The Scientific and Technological Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Government of the Republic of South Africa was signed in November 1999. This has been followed by a series of high-level interactions, including a visit by the Polish Minister of Education and Research, and his deputy, to South Africa in May 2007. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the S&T cooperation between the two countries and to view the investment that Poland has made in the construction of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). Poland is one of the major sponsors of SALT. The research focus areas agreed upon are Animal Sciences, Architecture, Astronomy, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, and Physics.
The South African Square Kilometre Array bid team visited Poland in November 2007, to present the South African bid to the Polish Government and also to establish ways and means of fostering a collaborative effort in this regard. Poland has shown an interest in forging collaboration links with SA in Astronomy, amongst other areas.
A bilateral cooperation/European-South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP) workshop was held in May 2008 in Poland. The purpose of the workshop was to strengthen South African and Polish scientific and technological participation under bilateral cooperation and to create awareness of ESASTAP.. ESATAP's primary objective is to promote S&T partnership between South Africa and the European Union. This cooperation is showing growth potential beyond the current activities.
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