Pfukwa, RRay, Suprakas S2024-11-252024-11-252024-071438-74921439-2054https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202400240http://hdl.handle.net/10204/13837Polymer science and technology now impact all spheres of this age's everyday life, from packaging, water purification materials, health, agriculture, transport and electronics. The wide applicability of polymers leverages the unique physicochemical properties of these macromolecules, the vast array of available building blocks and a stocked synthetic toolbox for accessing polymers with differing functionalities, topologies and architectures. Polymer science is a mature field, with a unique balance between fundamental research and applied science, and a significant involvement of commercial companies. The polymer industry is an important cornerstone of South Africa's highly diverse and complex chemical industry.[1] In addition, South Africa has fairly comprehensive polymer science teaching and research programs.[2] This special issue, “Polymer Science in South Africa” comprises 16 open access research articles, i.e., 10 experimental papers and 6 review articles from the South African polymer science community. Research areas covered include polymer analysis, polymer engineering, materials for health and biotechnology, degradable polymers and environmental impacts of polymers materials; these contributions are summarized below.FulltextenPolymersPolymer industryPolymer science researchArticlen/a