Vol 2 / No 3 December 2008

SAJS bids editor farewell

talwart and custodian of the South research in the form of articles, letters and implementing a new editorial model for the African Journal of Science (SAJS), Dr reviews, the SAJS has long collaborated with journal. To this effect, part-time Editor-in- Graham Baker, will end his term as various scientific and technical bodies in the Chief, Prof Michael Cherry, and 10 disci- SEditor of this prestigious journal in publication of books and journals, in work- pline-specific Associate Editors have been January 2009. shops for young researchers on how to write appointed to take the journal forward. for publication, and in contributions of With that will end the resolute dedication to The Academy of Science of South Africa material about South African science to the the SAJS that became the trademark of pays tribute to Baker for his role in building national and international press. A particu- Baker's allegiance to this publication for the the South African Journal of Science into an larly gratifying development in 2004 was the past three and a half decades, and an internationally significant publication era that has seen the journal's growth in that carries South Africa's global prominence. “dedicated and professional best scientific Baker graduated from Oxford University work far (1962-1970) with a doctorate in solid- pursuit of excellence” and wide. state physics. He started his career in sci- ence publishing working with John (now founding of the Academy's popular science Sir John) Maddox on Nature and other magazine, Quest: Science for South Africa. Macmillan journal titles in London and It was Baker who proposed the establish- Washington. It was from Maddox that Baker ment of Quest. His proposal was presented Dr Graham Baker learnt about hands-on scientific publishing, and accepted by the Academy's Council, and by whom he was introduced to the and, after that, he provided editorial and South African scientific community and to managerial assistance to Quest and guided the SAJS. In late 1972, Baker was seconded the magazine through its first four years. from Nature to become Editor of the SAJS, a position he has held to this day. Baker has developed and steered the SAJS into what it is today. His dedicated and pro- In the years since 1972, various organisations fessional pursuit of excellence, willingness to assumed the role of publisher of the SAJS. go the extra mile, care in editorial produc- Today it is published by the Academy of tion, and sensible and well-informed editori- Science of South Africa (ASSAf), boasts a al “voice”, are elements that contributed to database of over 1 100 authors, and a com- constantly improving the journal. plement of national and foreign reviewers of equal number. In its centenary year Baker received a Special Award for Merito- (2004), the SAJS was ranked 14th out of a rious Service from the Academy of Science field grouping of 46 multidisciplinary science of South Africa in 2005 as part of the cente- research journals according to the Thomson nary celebration of the journal. Reuters ISI impact factor analysis. On Baker's departure as full-time SAJS Editor Apart from its primary function of publishing after the production of the final issue of this internationally significant, multidisciplinary year, Volume 104 (2008), the Academy is Insidethis issue Acclaim for ASSAf ASSAf hailed by GMOs in Africa to be New @ ASSAf Members Minister at AGM assessed Page 3 Page 6 Page 8 Page 14 SA to host 2009 Credits Contributions& TWAS Conference

The Academy of Science (ASSAf) will be The Science for Society Newsletter is hosting the 2009 TWAS Conference in South published quarterly by the Academy of Africa. Dr Mosibudi Mangena, Minister of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). Science and Technology, made the official announcement at the 25th Anniversary PO Box 72135, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, Conference of the Academy of Sciences South Africa, 0040 for the Developing World (TWAS) held in South African delegates Mexico City in November. DST Building, Building 53 at the Conference CSIR Campus TWAS is an autonomous international organ- South Gate isation founded in 1983. Its main mission is to In his speech, Minister Mangena voiced his 1st Floor, C Block promote scientific excellence and capacity belief that the ASSAf model to establish and Meiring Naudé Road in the South for science-based sustainable strengthen academies in southern Africa can Brummeria development. It was officially launched by successfully be applied in other regional blocs Pretoria the Secretary-General of the United Nations to improve South-South relations. Also at the in 1985. Mexico City Conference, two South African Tel: +27 12 843 6481 delegates were inducted into TWAS: Professor A general conference is held in a develop- Fax: +27 866 810 106 Albert Modi, the 2007 recipient of the TWAS ing country every three years to review the E-mail: [email protected] Prize for Young Scientists in Developing Coun- status and future prospects of science and tries, was inducted as a Young Affiliate, and More about the Academy of Science of technology in various regions. The last con- Professor Igbal Parker was inducted as a South Africa, its activities and ference was held in Brazil in 2006. TWAS TWAS Fellow. publications on www.assaf.org.za members, ministers of science and techno- logy, presidents of science academies and Professor Salim Abdool Karim was awarded News items, activity reports and research councils, as well as representa- the 2008 TWAS Prize for Medical Sciences and suggestions from Academy Members and tives of international organisations are invit- Professor Wieland Gevers the 2009 TWAS other stakeholders are most welcome. ed to attend. Medal Lectures. Contributions can be sent via email to the Communication Manager: [email protected].

© Reproduction is permitted, provided the source and publisher are TWAS affiliates selected appropriately acknowledged.

The Academy of Science of South Africa was inaugurated in May 1996 in the for prestigious forum presence of then President , Patron of the Academy. TWAS affiliates, Dr Albert T Modi from South Africa (TWAS Young Affiliate 2008) and Dr It was formed in response to the need for Benedict M Taele from Lesotho (TWAS Young an Academy of Science consonant with Affiliate 2007), participated in the 2008 the dawn of democracy in South Africa: Future Leaders initiative of the Science and activist in its mission of using science for Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto, the benefit of society, with a mandate Japan last month. encompassing all fields of scientific The STS Forum, a non-profit organisation enquiry in a seamless way, and including hosts an annual meeting in October each in its ranks the full diversity of South year to create a global human network Africa’s distinguished scientists. based on trust and provides a framework for open discussions on further progress of sci- The Parliament of South Africa passed the ence and technology for the sake of Academy of Science of South Africa Act, humankind while controlling ethical, safety Act 67 in 2001, which came into opera- Dr Benedict Taele and environmental issues resulting from it. In tion on 15 May 2002. As the official seeking to ensure further progress in science Academy of Science of South Africa, and technology throughout the 21st centu- ASSAf represents South Africa in the ry, it is necessary to keep possible problems international community of science under proper control, based on shared val- academies. ues, and to establish a common base for promoting science and technology. Since Contributors to this issue of international efforts to address these prob- Science for Society lems are increasingly needed, the Forum gathers top leaders from different areas, Graham Baker, Justice Baloyi, including policy-makers, scientists, research- Roseanne Diab, Wieland Gevers, ers and representatives from business and Ntsheu Mangena, Thabo Radebe, the media from all over the world. Andrea Meyer, Phakamile Mngadi, Modi and Taele attended the Forum and a Zuki Mpiyakhe, Nthabiseng Taole, study tour in Tokyo. Both presented their Takalani Rambau research in this internationally renowned, Editor: Patricia Scholtz Dr Albert Modi interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral setting. page two Acclaim for ASSAf Members HighestHighest honourshonours forfor formerformer ASSAfASSAf EOEO

