to Andrew Wight, a science journalist covering the Global South at Forbes! Forbes Science documented my PhD work on how microscopic powerhouses known as phytoplankton contribute to global climate systems in ways you might not expect. Microscopic Life, Massive Impact: How Ocean Microbes Manage Carbon When most people think about tackling climate change, they…