B. ASSAf Workshop Proceedings and Other Reports
Permanent URI for this collection
About this Collection
Proceedings Reports are a verbatim reflection of a live ASSAf event. It is published with consent of all speakers.
Peer-Review Status: Non-Peer Reviewed
Enquiries: Henriëtte Wagner
Browse
Browsing B. ASSAf Workshop Proceedings and Other Reports by Type "Report"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 21
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item 3rd South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) Science and Society Symposium - Science and (Un)Certainty: Exploring Science, Knowledge Production, Communication and Uptake in a Post-Truth World(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018-06) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This report is the summary of the meeting proceedings of the 3rd South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) Science and Society Symposium which took place from 8 – 9 March 2018 at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Port Elizabeth, South Africa.Item 3rd Worldwide Meeting of National Young Academies: One Health – Health and Development(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018-03) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This report is the summary of the meeting proceedings of the Third Worldwide Meeting of National Young Academies which took place from 20 to 21 July 2017 at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, South Africa. This meeting was hosted by the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and co-organised by the Global Young Academy (GYA).Item The 5th National Global Change Conference; Transformative Futures for Water Security Seminar(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)The 5th National Global Change Conference organised by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with the University of the Free State (UFS), took place at the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS, from 30 January to 2 February 2023. The central theme of the 5th National Global Change Conference was: “Research and Innovation Accelerating transformations to global sustainability”. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) jointly hosted a hybrid special session titled, Transformative Futures for Water Security on 31 January 2023. The objectives of the session were to; 1. Obtain sector grounded suggestions to climate change adaptation for the water sector, and 2. Identify data and information gaps under the cloud of climate change to influence planning for a water secure future. This Special Session provided a multisectoral dialogue on South Africa’s water future and adaptation to the influence of climate change. The engagement proposed and discussed actions required nationally and regionally to strengthen water security in the face of global change. The following key recommendations were tabled from the session: 1. Engagement with communities to promote conservation of water resources must be a priority. 2. Municipalities need to develop own groundwater strategies to inform groundwater utilisation. 3. The process of transforming the water sector should be taken to local communities. 4. Water use quotas need to be stricter. 5. The implementation of solutions from the research community is commonly hindered bureaucratic processes; there needs to be means to minimize red tape.Item African Academy Development: Strengthening Southern African Development Community (SADC) Science Academies for better service to society workshop(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2022) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), SADC Secretariat, and Lesotho Academy for Science and Technology (LAST) jointly hosted a SADC Academies Workshop on 5 December 2022 on the sidelines of the World Science Forum 2022. The Workshop was hosted in Cape Town, South Africa at the Park Inn Hotel. The workshop objective was to facilitate the strengthening of Academies’ role in the development and utilization of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem, as well as policy formulation and implementation. Academies from eleven SADC Member States, DSI, SADC Secretariat, and United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (UNTB LDC) participated in the workshop. The UNTB LDC and the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) have been instrumental partners in establishing science Academies in Angola, Lesotho, Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi. The Angola Academy of Science (AAS), LAST, and Botswana Academy of Science as some of the recently established academies presented on respective progress to date. Progress by the newly established Academies was appreciated as successful and it was agreed that more needs to be done collaboratively to support these Academies, including joint fund raising and science advisory activities with older Academies. Additionally, it was agreed that the African Academy has to establish and strategically maintain partnerships with policy makers (government), business, civil society, and STI ecosystem if the role and value of Academies is to be strengthened. As a workshop outcome, a SADC Academies Working Group was established to steer the crafting of guidelines; the group consists of ASSAf, LAST, Academy of Sciences in Malawi, Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Sciences, Academie Congolaise du Sciences, Zimbabwe Academy of Science, and SADC Secretariat. Additionally, UNESCO, NASAC, and UNTB LDC will be invited into the Working Group as they are key partners in operationalization of the African Academy.Item African Open Science Platform Part 1: Landscape Study(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2019-08) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This report maps the African landscape of Open Science – with a focus on Open Data as a sub-set of Open Science. Data to inform the landscape study were collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, desk research, engagement with a community of practice, networking with stakeholders, participation in conferences, case study presentations, and workshops hosted. Although the majority of African countries (35 of 54) demonstrates commitment to science through its investment in research and development (R&D), academies of science, ministries of science and technology, policies, recognition of research, and participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the following countries demonstrate the highest commitment and political willingness to invest in science: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to existing policies in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the following countries have made progress towards Open Data policies: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. Only two African countries (Kenya and South Africa) at this stage contribute 0.8% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to R&D (Research and Development), which is the closest to the AU’s (African Union’s) suggested 1%. Countries such as Lesotho and Madagascar ranked as 0%, while the R&D expenditure for 24 African countries is unknown. In addition to this, science globally has become fully dependent on stable ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) infrastructure, which includes connectivity/bandwidth, high performance computing facilities and data services. This is especially applicable since countries globally are finding themselves in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is not only “about” data, but which “is” data. According to an article by Alan Marcus (2015) (Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum), “At its core, data represents a post-industrial opportunity. Its uses have unprecedented complexity, velocity and global reach. As digital communications become ubiquitous, data will rule in a world where nearly everyone and everything is connected in real time. That will require a highly reliable, secure and available infrastructure at its core, and innovation at the edge.” Every industry is affected as part of this revolution – also science. An important component of the digital transformation is “trust” – people must be able to trust that governments and all other industries (including the science sector), adequately handle and protect their data. This requires accountability on a global level, and digital industries must embrace the change and go for a higher standard of protection. “This will reassure consumers and citizens, benefitting the whole digital economy”, says Marcus. A stable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure – currently provided by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) – is key to advance collaboration in science. The AfricaConnect project (AfricaConnect (2012–2014) and AfricaConnect 2 (2016–2018)) through establishing connectivity between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is planning to roll out AfricaConnect 3 by the end of 2019. The concern however is that selected African governments (with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and others) have low awareness of the impact the Internet has today on all societal levels, how much ICT (and the 4th Industrial Revolution) have affected research, and the added value an NREN can bring to higher education and research in addressing the respective needs, which is far more complex than simply providing connectivity. Apart from more commitment and investment in R&D, African governments – to become and remain part of the 4th Industrial Revolution – have no option other than to acknowledge and commit to the role NRENs play in advancing science towards addressing the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). For successful collaboration and direction, it is fundamental that policies within one country are aligned with one another. Alignment on continental level is crucial for the future Pan-African African Open Science Platform to be successful. Both the HIPSSA ((Harmonization of ICT Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa) project and WATRA (the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly), have made progress towards the regulation of the telecom sector, and in particular of bottlenecks which curb the development of competition among ISPs. A study under HIPSSA identified potential bottlenecks in access at an affordable price to the international capacity of submarine cables and suggested means and tools used by regulators to remedy them. Work on the recommended measures and making them operational continues in collaboration with WATRA. In addition to sufficient bandwidth and connectivity, high-performance computing facilities and services in support of data sharing are also required. The South African National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS) has made great progress in planning and setting up a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem in support of collaborative science and data sharing. The regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cyber-infrastructure Framework provides a valuable roadmap towards high-speed Internet, developing human capacity and skills in ICT technologies, high-performance computing and more. The following countries have been identified as having high-performance computing facilities, some as a result of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) partnership: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia. More and more NRENs – especially the Level 6 NRENs (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and recently Zambia) – are exploring offering additional services; also in support of data sharing and transfer. The following NRENs already allow for running data-intensive applications and sharing of high-end computing assets, bio-modelling and computation on high-performance/supercomputers: KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), RENU (Uganda), ZAMREN (Zambia), EUN (Egypt) and ARN (Algeria). Fifteen higher education training institutions from eight African countries (Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania) have been identified as offering formal courses on data science. In addition to formal degrees, a number of international short courses have been developed and free international online courses are also available as an option to build capacity and integrate as part of curricula. The small number of higher education or research intensive institutions offering data science is however insufficient, and there is a desperate need for more training in data science. The CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science aim at addressing the continental need for foundational data skills across all disciplines, along with training conducted by The Carpentries programme (specifically Data Carpentry 10). Thus far, CODATA-RDA schools in collaboration with AOSP, integrating content from Data Carpentry, were presented in Rwanda (in 2018), and during 17-29 June 2019, in Ethiopia. Awareness regarding Open Science (including Open Data) is evident through the 12 Open Science-related Open Access/Open Data/Open Science declarations and agreements endorsed or signed by African governments; 200 Open Access journals from Africa registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); 174 Open Access institutional research repositories registered on openDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories); 33 Open Access/Open Science policies registered on ROARMAP (Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies); 24 data repositories registered with the Registry of Data Repositories (re3data.org) (although the pilot project identified 66 research data repositories); and one data repository assigned the CoreTrustSeal. Although this is a start, far more needs to be done to align African data curation and research practices with global standards. Funding to conduct research remains a challenge. African researchers mostly fund their own research, and there are little incentives for them to make their research and accompanying data sets openly accessible. Funding and peer recognition, along with an enabling research environment conducive for research, are regarded as major incentives. The landscape report concludes with a number of concerns towards sharing research data openly, as well as challenges in terms of Open Data policy, ICT infrastructure supportive of data sharing, capacity building, lack of skills, and the need for incentives. Although great progress has been made in terms of Open Science and Open Data practices, more awareness needs to be created and further advocacy efforts are required for buy-in from African governments. A federated African Open Science Platform (AOSP) will not only encourage more collaboration among researchers in addressing the SDGs, but it will also benefit the many stakeholders identified as part of the pilot phase. The time is now, for governments in Africa, to acknowledge the important role of science in general, but specifically Open Science and Open Data, through developing and aligning the relevant policies, investing in an ICT infrastructure conducive for data sharing through committing funding to making NRENs financially sustainable, incentivising open research practices by scientists, and creating opportunities for more scientists and stakeholders across all disciplines to be trained in data management.Item ASSAf Distinguished Visiting Scholar (DVS) Programme 2023/24(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) hosted Prof Loretta Baldassar as the 2023/24 ASSAf Distinguished Visiting Scholar (DVS). The DVS Programme took place on 12 - 27 March 2024. Prof Baldassar delivered a series of lectures under the theme “Transnational Family Care: from social death to digital kinning over a century of Australian migration” at various institutions across five Provinces: the universities of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Limpopo (UL), Free State (UFS), Rhodes, Stellenbosch and University of Cape Town (UCT). She also engaged with emerging academics at these institutions as part of her research capacity development work, drawing on the tools and insights of social network analysis (SNA). Prof Baldassar is Professor of Anthropology and Sociology, Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Research Fellow, and Director of the Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab at Edith Cowan University (ECU). The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) annually invites one or more distinguished scholars from abroad to present lectures at various higher education institutions around the country. The scholars are internationally prominent academics who are inspirational speakers and usually with an ability to bridge the divides between disciplines. The purpose of the Distinguished Visiting Scholars’ Programme is to fulfil one of the Academy’s strategic goals, viz. the promotion of innovation and scholarly activity. Through interaction with distinguished individual scholars from around the world, ASSAf aims to enrich and stimulate research endeavours at South African higher education and research institutions. Scholars from the humanities disciplines are invited in alternate years.Item ASSAf’s Institutional and Public Engagement Roadshows (Connecting Science to Society): ASSAf and SAYAS Visit to the University of Limpopo(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS); University of Limpopo (UL)The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is the official national science Academy mandated to promote and inspire outstanding achievements in all fields of scientific enquiry and to grant recognition of excellence. ASSAf is a Membership based entity currently comprising 658 Members who represent the collective voice of the most active scholars in all fields of scholarly enquiry. ASSAf hosts