Prof Wieland “a capacity for strategic vision” Gevers

he National further into the intensified world of competi- tems and qualification frameworks for (Silver) was presented to former Exe- tive science research, and he delivered a tertiary-level institutions. He was one of the cutive Officer and recently elected major research report on the discovery of two main authors of the New Academic TCouncil Member of ASSAf, Professor enzymatic antibiotic biosynthesis in 1969 at Framework Report, which finally led to the Wieland Gevers, in October this year. the Annual Symposium at the Cold Spring implementation by the Department of Harbour Laboratories. Education of the country's HE Qualifications The National Orders, the highest honour Framework in 2007. bestowed on citizens and deserving foreign After a short stint at his alma mater, UCT, in nationals by the President of South Africa, the Department of Chemical Pathology, After his formal retirement from UCT in 2002, include the Order of Mapungubwe, Order Gevers was approached by the University of Gevers set up, raised funds for and directed of Ikhamanga, the Mendi Decoration for Stellenbosch in 1970 to establish and head a the UCT's large-scale new research facility, bravery and the Order of the Companions new Department of Medical Biochemistry the Institute of Infectious Disease and of OR Tambo and recognise contributions to and a large Medical Research Council Molecular Medicine. The Institute is now for- sport, art, music, literature and the struggle (MRC) Unit (now the Department of Science mally associated with the African "third com- against apartheid. and Technology's Centre of Excellence for ponent" of the International Centre for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research). He Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. He Gevers received the Order for his outstand- helped to set up the South African then became President (1998-2004) and ing contributions to the field of higher edu- Biochemical Society (now the South African later Executive Officer (2004-2008) of the cation (HE) and medicine. Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Academy of Science of South Africa, ano- Gevers completed his education in Nigel, on Biology), which he represented for 20 years ther organisation he had helped to establish, the East Rand in 1954, where he was award- in the International Union of Biochemistry. drafting its constitution, playing a major role in obtaining statutory recognition, and secur- ed a scholarship as top Transvaal matricu- In 1978 he launched another medical ing funding for ASSAf from the United States lant. He furthered his studies at the University biochemistry department at UCT and a sec- National Academies as part of the African of Cape Town (UCT), completing a medical ond MRC Unit, a further large-scale opportu- Science Academy Development Initiative. degree in 1960, and receiving the Gold nity to attract both science and medical Medal as the most distinguished medical graduates, and to mentor these individuals Gevers now serves the Academy and other graduate, with a first-class honours degree. to their full potential. He was given one of organisations on a voluntary basis. He chairs Gevers then completed an internship and the first Distinguished Teacher's awards the Academy's Committee on Scholarly practical training at Groote Schuur Hospital granted at UCT. Publishing in South Africa (CSPiSA), leading the drive to implement an open access and the Red Cross Children's Hospital, In 1992, Gevers was appointed as Deputy platform for South African scholarly jour- where he assisted the world-renowned Vice-Chancellor responsible for academic nals. He is also a Council Member of the heart surgeon, Prof Chris Barnard. affairs at UCT, and became Senior Deputy Academy and has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor in 1996. Wearing several Gevers' versatile mind saw him changing his General Secretary. career by applying successfully for a Rhodes caps at the same time, he devoted much scholarship to study Biochemistry at Oxford time and effort to developing the higher Gevers has creativity, outstanding leader- University. After completing four years in the education system in South Africa. He ship, strong mentorship skills, and a capaci- United Kingdom (UK) until 1966, he received iniitiated and chaired for many years the first ty for strategic vision. With these qualities, he BA Honours, MA and DPhil degrees in Bio- consortium of HE institutions in South Africa has helped many young scientists and other chemistry, the last under the supervision the (now the Cape Higher Education Consor- leaders who are still looking up to him for Nobel prize winner, Sir Hans Krebs. From the tium) and the first consortial library system inspiration and guidance. UK, Gevers went to settle in New York, where in the country, CALICO. As a representative *Professor Gevers also received a special he began working as a Postdoctoral Fellow of all universities on the South African Gold Medal for meritorious service to the Aca- at Rockefeller University. A second Nobel Qualifications Authority, Gevers strove to demy of Science at the Annual Awards func- laureate, Dr Fritz Lipmann, pushed Gevers promote workable quality-assurance sys- tion of the Academy on 29 October 2008.

