Ms Vinny Pillay is the Senior Science & Technology Representative to the EU, of South Africa’s Department of Science & Innovation. She is currently based at the South African Embassy in Brussels.
She holds a Masters Degree in Science, and a Masters Degree in Business Leadership, with experience in international relations, the science and technology sector as well as the environmental sector. In her previous role as Chief Director- Bilateral Cooperation, she managed the science, technology and innovation cooperation between South Africa and strategic partners in Europe, Americas, Asia and the Gulf. In engaging with bilateral partners, she negotiated value addition to the South Africa science system, promoting research, exchanges, human capital development as well as policy dialogues in key science, technology and innovation priority areas.
She has also been involved in environmental and sustainable development issues through various roles, including as Senior Policy Advisor in International Sustainable Development and Trade Co-operation at the South African National Department of Environmental Affairs. A large part of the portfolio included engagement with multilateral environmental agreements. She also has experience in national level environmental planning, having worked with the various tiers of Government in South Africa.