the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), which represents early career and emerging scientists and researchers. ASSAf and SAYAS Membership are utilised as a collective resource to provide evidence-based solutions to national problems. ASSAf in partnership with SAYAS initiated the 2023 roadshows to engage institutions of higher learning and other science, technology and innovation (STI) institutions nationwide. The aims of the roadshows are: to increase the visibility of ASSAf and SAYAS; and their standing as well as activities in promoting the value of science in society. The first ASSAf roadshow was held at the University of Limpopo (UL) on 15 to 17 March 2023. The roadshow began with an information session with students and staff members at the university, followed by science engagement sessions at the UL Science Centre with staff, teachers and learners from Klass Mothapo Secondary School, Mankweng District in Limpopo. The roadshow brought increased awareness about ASSAf and SAYAS and provided both Academies with opportunities to increase their membership from UL; and to partner with UL, local high schools and the community on various activities.Item BRICS Academies Forum 2023: InterAcademy Collaboration on the Global Polycrisis(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS)., 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Indian National Science Academy (INSA); Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS)The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) jointly hosted the 2023 BRICS Academies Forum on 1-2 December 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. The Forum is the body of science academies of the BRICS member states including the: Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and ASSAf. The theme of the 2023 BRICS Academies Forum Meeting was “Inter-Academy Collaboration on Global Crises” which was aligned to the 2023 BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) theme; “Building BRICS and Africa Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.” The delegations of the BRICS Academies were welcomed by ASSAf Acting President, Prof Stephanie Burton, and DSI Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources, Mr Daan du Toit during the Opening and Welcome Dinner ceremony on the 1st of December. Day 2 of the meeting was dedicated to technical presentations by each Academy and subsequent discussions. Prof Burton directed the proceedings and Prof Himla Soodyall the ASSAf Executive Officer moderated the discussion.Item The District Development Model as a platform for innovation for inclusivity(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Department of Science and Innovation (DSI); Quantitative Evidence Research cc, 2022) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) hosted the District Development Model as a Platform for Innovation for Inclusivity on 13 May 2022, virtually, as part of the Innovation for Inclusive Development (IID) seminar series. The objectives of the webinar were to showcase the DSI’s approach in positioning the model as a platform to drive innovation to solve development challenges and improve service delivery; and to engage and solicit views from participants on this approach. The outcome of these discussions will enable the Department to ascertain focus areas of the Decadal Plan to be implemented in the districts. The IID seminar series are learning interventions that use “knowledge, evidence and learnings” to inform, influence and demonstrate how innovative technology solutions may be used to achieve inclusive development, improve the capacity of the State to deliver and improve access to basic services, and thereby advance local economic development.Item The implications of COVID-19 for mental health and substance use(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)The COVID-19 pandemic has had both short- and long-term implications for mental health and substance use, especially for groups at risk of new or exacerbated mental health disorders and those facing barriers to accessing care. History has shown that the mental health impact of disasters outlasts the physical impact, suggesting today’s elevated mental health needs will continue well beyond the coronavirus outbreak itself. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) hosted a Mental Health Symposium aimed at obtaining the perspectives of early career researchers. The theme of the symposium on ‘The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use’ sought to increase knowledge and build capacity in mental health research amongst early career researchers. As policymakers continue to discuss further actions to alleviate the burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be important to consider how the increased need for mental health and substance use services will likely persist long term, even if new cases and deaths due to the novel coronavirus subside.Item Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Mental Health Care and Policy: Bridging the Gap in Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and South Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)Incorporating indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) into mental health policies poses challenges throughout Africa. Existing health policies often fall short of comprehensively tackling mental health, neurological and substance use disorders. In Africa, traditional health practitioners (THPs) play a crucial and pivotal role in public health management, as well as health care practices, but are not adequately recognised in public health policies. The session aimed to consider ways of integrating them more effectively into policy. The session also aimed to explore the intersection of IKS in mental health care and policy across the four countries. The initiative formed part of the Science Advisory and Strategic Partnership Programme of ASSAf. The objectives of the session were as follows: • To deliberate