page three Associate Editors for Science Journal Ten Associate Editors have been appointed Africa. He now chairs the Academy's Panel as the DST/NRF Research Chair of Systems to the editorial team of the South African examining the role and future of scholarly Engineering at the University of the Wit- Journal of Science (SAJS) by the Academy books published in and from South Africa. watersrand. He is a Professor Extraordinaire of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) from He has also chaired the Editorial Boards of at the University of Pretoria, chairs the Local 1 November 2008. The Associate Editors will both the South African Journal of Science Loop Unbundling Committee, Deputy Chair assist the new Editor-in-Chief, Professor and Quest: Science for South Africa maga- of Limpopo Business Support Agency and Michael Cherry. zine. Among his many accolades are the serves on the Boards of EOH (Pty) Ltd, City Wellcome Gold Medal for Medical Re- Power Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd, as well as the State Information Technology Agency (Pty) Prof Nicolas Beukes search, and the Gold Medals of both the South African Society for Biochemistry and Ltd. He is a Councillor of both Statistics South Professor Nicolas J Beukes Molecular Biology, and the South African Africa and the National Advisory Council on was appointed in the Medical Research Council. In 2004, Gevers Innovation. He is a Fellow of the Royal science discipline Earth was given the NSTF's 'Achievements as an Society of Arts and of the Council for and Environmental Scien- Individual over a Lifetime' Award, and in Scientific and Industrial Research. He is ces. He studied at the Uni- 2006, the MT Steyn Medal of the Suid- the youngest recipient of the Order of versity of the Orange Free Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Mapungubwe and was the first African State and the Rand Kuns. The South Africa Medal of the engineer to be awarded the President's Afrikaans University in Southern African Association for the Award by the National Research Foun- Johannesburg where Advancement of Science was awarded to dation of South Africa. He holds a PhD in he obtained his PhD in 1978. He worked for him in 2007. In 2008 he was admitted by the Engineering from St John's College, Cam- two years at the Geological Survey of South President of South Africa to the national bridge and successfully completed a Africa before joining the Department of Order of Mapungubwe in Silver, and a Gold Programme for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School. He was a Postdoc- Geology at the former Rand Afrikaans Medal for meritorious service was awarded toral Research Associate at the Imperial University (now known as the University of by the Academy of Science of South Africa. College of Science, Technology and Johannesburg) in late 1969. There he was Medicine and Visiting Fellow at Harvard appointed full Professor in 1986 and acted Prof Horst University. He was also a Visiting Fellow at as chair of the Geology Department from Klump Wolfson College, Cambridge. He has pub- 1996 to 2002. He is currently co-leader of the Professor Horst Klump has lished over 170 papers in journals such as Paleoproterozoic Mineralization Research been appointed in the the American Institute of Aeronautics and Group (PPM) in the department. His disciplinary field of Cell and Astronautics Journal, proceedings and research career has focused on the study of Molecular Biology. He has book chapters. He has been an Associate Precambrian iron and manganese forma- a PhD in Physical Che- Editor of the International Journal of Systems tions and he gained international standing mistry from Münster Science, the Journal of Computers, as well for his work on depositional environments in University and a PhD as the ICIC Express Letters: An International the Paleoproterozoic. His greatest strength in Molecular Biophysics from Freiburg Uni- Journal of Research and Surveys. Marwala is remains field geology and sedimentary versity (Germany). He worked in a postdoc- a senior member of the Institute of Electrical basin analyses. He is recipient of the Jubilee toral position at the Institute of Molecular and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), a Medal and Draper Award of the Geological Biology, University of Oregon, and was a leading professional association for the Society of South Africa and Honorary Fellow Visiting Professor at the Molecular Biology advancement of technology. of the Geological Society of America. He Department of Princeton University. He then was the Regional Vice-President Lecturer of became the Head of the Department of Prof Harm Moraal the Society of Economic Geologists for 2006. Biochemistry at the University of Cape Town Professor Harm Moraal (UCT), where he was elected Fellow. He is has been appointed in also a Fellow of the Royal Society and a the disciplinary field of Prof Wieland Member of the Academy of Science of Physics and Mathematics. Gevers South Africa. Klump is the Editor of various He has a PhD in Physics scientific journals, such as Biophysical Professor Wieland Gevers from the Potchef- Chemistry, Biopolymers, Journal of Molecu- has been appointed in stroom University for CHE (now North-West lar Biology, and Biochemistry. He has an NRF the disciplinary area of University) and is a member of the Space B1-rating and has published more than 130 Medical and Health Physics Unit, which operates as the research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Currently Sciences. He holds an arm of the Subject Group of Physics at that he is Emeritus Professor at UCT. MBChB from the university. Research topics and research University of Cape management responsibilities are the devel- Town, a DPhil from Prof opment of numerical acceleration/modula- the University of Oxford and several hono- tion models for cosmic rays in the helios- rary degrees. He was Deputy Vice- Professor Tshilidzi Marwala phere; general interpretation of these cos- Chancellor responsible for academic affairs has been appointed in mic ray acceleration/modulation effects; at UCT from 1992 to 2002. He has extensive the disciplinary field of modelling of cosmic-ray observations in the experience in research publishing and Engineering and Techno- heliosphere; and Antarctic and neutron chaired the Panel which wrote the signifi- logy. He is Ad Hominem monitor experimental research. He has cant 2006 ASSAf Report on A Strategic Professor of Electrical been a council member of the South Approach to Research Publishing in South Engineering, as well African Institute of Physics for eight years. page four Prof Alan Morris vised PhD, MSc and honours students in for- Pretoria, and was appointed Professor of est pathology and microbiology and has Chemistry at Potchefstroom University in Professor Alan G Morris is been presenting forest pathology courses to 1993. He served as Senior Director: Research currently a Professor in the undergraduate students as a guest/special- at the University of Stellenbosch until Department of Human ist lecturer at two universities in South Africa. September 2008. He has an NRF A-rating, is Biology at the University of As field extension officer, she is responsible a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa, Cape Town. He was for presenting field days to foresters, training a founder Member of the Academy of appointed in the them in disease and pest recognition and Science of South Africa and was recipient disciplinary fields of management aspects. The position also of the Academy's Science-for-Society Gold Archeology and involves the early identification of new pest Medal (2007) and The Gold Medal of The Physical Anthropology. He practises as a and disease problems in South Africa. She South African Chemical Institute. Steyn has professional archaeologist in the excavation has a NRF C1-rating and received an award served on the Editorial Boards of a number of human remains. A Canadian by birth and as Exceptional Young Scientist from the of international scientific journals. He has upbringing, Morris is also a naturalised South University of Pretoria. published more than 190 papers in peer- African. He has an undergraduate degree reviewed journals and holds two provisional in Biology from Wilfrid Laurier University in Prof Christopher patents. Among his many achievements is Waterloo, Ontario, and a PhD in Anatomy Saunders President of the International Union of from the University of the Witwatersrand in Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and Professor Christopher Johannesburg. Morris has published exten- President of the International Association of Saunders has been sively on the origin of anatomically modern Cereal Science and Technology. humans, and the Later Stone Age, Iron Age appointed in the and historic populations of Malawi, Namibia science discipline Dr Brian van Wilgen and South Africa. He has an additional inter- Humanities, Social Dr Brian van Wilgen has est in South African history and has pub- Sciences and been appointed in the lished on the history of race classification, Education. He holds a DPhil from St Antony's disciplinary field of Orga- the history of physical anthropology in South College, Oxford. He has extensive experi- ence in postgraduate teaching covering nismal Biology. He holds Africa and on the Canadian involvement in the English Revolution, pre-colonial societies a PhD from the University the Anglo-Boer War. Since 1984 he has been of southern Africa, urban history, Namibian of Cape Town and has an advisor to the Departments of Forensic history, modern South African history, com- Medicine at the Universities of Cape Town over 30 years of parative history and research methodology. and Stellenbosch in cases where only osteo- experience as a He has also supervised PhD and MA stu- logical remains are present and the identifi- research ecolo- dents. He served on various committees of cation of the individual is uncertain. He has gist in southern the Centre for African Studies, the Arts served as expert witness in several court Africa. His professional interests are largely Faculty and the university and was external cases. He serves as a senior member of sev- twofold, the first being the ecology and examiner at several universities in South eral professional societies and has extensive management of invasive alien plants, with Africa and abroad. As respected speaker, experience in reviewing and refereeing of experience in the use of fire in managing Saunders has delivered conference papers papers and publications. invasions, population dynamics of invasive all over the world in countries such as Russia, plants, water use by invasive plants, the bio- Australia and the USA. He is on the Editorial logical control of invasive plants, and studies Prof Jolanda Roux Board of the South African Historical Journal, on resource economics. The second is in the Professor Jolanda Roux Kleio, New Contree, H-SAfrica and Editor of ecology and management of ecosystems has been appointed in Safundi; South African Historical Journal, using fire. Van Wilgen has worked mainly in the science discipline, History Compass. He has been appointed fynbos and savanna ecosystems in South Agriculture and Fores- chairman of the NRF History Specialist Africa, but also has considerable experience try. She holds a PhD in Panel for 2009. He is currently a Professor at on joint projects in both the United States of Microbiology with the University of Cape Town and will be America, and Australia. His recent work has an emphasis on Emeritus Professor at the same university been aimed at the integration of research plantation forest from next year. results towards the design and implementa- pathology from the University of the Free tion of environmental policy, including the State. During her postgraduate studies Prof Pieter Streicher measurement and consideration of ecosys- she was appointed as Forest Extension Steyn tem services. He has been actively involved Pathologist in the Tree Protection Co-opera- Professor Pieter Streicher in the formulation of research policy and tive Programme (TPCP) by the South African Steyn has been appoin- direction. He has a NRF B2-rating. He is a Forestry Industry. In 1999, she joined the ted in the disciplinary field Research Fellow of the CSIR for contributions University of Pretoria where she currently of Chemistry. He holds a holds the position of Associate Professor PhD from the University of and leadership in Science and Technology in the DST/NRF Centre for Tree Health South Africa and was a and a core team member of the DST/NRF Biotechnology (CTHB) in the Forestry and Postdoctoral Fellow Centre for Invasion Biology at the University Agricultural Biotechnology Institute. Dedi- at the School of of Stellenbosch. He is also an Associate cated to tree pathology and mycology, she Pharmacy at the Editor for the International Journal of has published a number of articles on the University of Wisconsin. He was also a Visiting Wildland Fire. He is author and co-author of topic in internationally rated journals and Fellow in the Department of Chemistry at over 140 publications, including three books, presented talks and posters at international Bristol University in the United Kingdom. He over 75 papers in the peer-reviewed litera- conferences. She has successfully super- spent his research career at the CSIR, ture, and 20 chapters in scientific books.

