B. ASSAf Workshop Proceedings and Other Reports

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http://197.189.226.18//handle/20.500.11911/30

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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

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 22

Social, Psychological and Health Impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on the Elderly: South African and Italian Perspectives
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2020) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The elderly population has been included in the vulnerable population to the mental health risks of COVID-19. This group in our society is confronted with high rates of pre-existing depressive symptoms and the challenges of accessing mental health services. The elderly population has been reported to be more susceptible, especially those with underlying diseases, to COVID-19 infection and severe illnesses. Recent studies have showed a higher mortality of elderly patients with COVID-19 to those of young and middle-aged patients. The panel discussion explored the challenges confronting the elderly in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Improving the prevention and management of multimorbidity in sub-Saharan Africa
(Academy of Medical Sciences (UK)/Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2020) Academy of Medical Sciences (UK); Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Having two or more long-term conditions at the same time, known as multimorbidity, is a growing challenge globally. This workshop focused on finding out what is known about the extent and nature of multimorbidity and appropriate responses to it, where further research would be valuable and highlighted that addressing multimorbidity in a range of sub-Saharan countries will be heavily dependent on local contextual factors. On 5–6 September 2019, researchers from across sub-Saharan Africa gathered in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss the specific challenges in addressing multimorbidity in the region and the role that research could play. In particular, the ways research could improve understanding of multimorbidity in sub-Saharan Africa and identify the most effective ways to prevent and treat it. The meeting was jointly organised by the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK, and the Academy of Science of South Africa. The meeting programme was developed by a steering committee chaired by Professor Alan Silman FMedSci, University of Oxford, UK, and Professor Karen Hofman MASSAf, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and included researchers from multiple sub-Saharan African countries (Annex One). This report provides a summary of the key themes to emerge from the meeting, as well as a set of high-level multimorbidity research priorities for the region. It reflects the views expressed by participants at the meeting and does not necessarily represent the views of all participants, all members of the steering committee, the Academy of Medical Sciences, or the Academy of Science of South Africa.
Global Mental Health in an Era of Sustainable Development: Research and Policy Priorities
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2020) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The aim of the symposium was to assess global research patterns and domestic policies aimed at addressing challenges pertaining to mental health. This aim was achieved thorough the following objectives: 1. Scientifically analysing global and regional research developments pertaining to mental health; 2. Identifying current and future research needs and strengthening policy developments; 3. Assessing possible solutions to current challenges as they relate to research and policy on mental health. Title and sub-themes The symposium focused of the following sub-themes: 1) Neuroscience and genetics; 2) Public mental health and epidemiology; 3) Intervention research.
Towards Coordinating National Role Players and Activities to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): A Focus on SDG 6 (Water & Sanitation)
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2019) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The workshop titled “Landscaping the coordination of national role-players and activities toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6 on water and sanitation) in South Africa” was held on 23 and 24 July 2019. The event was a partnership between the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the Interacademy Partnership (IAP) and the South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), as the national champion of SDG 6. The overall objectives of the workshop were: 1. to demonstrate the importance of the coordination of the water sector for the benefit of all stakeholders and the ultimate realisation of SDG 6; 2. to provide information to the water sector on progress towards achieving the SDG targets and identify where there are gaps and opportunities for further collaborative working; 3. to help further inform the definition of each of the SDG 6 targets; 4. to demonstrate the value of a national science academy in convening different stakeholders working on shared challenges and strengthening the science-policy interface; and 5. to highlight the vital role of scientific research in helping to deliver the UN SDGs.
Neonicotinoids and their Impact on Ecosystem Services for Agriculture and Biodiversity in Africa
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2019) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in collaboration with Leopoldina hosted a working group meeting on Neonicotinoids and their Impact on Ecosystem Services for Agriculture and Biodiversity in Africa from 13-15 May 2019 at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi. This working group meeting follows from a workshop which was held in South Africa in November 2018. The purpose of this working group meeting was for outstanding experts in the field to collaborate with the project’s scientific director to draft a report that summarises and outlines the state of knowledge on neonicotinoids and their impact on ecosystem services for agriculture and biodiversity in Africa. Furthermore, to draft key recommendations from science to policy-makers on the question of the use of neonicotinoids, and to discuss communication of the results to the relevant political and scientific authorities and the media.
