The training of young scientists in "Earth System Science" is one of the highest priorities of ACCESS. The main goal, producing the future scientific leaders for universities, government agencies, etc., requires efforts   at several levels, ranging from that of the public at large, and high schools, to the training of post-doctoral fellows and ongoing education of practising professionals.

It also requires an increase in the number of people involved in the teaching and mentoring of students and post-doctoral fellows. This means that prominent foreign scientists need to be attracted to southern Africa. Given the demands on such people, this would be difficult if it were not for the exceptional research opportunities that southern Africa offers to earth scientists. Hence the ACCESS research programme is an integral part of its educational programme. The senior scientists and post-doctoral fellows who visit regularly for extended periods to participate in research will also teach modules in larger courses, mentoring students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. They will also be encouraged to participate in public lecture series and the production of online short- and full course modules.