page five Second meeting of National Forum ome 80 delegates attended the second meeting of the National Scholarly Editors' Forum (NSEF) led by the Academy of Science (ASSAf) which took place in Pretoria in October 2008. The objective of the meeting was to define and consolidate an Sagenda for the future of scholarly publishing in South Africa. The Academy, through the Executive Officer, Prof Roseanne Diab, pledged its support to the Forum. She expressed the Academy's gratitude to the Editors, the Scientific Electronic Library Online of the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (BIREME-SciELO) in Brazil, and the Department of Science and Technology for their support and contribution in clarifying and strengthening the work of the Editors' Forum. Prof Wieland Gevers, Chairperson of the ASSAf Committee on Scho- larly Publishing, gave a general overview of the progress in ASSAf's Scholarly Publishing Programme and said that the Academy “intends to make the Forum better, alive and useful - where individual and collective voices would be heard”. The keynote speaker, Mr Abel L Packer, Director of SciELO Brazil, explained the history of SciELO South America. He mentioned that the objective of SciELO is to adopt an online publishing model in South American countries to improve the quality, visibility and impact of journals, and to build an index to complement journal citation reports. The Forum was given an insight into the work of the Tertiary Education Network (TENET) and was appraised of its future plans regarding research connectivity network at universities in South Africa through Duncan Greaves from the TENET.

Some of the delegates who attended the Forum ASSAf hailed by Minister at AGM The Academy of Science of South Africa ASSAf's Panels while being employed in full- (ASSAf) was commended for its develop- time positions. ment as a national science academy, and Mangena asserted that there has been for the key position it occupies in the great achievement by the Department of SADC scientific community by the Minister Science and Technology and its affiliates in of Science and Technology, Dr Mosibudi establishing the South African Research Mangena. Mangena delivered the keynote Chairs Initiative (SARChI), the Technology address at the Academy of Science of South Innovation Agency, and in addressing the Africa's (ASSAf) Annual Awards Ceremony on numerous topics encompassed in the Ten 29 October following the Annual General Year Innovation Plan. ASSAf remains a top Meeting hosted by the UNISA Graduate achiever in the field, with its Members pool- School of Business Leadership. At the cere- ing their collective talents in the service of mony, a number of South Africa's leading society, granting the Academy a competi- scientists were honoured for their contribu- tive position among the best the world has tions to the Academy and society, particu- larly Prof Wieland Gevers, who was present- to offer. ed with a special Gold Medal. Council Members met earlier in the day, Mangena identified the new role of nation- holding an outgoing Council meeting and al science academies as being “to use their the first meeting of the new Council, at expertise… to generate evidence-based which Office Bearers were elected. At policy advice for their governments and the AGM, new Members were welcomed countries”, and said that ASSAf is develop- to the ranks, an overview of ASSAf pro- ing this capacity admirably with studies jects was given and a participative ques- Dr Mosibudi Mangena, Minister such as the upcoming investigation into PhD tion-and- answer session took place. A sym- challenges, while remaining a peak of posium focusing on “Energy in South Africa: of Science and Technology, scholarly achievement. He also commend- Challenges and Opportunities” followed, delivering the keynote speech ed the contribution of the Members of the where the current energy situation was at the Annual Awards Ceremony Academy who actively participate in under scrutiny. page six ASSAf Council and office- bearers elected New office-bearers were elected at the In addition to Gevers, two new Members appointed and have served two of their Annual General Meeting of the Academy have joined the the ASSAf Council. Professor four-year terms, These are: of Science (ASSAf). Professor Robin Crewe Hoosen Coovadia of the University of • Dr Rob Adam, NECSA remains in his position as ASSAf President, KwaZulu-Natal, one of the leading re- with Professors and Jonathan searchers in the medical field, takes up a • Professor Manfred Hellberg, University of Jansen as Vice-Presidents. place within the Council along with Kwa-Zulu Natal Professor Njabulo S Ndebele. Professor Nde- Professor Wieland Gevers takes on a new • Professor Daniel Ncayiyana bele is based in the United States, where role within ASSAf as a Council Member, and • Professor Priscilla Reddy, Medical Re- he is Senior Scholar-in-Residence at Bard as Council General Secretary. Professor search Council College in New York while on sabbatical Francis Petersen, Dean of the Faculty of from the University of Cape Town. • Professor Peter Vale, Rhodes University Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Cape Town, takes up the posi- New Council Members are welcomed, and • Professor Jimmy Volmink, University of tion of Treasurer. join Council Members who were formerly Stellenbosch Academy Membership grows Twenty-one new Members were elected • Professor Patrick G Eriksson, Head of De- Medical Research Council/ University of and inaugurated to the Academy in partment of Geology, University of Pretoria the Witwatersrand Mineral Metabolism October, this year. The Academy now has • Professor Pierre W Froneman, Associate Research Unit 315 Members who are self-categorised into Professor at the Department of Zoology • Professor Nancy MC Phaswana-Mafuya, eleven science discipline categories, name- and Entomology, Rhodes University Research Director, Social Aspects of HIV/ ly agricultural, earth and economic, educa- AIDS and Health (SAHA) at the Human • Professor David S Jacobs, Department tion, health and medical sciences, humani- Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of Zoology, University of Cape Town ties and life, mathematical sciences, physi- • Professor Thomas M Rehle, Director, cal, social and technological/engineering • Professor Michael J Kahn, Senior Re- Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, sciences. The majority of Members are in the search Fellow, University of Stellenbosch Human Sciences Research Council Life Sciences. Females comprise 24% and and Professor Extraordinare, Institute for • Professor Michael J Samways, Professor blacks 28% of the Membership respectively. Economic Research on Innovation, (Chair) of Conservation Ecology and Tshwane Univesity of Technology • Professor Anthony J Afolayan, Professor Entomology and Director of the Centre and Leader of Phytomedicine Research • Professor Mzamo P Mangaliso, President for Agricultural Biodiversity at the Centre, University of Fort Hare and CEO of the National Research University of Stellenbosch Foundation • Professor Chris C Appleton, School of • Professor Leickness C Simbayi, Acting Exe- Biological & Conservation Sciences, Uni- • Professor John C Mubangizi, Deputy Vice- cutive Director and the Deputy Executive Director of the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS versity of KwaZulu-Natal Chancellor and Head: College of Law & and Health research programme • Dr Lucinda R Backwell, Researcher at the Management Studies, KwaZulu-Natal • Professor Lirieka Meintjies-van der Walt, Bernard Price Institute of Palaentological • Dr Jean Nachega, Director of the Centre Adjunct Professor in Law, University of for Infectious Diseases at the Faculty of Research, University of the Witwatersrand Fort Hare Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch • Professor Himansu Baijnath, Honorary Re- • Professor Louise D Vincent, Associate search Professor at the University of Kwa- • Professor , Chair of the De- Professor and Acting Head in the Zulu-Natal partment of Speech Pathology and Department of Politics, Rhodes University Audiology in the School of Human and • Professor Donald A Cowan, Director, • Professor Yusef Waghid, Professor of Community Development, University of Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Philosophy of Education, Department Metagenomics, Department of Biotech- the Witwatersrand of Education Policy Studies, Stellen- nology, University of the Western Cape • Professor John M Pettifor, Director of the bosch University.

