The NSCF was formally launched in the evening of the 17 October 2017 at Alpine Heath in the Drakensberg. Dr Daniel Adams, Chief Director for Research Infrastructure at the Department of Science & Technology, Dr Rampedi Mosibudi, CEO of SANBI, Mrs  Mrs Nokulunga Mnqeta, Chair of SANBI’s Research, Development & Innovation Board Subcommittee, Prof Ramagwai Sebola, Chief Director of Biosystematics & Research Collections, and Prof Michelle Hamer, NSCF Champion were the official presenters for the event.