Ms Refilwe Mashigo is currently a Professional Officer: Strategy, Planning and Partnerships at the National Research Foundation (NRF). She was previously with the Department of Science and Innovation as an Assistant Director for the Africa Multilateral Cooperation directorate. She has substantial experience in coordinating Africa-Europe research and innovation projects, and experience in leveraging funds and partners nationally and internationally for projects focusing on addressing societal and environmental challenges. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Politics from the University of South Africa. Ms Mashigo is also a co-founder of LaNguni, a non-profit organization that focuses on educating society on a variety of matters such as science and technology, education, and health. She's also the Founder of Publik Rel8, a public relations and engagement company focusing on providing communication and brand management solutions to non-governmental organizations and small businesses, particularly in the research and innovation sector.