This month’s newsletter focuses on the relationship between science and the public as we celebrate National Science Week in South Africa. This initiative by the Department of Science and Technology is being held from 8-13 August at various sites across the country, with the theme of ‘Science for Sustainable Development and Improved Quality of Life’. The purpose of this week is to promote general awareness of the value of science in people’s daily lives and expose the public, educators and students to science-based careers, particularly amongst the disadvantaged sections of the population.