Professor Anthony Professor Chris C Professor Donald Professor Patrick Professor David Professor Michael J Dr Jean J Afolayan Appleton A Cowan G Eriksson S Jacobs Kahn Nachega

Professor Claire Professor John Professor Nancy MC Professor Thomas Professor Michael Professor Leickness Professor Louise D Penn M Pettifor Phaswana-Mafuya M Rehle J Samways C Simbayi Vincent

page seven GMOs in Top young Africato scientist be assessed honoured Professor Stefan Ferreira

he 2008 TWAS Prize for Young Scientists in Developing Countries has been awarded to 34-year-old Associate Professor of Physics at North-West Uni- Tversity, Professor Stefan Ferreira. The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, for- merly known as the Third World Academy of Science (TWAS), aims to promote scientific capacity and excel- lence for sustainable development and growth in the South. One of its many programmes is the TWAS Prize for Young Scientists, which is a national award made annual- ly to young scientists who have made outstanding contri- butions in scientific research within specific developing countries. This annual award is given to an outstanding researcher under the age of forty, living and working in South Africa, who is evaluated on the criteria of research excellence, the potential value of the research to society, the success of the candidate in the development of stu- dents, and his or her success in contributing to the public understanding of science and technology. The TWAS Prize for Young Scientists in South Africa is managed by ASSAf, on behalf of its partners, TWAS and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Specialising in the field of Astrophysics, Ferreira's research interests are mainly focused on developing and applying advanced numerical models to simulate different physical phenomena as they occur in space. Much of his research has been done in collaboration with acclaimed local and international scientists. The topics of his studies range from modeling heliosphere and cosmic ray particle transport and acceleration, to simulating the evolution of superno- va remnants and pulsar wind nebulae. These form part of A new programme on genetically modified organisms one of the flagship projects of the Centre for High (GMO) will be introduced by the Academy of Science of Performance Computing (CHPC) in Cape Town. Ferreira South Africa (ASSAf) next year. has an NRF P-rating. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with In 1997, Ferreira obtained his BSc Cum Laude in Physics the Union of German Academies of Sciences and and Computer Science from the Potchefstroom University Humanities, the Network of African Science Academies for CHE (now North-West University), and went on to com- and the Uganda National Academies of Sciences. plete his MSc Cum Laude in 1999. In 2000, he was appoint- Through this initiative African scientists will get the opportu- ed as Lecturer in Physics. Following his thesis entitled The nity to assess current challenges, opportunities and risks Heliospheric Transport of Galactic Cosmic Rays and associated with the use of GMOs. The benefits and safety Jovian Electrons, Ferreira received his PhD in 2002. of genetically modified products within Africa has been debated since 2005. Discussions were mostly initiated by During 2002, he spent a sabbatical at the Institut für commercial organisations and political authorities, and Theoretische Physik, Ruhr-Universität-Bochum, Germany. In scientists have been invited as individuals to participate. 2003, he was appointed as Senior Lecturer at North-West GMOs have the potential to significantly alleviate poverty University, a position he held until his appointment as in Africa, highlighting the need for evidence-based policy Associate Professor earlier this year. Since 2004, he has advice. been an Editor of the Astrophysics and Space Sciences The joint project is funded by the InterAcademy Panel Transactions (ASTRA) online journal. (IAP) of which ASSAf is a member. The programme will run from January 2009 to November 2011 and will entail panel In 2006, Professor Ferreira received the NRF President's meetings of experts, as well as workshops for policy-mak- Award, and in 2007, he was given the International Union ers, scientists and the media. of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Young Scientist Award. page eight Gold for Samways & Wingfield