Surveillance and Response to Infectious Diseases and Comorbidities: An African and German Perspective
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2019) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The conference explored various topics pertaining to Infectious Diseases and Comorbidities. These included: antimicrobial resistance; one health; HIV; TB; Malaria; and HCV. The objectives of the symposium were to scientifically analyse challenges pertaining to infectious diseases and comorbidities as they relate to surveillance, responses and diagnostics; identify current and future research needs that can be employed to tacle emrging scientific challenges; Assess possible solutions to current challenges as they relate to surveillance and response to infectious diseases and morbidities and how these can be used to provide science advice to governments; and, exchange scientific information between young and senior scientists from the sub-Saharan Africa and Germany.
Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Trans-Disciplinary Approach
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2019) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
This 9th Annual Young Scientists’ Conference which was hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and SAYAS in September 2018 deliberated on Corruption and its negative effects on Africa’s progress. Corruption continues to hamper efforts aimed at promoting democratic governance, socio-economic transformation, peace and security, and the enjoyment of human rights on the African continent. Research by a range of institutions including academia, non-governmental organisations, policy think tanks, the private and public sectors, as well as the media, can help identify the causes, effects and types of corruption. This is crucial in understanding and fighting corruption.
Neonicotinoids and their Impact on Ecosystem Services for Agriculture and Biodiversity in Africa
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2019) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in collaboration with Leopoldina hosted a workshop on Neonicotinoids and their Impact on Ecosystem Services for Agriculture and Biodiversity in Africa from 14-16 November 2018. The purpose of the workshop was to: • Bring together experts and researchers on the use and/or impact of neonicotinoid insecticides in Africa. • Establish a network for information exchange and joint activities • Develop a plan for future activities, their coordination and the dissemination of findings. African economies and societies are greatly dependent on agriculture; thus, the workshop aimed to identify and collate data which would allow the potential risks in Africa to be better evaluated. German government through the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
The Water-Energy Nexus and the Application of Green Technologies
(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)
It is estimated that by 2030, nearly half of the world’s population will be living in areas of high water stress affecting the energy demand and efficiency. About 75 percent of the global electricity production from coal, fossils, oil, and gas, requires large quantities of water. South Africa has an abundant supply of coal and generate about 77% of it’s primary energy from coal, resulting in high water consumptions. Needless to say, South Africa is classified as a semi-arid country and the country’s drought and water crisis have put great pressure for the country to develop innovative technologies to improve efficient water usage and energy efficiency. In light of this, the seminar, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), set out to discuss the use of green technologies pertaining to the water-energy nexus in South Africa as an alternative solution to improve basic human rights and sustain the environment, taking into consideration that South Africa is deemed as energy-rich and water-poor country. The report presents findings that strengthen the need to implement and apply green technologies, innovations, infrastructure and policies that address the water-energy nexus in South Africa to ensure that future demands will be met, minimise damage to the environment, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and conserve the use of natural resources.
The State of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity in the SADC Region
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2018) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
This proceedings report is the product of a two-day workshop (19 –20 March 2018) on The State of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which was held at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg. The key objectives for this two-day workshop were to: • Discuss issues of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity importance for the region. • Strengthen existing collaborations/networks and establish new ones. • Exchange information and knowledge. The four key challenges that were found to be common across all SADC countries that participated were: • Lack of or inadequate (and fragmented) legislation, regulations and guidelines relevant to laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. • Limited or lack of capacity – including infrastructure, resources and human capacity. • Lack of or limited training programmes on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. • Low level of awareness about laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, especially among researchers/scientists.