Ms Vineela (Vinny) Pillay

South Africa (Vice-Chair)

Ms Vineela (Vinny) Pillay is Chief Director: International Resources at South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). She leads science, technology and innovation (STI) engagements through science diplomacy with international partners, including the European Union, strategic bilateral development partners and the private sector. She is also responsible for organising Science Forum South Africa, co-hosted by DSTI and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa.

Previously, Ms Pillay served as Senior Science and Technology Representative to the EU at the South African Embassy in Brussels, and as Chief Director: Bilateral Cooperation for STI at DSTI. In this role she engaged on the EDCTP portfolio through the General Assembly and with the European Commission on the health portfolio.

She has extensive experience in environmental and sustainable development policy, including roles as Senior Policy Advisor in International Sustainable Development and Trade Cooperation at the Department of Environmental Affairs, and Director: Environmental Governance and Planning. She holds a Master’s degree in Science and a Master’s in Business Leadership, with expertise in international relations, science diplomacy and the environmental sector.