Two prestigious Science-for-Society Wingfield is a founding Director of the Gold Medals were awarded by the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnolo- Academy of Science (ASSAf) at its gy Institute (FABI), which celebrated its Annual Awards function in October tenth anniversary this year. In addition this year to Professors Michael to this, he is a Director of the Tree Samways and Michael John Wingfield. Protection Cooperative Programme (TPCP) and a Director of the DST The ASSAf Science-for-Society Gold Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Medal was established in 2002 to Biotechnology. He lectures at the Uni- acknowledge the application of sci- versity of Pretoria as Mondi Professor of entific thinking in the service of socie- Forest Pathology, and sits on the ty. The Gold Medal awards have Boards of numerous international and become prominent expressions of the local societies. Academy's aspiration towards schol- From the University of Natal, where arly excellence. he completed BSc and BSc Hons An ASSAf Gold Medal: Science-for- degrees, he went to the University of Society, has been awarded to inter- Professor Professor Stellenbosch, where he completed his nationally renowned Biologist and Michael Michael MSc degree. In 1983, he completed researcher, Professor Michael Sam- his PhD at the University of Minnesota, ways. Samways is currently Professor Samways Wingfield focusing on The Ecology of the Pine (Chair) of Conservation Ecology and Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus Entomology and Director of the Centre for 1987, he was appointed to the post of Xylophilus in the United States. Upon his Agricultural Biodiversity at the University of Professor of Entomology at the University of return to South Africa, he established the first Stellenbosch. Natal, where he remained until the end of formally-recognised forest pathology pro- 2002, when he moved to the University of gramme in the country. Samways is known for the multidisciplina- Stellenbosch. ry approach he adopted in his research – In 1988, he took up a Professorship at the a trademark that was already evident in His notable career earned him an NRF A-rat- University of the Free State. He has published extensively in the field of tree pathology, his PhD thesis which likened the whole-ani- ing in 2001, as well as several other recogni- having over 400 articles published or await- mal acoustic output to Sherringtonian neu- tions locally and abroad. These include both ing publication in peer-reviewed journals, 54 ron firing. the Individual and Team Leader Research Awards at the University of Natal in 2002, the book chapters and conference proceed- Hailing from the United Kingdom, Samways Stellenbosch University Rector's Award for ings, as well as having authored, co- gained a number of Biology and Zoology Research Excellence in 2006, the Senior authored and edited a number of books. He prizes during his school career. After com- Captain Scott Medal from the Suid-Afrikaanse has given over 530 presentations at national pleting his BSc Hons in Zoology at the Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns in 2007, and and international conferences, as well as University of Nottingham, he was given a the prestigious John Herschel Medal of the having had several articles published in Science Research Council studentship, and Royal Society of South Africa in 2007. popular science publications. He has served completed his PhD at the University of on numerous Editorial Boards, and has also Samways' unique approach has successfully London in 1975. acted as reviewer and referee. In addition enabled him to study a diverse variety of to his academic responsibilities, he has regu- He started lecturing as an Inner London subjects covering a broad spectrum, includ- larly consulted for a number of forestry Education Authority Research Fellow in Ento- ing pest control in citrus farming, insect con- organisations worldwide in an effort to bring mology at Sir John Cass College, London, servation, landscape ecology, environmen- tree disease problems under control. and shortly thereafter was given a position as tal ethics, and tropical island restoration. The During the course of this productive career, Chief Entomologist at a company specialis- creativity inherent in his research approach Wingfield has garnered much recognition in ing in technical services in Horticulture. Here, has led directly to the findings being practi- his field. Earlier this year he was awarded a he distinguished himself in the field of cally implementable, rather than contribut- prize for the University of Pretoria's '100 Great Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a sub- ing purely on a theoretical level. Minds', an award made in commemoration ject on which he has published regularly. Professor Michael John Wingfield's pioneer- of the University's centenary celebration. Upon his arrival in South Africa, he contin- ing research in the field of tree pathology, Other awards include the prestigious ued in this field at the Citrus and Subtropical focusing largely on its impact on plantation Persoon Medal of the Southern African Fruit Research Institute in Nelspruit, later forestry, has earned him the honour of an Society for Plant Pathology, which has only moving to the Outspan Citrus Centre. In ASSAf Gold Medal: Science-for-Society. been awarded four times in 43 years. Annual General Meeting 2008

page nine Symposium G8+5 Joint successfully Academies’ addresses SA Statement energy crisis Global Health June 2008

n 2008, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will com- memorate the 30th anniversary of the Alma-Ata Declaration which called for "Health for all." The United INations Millennium Summit in 2000 launched the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) including three related particularly to health: reducing the infant mortality rate, improving maternal health and halting the expansion of HIV and other infections. The other five MDGs call for action on factors that are also critical for human health. Energy Symposium Participants Left to right: Benedict Mogadime (DPE), Prof Emile van Zyl Diseases - Future Challenges (Stellenbosch University), Dr Rob Adam (NECSA), Dr Phindile Masangane (SANERI), and Prof Roseanne Diab (ASSAf). The world's governments and science communities need to work together to better understand how, where and “one of the critical issues why infectious diseases emerge and spread. Often these are affected by environmental or social stress. Countries that South Africa faces...” need to cooperate to monitor and contain infectious dis- ease outbreaks. “Energy in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities” was the topic under discussion at the Academy of Science's Symposium There also must be greater international focus on, and col- held on 29 October. The imminent energy crisis is a contentious laboration to address lifestyle-linked diseases. A rapidly topic locally and abroad, but with the load-shedding practices that growing number of people will suffer from heart disease, were experienced earlier this year, energy is a very real concern to cancer, diabetes, obesity-related conditions, and neuro- all South Africans. Seventy of South Africa's leading researchers and logical and mental disorders. Smoking is a challenge that academics from various branches of science attended and pre- has to be addressed in a timely manner. sentations were made by experts in the field, representing organisa- In order to combat threats to human health globally, edu- tions leading the energy debate. cation, sharing of information and experience are key. Professor Emile van Zyl, Research Chair for BioEnergy from Public health mea-sures which could make a great deal of Stellenbosch University, is currently working on projects that extract difference and deserve more attention include: energy from biomass. Following an overview of global and South • Safe water, basic sanitation, and hygie-nic measures. African energy challenges and possible solutions, he highlighted • Food safety. the importance of considering renewable energy as a key solution to the energy crisis, while also respecting the country's environmen- • Equitable access to medical information and treatment. tal limits. Van Zyl believes that there are numerous opportunities • Training and retention of qualified medical and health that South Africa can exploit in order to address the energy crisis, professionals, and educators. such as the country's wealth of natural resources, expertise, public awareness of energy challenges, and available funding. Nations should ensure that sustainable de-velopment plans include measures to share information on, and Benedict Mogadime from the Department of Public Enterprises address and/or prevent, diseases. expanded on the question of available expertise, addressing skills challenges within the energy sector. Although there is a mass-intake of students into undergraduate programmes, the number of stu- Social Capital for Human Health dents enrolled for Master's and PhDs are small in comparison. This is Because there are many determinants of health, the partly due to the fact that many students find employment in the achievement of good health is not a matter for the health private sector, rather than continuing with academic studies. sector alone but also requires, for example, adequate lev- Dr Phindile Masangane from the South African National Energy els of research, human security, education, economic Research Initiative (SANERI) focused on the lag between the development, nutrition and sanitation. Therefore, the development of energy technologies to the implementation there- responsibility for health is shared by all policy-makers in of. SANERI interacts with other energy research institutions, energy government and international agencies. Although gov- research chairs, and academic institutions to attempt to minimise ernments remain ultimately responsible for assuring the this. A bill has been passed to introduce a new institution called the conditions for health, they must work with civil societies, South African National Energy Development Initiative (SANEDI), universities, business, and media among others. intended to integrate the activities of SANERI with those of the continued on p10 National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA). Professor Roseanne Diab, the Executive Officer of ASSAf, conclu- ded the Symposium, emphasising that energy is one of the critical issues that South Africa faces, and highlighted ASSAf's commitment to undertaking future initiatives to address it. page ten continued from p10 The Way Forward It is vitally important that we not only focus on the health of individuals, but also strengthen community health systems and the health workforce. In order to address the challenges for global health, it is necessary to minimise the current obstacles to progress. Our agenda for change requires action across a broad front: • Implementing previous funding commitments and encouraging the contribution of additional funding from all sources. • Improving provision for public health programmes and access to health care. • Identifying and advancing research and innovation required to address unmet health and medical needs and support the generation of innovative health-care products and services.

