A. ASSAf Consensus Study Reports
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In order for ASSAf to fulfil its science advisory role regarding key challenges facing the nation, a variety of consensus and assessment studies are undertaken. Activities are aligned closely with government’s strategic goals. The in-depth Consensus Study Reports are either commissioned by an external funder or generated by a Standing Committee on a specific topic. ASSAf has Standing Committees on Health; Scholarly Publishing in South Africa; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education; Biosafety and Biosecurity; Humanities; and Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality.
Peer-Review Status: Peer-Reviewed
Enquiries: Susan Veldsman
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Item Evaluation of Alternative Telecommunication Technologies for the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Area(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2021) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE)The National Research Foundation (NRF) requested the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), on behalf of South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), to undertake an independent and objective evaluation of potential alternative telecommunication technologies for the areas of the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Areas (KCAAA). The study encompasses regulatory, public sphere, and technical dimensions to explore options for maintaining the functionality of the telescope while, at the same time, delivering appropriate connectivity solutions for local communities.Item Report on Grouped Peer Review of Scholarly Journals in History, Philosophy and Politics(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2021) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)The peer review report entitled Report on Grouped Peer Review of Scholarly Journals in History, Philosophy and Politics is the eleventh in a series of discipline-grouped evaluations of South African scholarly journals. This is part of a scholarly assurance process initiated by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). The process is centered on multi-perspective, discipline-based evaluation panels appointed by the Academy Council on the recommendation of the Academy’s Committee on Scholarly Publishing in South Africa (CSPiSA). This detailed report presents the peer review panel’s consolidated consensus reports on each journal and provides the panel’s recommendations in respect of DHET accreditation, inclusion on the SciELO SA platform and suggestions for improvement in general. The main purpose of the ASSAf review process for journals is to improve the scholarly publication in the country that is consonant with traditional scholarly practices.Item Provider core competencies for improved Mental health care of the nation(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2021) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This report is a comprehensive document reviewing current training programmes for various cadres of service providers who provide (or could provide) care for people with mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders in South Africa. The review used national mental health and disability policies to develop a vision of contextually-appropriate services using a task-shifting disability-inclusive approach as a framework for the review. The report consists of the following sections: • An introductory section including the executive summary, background to, and methodology of the study. • The body of the report consists of separate chapters for each category of service provider, with a detailed examination of current curricula measured against the core competencies identified by the researchers. Key findings are highlighted at the start of each chapter, as well in the concluding section of the report. • The concluding section of the report summarises key findings, discusses limitations of the study and makes recommendations regarding the use of the report as well as for further research.Item Status of Postgraduate Research Training in Engineering in South Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)The aim of this study is to document and assess the status of postgraduate research training in engineering in South Africa with respect to possible systemic challenges or shortcomings. The study was undertaken for the Department of Science and Technology (DST) by an eight-member panel appointed by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Council. The report commences with a situational analysis that highlights South Africa’s young and growing population, an industrial sector producing mainly low to medium-technology products, a respected tertiary education system and a government that is supporting science and technology. It further stresses the need for economic growth and international competitiveness to address the problems of poverty and unemployment, concluding that postgraduate training in engineering and active participation in research and development could play a key role in positioning South Africa as an attractive destination for participation in the global manufacturing enterprise. The need for South Africa to transition to high-technology manufacturing is emphasised.Item Human Genetics and Genomics in South Africa: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) & Department of Science and Technology (DST), 2018) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); Department of Science and Technology (DST)This study aims to address the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of genetics and genomics work, as it relates to research, health service provision and forensic applications (medical and legal) in South Africa. The study was undertaken by a 13-member panel appointed by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). The deliberations in this report are centred on the broad philosophical approach of Ubuntu, a philosophical notion that refers to the essence or quality of being human. The report describes the benefits to be derived from genetic and genomics work, the need for boundaries to be clearly defined and adherence monitored to ensure that benefits are shared by all and that no harm is done. The report is divided into three thematic areas: Building Relationships, Respect for Persons and Good Stewardship. Each section is followed by recommendations which are ethically and legally sound, culturally appropriate, feasible, enforceable and sustainable, given the resources within the country, and balanced against competing national priorities.Item Reconceptualising Health Professions Education in South Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This consensus study was initiated by ASSAf as a response to the ongoing challenge of shortages of healthcare professionals. The study was conceptualised following an ASSAf workshop on the Lancet report titled Health professionals for a new century: transforming education to strengthen health systems in an interdependent world. The study aims to address the full value chain in health sciences education from student selection, through pedagogical developments, unpacking of the current bottlenecks in the system and looking at how the future health sciences education system can be financed and regulated. Objectives of the study are to provide evidence-based information and recommendations to policymakers and relevant stakeholders on how health professional education might be transformed to improve the health of the nation. This includes the various professions in health. Some of the key findings of the study include: barriers in student section; inadequate production and retention of skilled health professionals; urban-rural maldistribution of graduates; core competencies’ challenges; internship and community-service obligations and transition; and shortcomings in financing of health sciences education. Recommendations on how to