on the role of traditional practitioners in mental health care and their contribution to holistic healing practices. • To explore the integration of THPs and indigenous practices in national mental health policies and their acceptance within the broader healthcare community. • To identify opportunities for meaningful integration. • To work towards establishing a platform for mental health stakeholders within the SADC region. • To share experiences, identify common ground, and address gaps in mental health, decision making and policies.Item Insights into South Africa’s Participation in the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development of the European Commission(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2015) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This report provides insights into South Africa’s participation in the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) of the European Union. Three data sources were used: (1) information in the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) database for 122 FP7 projects that involved South African participation; (2) a focus group and (3) two-web surveys – with the South African participants in FP7 projects and the international coordinators of FP7 projects with South African participants. Analysis of the records in the CORDIS database shows that South Africa’s participation in FP7 can be interpreted as a result of a number of factors.Item Pathways to Success: Bringing a Gender Lens to the Scientific Leadership of Global Challenges(GenderInSite, 2018) GenderInSiteThis report explores the issue of women’s leadership in science and brings to the discussion some related issues not usually taken into consideration. The initial motivation was to look at the career trajectories of women in positions of scientific leadership to show how power and knowledge can cohere in institutions to create and maintain dominant pathways. The report demonstrates the importance of having a gender perspective that would assure ‘equal opportunity for entry and advancement into larger-scale science, technology, engineering, mathematics disciplines (STEM) and innovation systems’, one of the transformative actions so aptly de-scribed by the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) Gender Advisory Board. Through interviews with women and men who lead inter-national science and technology projects, the document highlights different pathways to success and how institutional change is so elusive and hard to achieve. However, when the authors looked at respondents’ individual pathways, they decided that, although it was important to demonstrate that alternative perspectives are possible, they would enlarge their perspective and look at other levels of analysis. By highlighting alternative perspectives on how systems of scientific production operate, this report promotes alternative narratives and pathways in science. In these narratives, gender is recognised as an important factor in the career and leadership trajectories of individual scientists and in how science for sustainable development is done.Item Policy Direction, Eradication of Hunger and Achievement of Food Security Conference Proceedings(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018-09) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)Africa has the highest levels of population growth in the world, making it necessary to plan for the right food in line with the population dynamics. Meeting the food needs of the growing human population with the planet’s limited resources is a major challenge of our time. This requires the sustainable use of natural resources in the context of Africa’s low agricultural productivity, changing consumption patterns and diets, gender biases, competing interests of different stakeholders for land, and the impact of climate change. Science and evidence-based research are vital to ensuring that the right policies are in place to provide an environment conducive to achieving food and nutrition security in Africa. Young scientists should be playing a significant role in influencing policy development and providing the science-based advice to national governments. This role has not been fully harnessed.Item Policy Research Study to Determine the Adoption and Integration of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) into Government Policies and Planning Frameworks(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Department of Science and Innovation (DSI); Quantitative Evidence Research cc, 2021) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Department of Science and Innovation (DSI); Quantitative Evidence Research ccScience, Technology and Innovation (STI) is an important construct in South Africa’s policy discourse as illustrated in key national planning frameworks, such as the National Development Plan (NDP) and the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). The White Paper focuses, amongst other things, on the use of STI to accelerate inclusive socio-economic growth and to ensure that all departments working in areas that affect STI are open to innovation uptake and that there is policy coherence across the national innovation system (NSI). The DSI has undertaken twelve (12) Innovation for Inclusive Development (IID) seminars in partnership with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) to inform and influence the uptake of demonstrated innovation and technologies by other sector departments. However, the integration of these technologies by various government departments in their policies and programmers is unknown. It was on this basis that the DSI and ASSAf commissioned Quantitative Evidence Research to conduct a policy research study to ascertain whether departments are responsive to STI and open to innovation uptake. The report shares recommendations based on policy document analysis and a survey of twelve (12) sector Departments.Item Proceedings of thematic session: Establishing