“The achievement of good health is not a matter for the health sector alone but also requires adequate levels of research, human security, education, economic development, nutrition and sanitation. The responsibility for health is shared by all policy-makers in government and international agencies'.

• Building a better evidence base on disease burden and on what interventions work – to assess the present situation and to target prevention and con- trol measures. • Meeting skill and infrastructure needs. • Developing better coherence and connectivity among all those involved in addressing global health issues. • Strengthening of preventive (prophylactic) medicine. Conclusions We, the academies of science of the G8+5 nations, commit to assist in meeting these health challenges. We will contin- ue to build links within the world scientific community with the objective to strengthen the role of science in interna- tional development. The science academies will do more in the identification of emerging issues and pursuing systematic dialogue with national opinionleaders, policy-makers and with multilateral organisations. We urge our governments to: • Increase international collaboration, scientific and medical research, locally appropriate capacity building, and technology transfer and shar- ing to achieve results. • Commit to continued global monitoring, communication and sharing of infor- mation on all health-related issues. We recommend further concerted effort to identify major challenges in chronic and infectious diseases, as a basis for global collaboration on research and on disease management. • Increase their commitment to evidence-based health and science policy-making. • Further strengthen coordination of health-related programmes and leading internation- al organisations, such as WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the world organisation for animal health (OIE). • Promote public-private partnerships to encourage and appropriately protect innova- tion. • Identifying and advancing research and innovation required to address unmet health and medical needs and support the generation of innovative health-care products and services. • Building a better evidence base on disease burden and on what interventions work – to assess the present situa- tion and to target prevention and control measures. • Meeting skill and infrastructure needs. • Developing better coherence and connectivity among all those involved in addressing global health issues. • Strengthening of preventive (prophylactic) medicine.

page eleven he Academy of Science of South Academy of Science of Africa (ASSAf) condemns the xeno- phobic attacks that took place in var- Tious parts of South Africa in the month South Africa Statement of May 2008. These degrading attacks were a gross violation of human rights. Since the Second World War, there has been Statement on Xenophobic a developing consensus internationally that the goals of human liberty, freedom and Attacks October 2008 protection of human rights need to be strongly fostered. In the past fifteen years, South African scholars have been at the forefront of research and publishing in this field. The xenophobic attacks on African for- eign nationals, especially refugees in South Africa emphasise the necessity to redouble the effort to understand and to develop an ability to deal with these social evils. Foreign nationals make important contribu- tions to both the formal and informal sectors of the South African economy. South Africa is a signatory to the 1951 Convention and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Convention Governing Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Those who enter the country seeking refuge from politi- cal persecution, human rights violations and extreme poverty, have rights which should be safeguarded. Actions that contravene national and international laws on immigra- tion are unreservedly condemned. ASSAf is involved in joint partnerships with other African Academies and will continue to work tirelessly to build stronger ties with our counterparts in other parts of Africa, while promoting platforms where the differ- ent sectors of society can contribute to the dialogue on ideas of an inclusive social compact that will avoid such unfortunate incidents in the future. The Academy wishes to salute all those who have provided humanitarian assistance to the victims of the attacks and calls on all local communities in South Africa to respect fellow human beings, irrespective of the country from which they may originate.

Evidence-based reseach on track tudies seeking evidence-based re- • Consensus Study on the State of the Achievements and Future Plans search are moving ahead apace at Humanities in SA • A draft report of the Consensus Study on the Academy of Science of South • Consensus Study on PhDs: Enhancing “A Strategic Approach to Scholarly Pub- Africa (ASSAf). The Academy is cur- S Production of Postgraduates lishing in Books and Book Chapters in rently involved in a total of seven Consensus South Africa“ was discussed at the and Forum Studies. The studies and the cur- • Consensus Study on Improved Nutritional Panel meeting in November 2008 and rent status of each are given below: Assessment in SA it should be ready for peer review in • Scholarly Publishing Programme Committee on Scholarly early 2009. • Consensus Study on Clinical Research • A workshop of SA experts was held in and Related Training in SA Publishing in SA August 2008 to discuss an online course • Forum Study on Science Education • Consensus Report, titled “A Strategic in scientific writing. The course could be • Forum Study on Science for Poverty Approach to Research Publishing in SA” extended to the SADC region. Alleviation was published in 2006 . continued on p13 page twelve continued from p12 techniques du Sénégal (ASTS), and • A National Scholarly Editors' Forum (NSEF) focuses on identifying and promoting was established in 2007. best practice in science education in sub-Saharan Africa. • The Academy is exploring a SciELO-type national platform for open access publi- cation of scholarly journals in SA. Committee on Science for Poverty Alleviation Consensus Study on • The project is aligned to one of five Clinical Research and national missions in SA's R&D Strategy. Related Training in SA • Objectives are to oversee a managed forum to assist the national mission of Key questions include harnessing new developments in S&T for • How to contribute to building a national economic growth and sustainable culture in which clinical research is seen development. as essential, and clinical trials are widely • Proceedings of a workshop on “Science- accepted and promoted? based Improvements of Rural/Subsistence • How to best equip and encourage clini- Agriculture” was published in July 2007. cians-in-training to embrace clinical • In 2007, Committee augmented to gen- research and evidence-based practice erate forum-type studies in three broad as indispensable elements in delivering areas, i.e. small-scale agriculture; health Consensus Study: The PhD effective health care? of poor communities; and general envi- • How can government, parastatal institu- ronmental and other sustainability as- Study: Enhancing National tions, academia and industry interact pects of smaller (secondary) cities. more constructively to create a favor- Capacity for Production of able and enabling environment for clin- Postgraduate Students ical research to be conducted? Achievements and Future Plans • Commissioned by National Research • Workshop on Local Economic Develop- Foundation. Achievements and Future Plans ment in Small Towns was held in June 2008. • Approved by Council in August 2008. • A provisional working definition of “clini- • Proceedings Report from this workshop • If SA is to be a serious competitor in the cal research” has been adopted and six due November 2008. global knowledge economy, both the draft chapters of the report were due on quality and quantity of PhDs needs to be • Two new planned forum-type studies expanded dramatically. 31 October 2008. approved by Council in October 2008: • This ambition to escalate the number of • A one-day workshop was held on 21 • “GMOs in Africa: Challenges and well-trained PhDs in South Africa raises November 2008 in Cape Town to discuss Opportunities”. the draft chapters. fundamental questions about national • “Improving Maternal, Child and capacity, critical partners, innovative • The Consensus Report will be completed New-born Health in Africa”. programs, strategic investments and in January 2009, peer-reviewed, and sub- cross-sectoral co-operation, which this mitted to the ASSAf Council in April 2009. Study on the State of the study aims to address. Humanities in SA Forum Study on Science Achievements and Future Plans • Approved by Council in August 2008 • First panel meeting 30 October to 1 Education • Study aims to: November 2008. • The standing Committee comprises • enquire into the state of the • Two further workshops and an interna- eight members with diverse expertise Humanities in SA tional conference are planned, and • The study aims: • analyse the present strengths and final report. • to serve as the interface between weaknesses of the Humanities academic institutions and educa- • understand and explain issues Consensus Study on tion authorities around their funding • to consider examinations and assess- • enquire into the anatomy of particu- Improved Nutritional ment at school level lar disciplines Assessment in SA with a • to review secondary sources of • make the case for strengthening the school level material Focus on Five Selected Humanities in SA • to investigate curriculum concerns. • examine the role and purpose of a Micronutrients public discourse which has pushed • Follow-up Study to 2007 Consensus Achievements and Future Plans the Humanities to the margins of Report on HIV/Aids, TB and Nutrition. intellectual enquiry. • The first meeting was held on 25 August • One of key findings of this report was the and the next is planned for November national deficit in modern nutritional 2008. Achievements and Future Plans methods, particularly tests of micronutri- ent status. • A two-day symposium is planned for • First meeting of the Panel was held 18-19 April/May 2009. November 2008. • Study aims to identify the best assess- • Panel will hold public workshops with ment modes to contribute to the pre- Promoting Best Practices invited speakers, and organise private vention and treatment of pandemic consensus-seeking debates and discus- infectious conditions. in Science Education in sions. • Study approved by Council in October Sub-Saharan Africa • Publication of a peer-reviewed Consen- 2008. • It is a joint project with the Uganda sus Report is planned for June 2009. • Five of the most significant micronutri- National Academy of Sciences, NASAC, • Organisation of an international confer- ents identified are: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, AAS and Académie des Sciences et ence on the Humanities in 2009. Folate, Selenium, Zinc.