address the challenges are very practical. It is envisaged that policymakers and relevant stakeholders will implement these for the revitalisation of health professions education in order to improve health of South Africans.Item The state of research, development and innovation of electrical energy efficiency technologies in South Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)The focus of this report is on electrical energy efficiency, but it also provides some guidance on how an enhanced focus on tribology may contribute to energy efficiency. Since electricity production consists of a value chain (generation, transmission, distribution and end use), energy efficiency technologies and methods may be applied at each point, resulting in cumulative improvement in the efficiency of the energy system, with subsequently reduced losses and associated financial gains. An overview of the current capabilities, and current and planned energy efficiency technology development and strategies in place in South Africa, enables effective coordination of efforts and improves progress toward mainstreaming energy efficiency in South Africa, whilst simultaneously avoiding duplication of efforts and maximising the use of limited resources. The study aims to inform the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of opportunities for further development in terms of human capital development, intellectual property output and technology development and innovation, in order to promote the adoption of energy efficiency technologies in South Africa.Item First Biennial Report to Cabinet on the State of Climate Change : Science and Technology in South Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2017) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This report aligns with the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) of the government of South Africa, which in turn stems from the work of the National Planning Commission and its National Development Plan (NDP). Outcome 10 of the MTSF calls for a report on the state of climate change science and technology in South Africa to be provided to Cabinet by the DST and the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) every two years. This is the first such report. The report aims to: • provide a critical assessment and comparative overview of climate change scientific research and related technological innovations; • identify any gaps or barriers in research and technology development value chains; • suggest ways to improve the current situation and maximise opportunities for South Africa.Item The State of Biosafety and Biosecurity in South Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2015) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)This consensus study report presents the findings of a systematic assessment of the state of biosafety and biosecurity in South Africa, including an evaluation of legislation, regulations and practices at both national and institutional levels. The findings report on strengths, weaknesses and gaps in the laws and in their implementation, and the practices relating to biosafety and biosecurity at laboratory level. Recommendations are made to address the weaknesses and gaps identified. Research and development in the life sciences are important elements of South African growth and development and are essential to address the needs of the country. It was thus imperative that ASSAf contributes towards ensuring that life science research in South Africa is conducted safely, securely and ethically. This is in the interests of all South Africans and in the interests of the life science community. With this broad objective, ASSAf constituted a Biosafety and Biosecurity panel of experts to assess and comment on the relationship between science and security in South Africa. While it is deemed important to extend an assessment of biosafety and biosecurity to the greater southern African region, this was not possible in the timeframe permitted for the study, but remains an important objective in the long term. The research conducted for this consensus study included: 1. An investigation into the applicability and balance of relevant ethical principles through a review of literature in order to establish a context for biosafety and biosecurity considerations. 2. An assessment of existing, relevant legislation and regulations in relation to biosafety and biosecurity in order to identify strengths, weaknesses and gaps in laws and in their implementation. 3. A critical overview of the implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures in laboratories in South Africa and an assessment of the extent to which laboratory practices address safety and security concerns. 4. An evaluation of existing measures and capacity to detect, identify, control and prevent the natural, accidental or deliberate spread of infectious agents. The panel used a variety of methods to conduct the research, including but not limited to: 1. Convening a series of panel discussions on biosafety and biosecurity. 2. Assessing existing legislation and regulations in relation to biosafety and biosecurity to identify strengths, weaknesses and gaps in laws and in their implementation. 3. Conducting a survey of life scientists’ experience and perceptions of biosafety and biosecurity measures in laboratories in South Africa. 4. Evaluating existing measures and capacity to detect, identify, control, and prevent the natural, accidental, or deliberate spread of infectious agents. 5. Consultation with experts from a variety of disciplines (including experts with proven biosecurity expertise). Ultimately, the goal of the study was to: 1. Make sustainable and evidence-based recommendations to the South African government and the scientific community to address the identified weaknesses in: existing legislation; the implementation of biosafety and biosecurity in laboratories; existing measures and capacity to detect and control spread of infectious diseases; and to raise awareness about existing measures (including practices and legislation) to reduce the risks associated with dual-use research and to engage the life science community in a dialogue about biosafety and biosecurity. 2. Make recommendations to remove weaknesses and gaps in existing legislation and in the implementation of such legislation.Item Preventing a Tobacco Epidemic in Africa(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2014) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)In April 2013, the Network of African Science Academies convened a committee of experts to discuss the evidence, obstacles, and opportunities for implementing and enforcing tobacco use prevention and control policies in Africa. The committee, consisting of 16 experts drawn from 8 countries in Africa, met for 3 days in Kampala, Uganda, with funding administered by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. Each distinguished committee member was selected for his or her in-depth tobacco-specific knowledge in areas including agriculture, policy, economics, social science, health, and the environment. The committee reviewed and assessed the evidence on the state of tobacco use and tobacco production and their detrimental health, economic, and environmental effects in Africa. The committee also reviewed efforts currently under way to prevent and control tobacco use, including the status of adoption and ratification of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Based on this evidence, the committee reached consensus on actions that African leaders and other stakeholders should take to combat this growing threat. This report presents the committee’s evidence-based recommendations for tobacco control in Africa. It outlines strategies that should place tobacco control policy on the African leadership agenda, and also calls upon other groups, such as civil society organizations, to share in the responsibility of protecting those most vulnerable to misleading and deceitful messaging by the tobacco industry.