an African knowledge democracy for increased social justice and development(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2023) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)Item Public Lecture: Explore the Frontiers of Safeguarding Research Participants with the Application of Research Ethics Principles – Proceedings Report(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) collaborated to host a groundbreaking event centered on the protection of research participants on 20 February 2024. The public lecture and engagement hosted both online via Zoom and at the Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg, attracted a diverse audience, indicating a strong interest in the topic. The event served as a critical moment for advancing the dialogue on safeguarding research participants, drawing upon the latest CIOMS guidelines and insights from esteemed experts in the field.Item Research, Development, and Innovation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies in South Africa - Proceedings Report(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Department of Science and Innovation (DSI); South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)This report captures the proceedings at the launch of the study report on, Research, Development, and Innovation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies in South Africa. The study supports the high-level agreement between South Africa (through the DMRE) and the IAEA by providing a solid foundation upon which a national strategic framework on peaceful uses of nuclear technologies in South Africa can be built. The objectives of the study were to review relevant current and historical national policies, plans and strategies; review the national landscape of existing and emerging RDI role players and activities in the country; develop baseline information around the nuclear technology landscape to assist with targets and indicators for monitoring and evaluation; review the Country Programme Framework (CPF) between South Africa and the IAEA and make recommendations on how the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme could be leveraged to strengthen the nuclear technology sector in South Africa; and make proposals on how to define a South African nuclear technology RDI flagship programme. Characterisation of the needs and gaps contains the following elements: • a brief explanation of the need setting out the context in terms of the severity and relevance. • a strategic objective to be achieved; and • an indicator, or indicators, for the proposed objective. The study was divided into six broad areas, namely: • agriculture and food security, • human health, • radiation protection, • water and environment, • energy and industry, • nuclear safety, security and safeguards.Item Review of the State of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) System in South Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2013) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This Report follows a request from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) for an independent, critical appraisal of The State of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) System in South Africa.Item The launch of the ASSAf inclusivity initiative for gender equity and persons with disabilities as part of the Science Forum South Africa 2023 panel discussion(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)Gender equity, disability and inclusivity are human rights issues, and the South African Constitution enshrines the rights of citizens at all levels. The Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 10 promote gender equality and reduced inequalities, respectively. Furthermore, the South Africa’s Decadal Plan in science, technology and innovation (STI) calls for the creation of an inclusive economy and equity ambitions set by the Gender- Responsive Planning Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Auditing Framework. In spite of these legislative prerogatives, initiatives to promote the participation of women and people living with disabilities are slow to produce significant change. ASSAf is no exception in this regard, with 70% of members being male academics and statistics of participation of persons with disabilities is lacking. As a result, ASSAf developed a transformation strategy which incorporated the 2019 White Paper on STI as one of many instruments to guide the organisation in prioritising inclusivity and transformation in STI, and the ASSAf Inclusivity Initiative on Gender Equity and Persons with Disabilities is one such tool. The ASSAf Inclusivity Initiative on Gender Equity and Persons with Disabilities focuses on advancing inclusive participation of persons with disabilities and women in science, technology and innovation within its Membership and within the national system of innovation (NSI). ASSAf launched the Inclusivity Initiative on Gender and Persons with Disabilities during the 2023 Science Forum South Africa in order to raise awareness on the Initiative and to seek partnerships from beyond the academic sector. It is envisioned that the Initiative will also provide ASSAf with a platform to strengthen collaborations with other stakeholders in raising awareness of and in championing solutions to curb the barriers that impede equal opportunities and access to Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) by women, young girls and, persons with disabilities within the National System of Innovation. The participants provided valuable inputs and recommendations which ASSAf will take into consideration in the next phase of the process. Speakers included: Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola (ASSAf Member; OWSD; TWAS); Dr Tebogo Mabotha (ASSAf); Dr Anila Pretorious (Wits); Ms Dineo Mmako (DWYPD); Mr Mark Bannister (DWS); Ms Bongiwe Mkhithika (DSI); Mr Gerhard Coetzee (INVEN-D) and Dr Tozama Qwebani (ASSAf). There were over 60 participants in attendance.