page thirteen Call for New @ ASSAf Visiting Lecturer Andrea Meyer Andrea Meyer was appointed to the nominations position of Commu- nication Officer in ASSAf annually invites a distinguished, internationally renowned scholar November 2008. A who is an inspirational speaker and can bridge the divides between dis- native of Pretoria, ciplines, to give public lectures and to interact with local scholars/stu- Andrea completed her Honours degree in dents in various metropolitan centres in South Africa. Corporate Communication at the University of Johannesburg in 2006. She has since The first Visiting Lecturer organised by ASSAf in 2005 was Professor George written for a number of websites, and acted Philander, a Professor in Environmental Studies. The Visiting Lecturer in 2006 as an online writing instructor to students was Professor Peter Richerson, a Professor of Anthropology at the University worldwide, while furthering her expertise as a Communication Practitioner. She was of California, Los Angeles. This year, the Visiting Lecturer was Professor Saul previously employed in the dual role of Dubow, a Professor of History at Sussex University. Communication Assistant and Music Libra- ASSAf awaits nominations of outstanding scholars who fit the above rian by the Black Tie Ensemble, an opera company based at the South African description. Nominations should be motivated, along with a current cur- State Theatre. riculum vitae, and should reach the ASSAf Membership Liaison Officer, Ntsheu Mangena, preferably by email at [email protected]. Justice Baloyi Justice Baloyi, the newly appointed Fi- nance Administra- tion Officer, joined ASSAf in October 2008, and will assist the Financial Man- ager of the Aca- demy. He was born in Giyani, Limpopo Province, where he com- pleted his schooling. After matriculating, he enrolled for a National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting at the Tshwane University of Technology. He began his working career as a cashier at Emperors Palace, where he was soon promoted to the position of Night Auditor. The Depart- ment of Social Development in Johannes- burg accepted Justice into a 12-month internship programme in the finance de- partment. The Health Consortium of the University of the Witwatersrand in Parktown then appointed him into the position of Financial Administrator, where he stayed until joining ASSAf.

Dineo Makgae Dineo Makgae (who prefers to be called Lebo) joined the Academy in October 2008. She was born in Atteridgeville, Gau- teng and matricula- ted in 1993. She com- pleted her studies at the Witwatersrand Technikon in 1997. Her 11 years of experience in the administrative field will be an asset to the smooth running of the Academy. page fourteen Going about the Business ASSAf delegation represents South Africa at ASADI

The sustainability of African academies came under the spotlight at the fourth annual meeting of the African Science Academy Development Initiative (ASADI) in London in November 2008. The Academy of Science (ASSAf) was represented by Professors Robin Crewe (ASSAf President), Jonathan Jansen (ASSAf Vice- President), Roseanne Diab (Executive Officer) and Dr Xola Mati (Chief Operations Officer). Accompanying them were the Chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Com- mittee on Science and Techno- logy, the Honourable Goliathe Oliphant and Prof Yonah Seleti of the Department of Science and Technology. The focus of the meeting was on sustain- ability of the African academies into the future as the United States funding is phased out. There were opportunities to meet with representatives from various philan- thropic foundations and donor organisa- tions and to showcase some of ASSAf's marketing material. Other sessions were devoted to strategies for engaging decision-makers and measuring the success of adviso- ry activities. ASSAf will host the 2010 annual ASADI meeting.

ASSAf participates in S&T meet- ing in Russia

ASSAf President, Professor Robin Crewe, joined a Science and Technology delegation to Russia in November 2008 to meet with the Federal Agency for Science and Technology in that country. The aim of the visit was to negotiate a cooperation agreement and to set a plan of action in motion. Crewe had the opportunity to meet with his counterpart, the President of the Russian Academy of Sciences to discuss the need for a cooperation agreement. The South African and Russian delegations agreed to have two workshops in 2009, one in South Africa and a second in Russia to identify and implement joint research projects. These engagements will strengthen our science and tech- nology system. Prof Robin Crewe

page fifteen Hot off the press

Quest – for learners and the general public – is totally dedicated to South African Journal of Science accurate and attractive presentation of South Africa's latest scientific The journal serves a multidisciplinary readership, and as such, articles achievements and ongoing research. are presented bi-monthly in a style that is intelligible to specialists and non-specialists alike. The intention of the South African Journal of ASADI Brochure Science (SAJS), since its inception, has been to cover all the sci- ences, from archaeology and atmospheric sciences to zeolites and The brochure was prepared for the fourth annual meeting of the zoology, including the sciences basic to medicine and engineering, African Science Academy Development Initiative (ASADI) in London as well as policy-related issues. in November 2008. The document is a succinct overview of the Academy of Science of South Africa, including information about its Quest history, leadership and activities. Quest: Science for South Africa is a full-colour, quarterly, popular sci- Copies of the Academy's publications can be obtained from ence magazine published by ASSAf and supported by the DST. [email protected].

Best wishes for the Festive Season from all of us at ASSAf

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