A. Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Publications

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This community contains both peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications by ASSAf and its members.

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ASSAf Statement on the Recognition of the Work of Editors and Peer Reviewers of Academic Journals and Books in South Africa
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
This statement by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) addresses the critical, yet under-recognised, contributions of editors and peer reviewers in academic publishing. These roles are essential for upholding research quality and ensuring the integrity of scholarly discourse, yet current academic reward structures often overlook their value. ASSAf highlights the need for university and science council administrators to formally acknowledge and support editorial work, proposing specific recommendations to enhance recognition within performance appraisals. By strengthening the recognition of these roles, ASSAf aims to sustain a credible and effective scholarly publishing ecosystem that supports knowledge dissemination and contributes to national and global research development.
ASSAf and SciELO Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools and Resources in Research Communication
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The purpose of these guidelines is to guide scholarly journals, book publishers, preprint platforms, and data collectors on the use of content generated by AI applications4 in scholarly communication. These guidelines offer suggestions for updating the Guidelines to Authors section of journals and books, as well as for the internal management of manuscript submissions, evaluation, and final version editing by the editors of the journals or books. They provide standards and practices for authors, editors, and reviewers regarding the use of AI tools and resources in research communication.
Quest Vol. 20.3 - Climate Changers
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024-09-30) Fourie-Basson, Wilda; Wanda, Thami; Smith, Kos; Jacobs, Ferdinand; van Zyl,Wilhelm; Dupont, Pauline; Baltzer, Agnes; Rapolaki, Ramontsheng; Nozwane, Siyabonga; Vietch, Jennifer; Mtontsi,Thomas; Tucker, Ryan; Gundersen, Richard
Bathed in ‘Earthlight’, bathed in hope: Interview with Dr Sian Proctor -SpaceX astronaut; Climate Change in South Africa: What does it mean for the country and its people?; Unraveling the global ocean Zinc cycle: And its implications for a changing climate; Unlocking the secrets of Algoa Bay: New geophysical survey offers insight into SA coastal (and climate) future; Prof. Timothy Dube tackles the climate crisis: With innovative AI solutions for water security; The Awesome Agulhas Current: –And how to understand it; Careers Focus: Climate Science; Beyond parity: The impact of women leaders in science and technology; Infertility in the workplace Navigating challenges, staying the course; Dog-sized dino discovered: Who likely lived underground; Explore STEM with STEMulator: A gift to the nation’s youth; Rare meteorite uncovered: Collaborative effort results in Eastern Cape find; Pan-African STM Cinema Competition Win big with your unique science explainer video; SA mourns the passing of Dr William Smith: ’Teacher of the nation’; YouTube reviews: Hopeful news about Climate Change solutions by ‘climate changers’; Subscription
Quest Volume 20 Number 2
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024-06-28) Mnika, Khuthala; Malope, Malebo; Soma-Pillay, Priya; Goldstein, Susan; Cherry, Michael
The promise of genome engineering in Africa: Lots done, lots more to come; Cell and gene therapies: Delivering on many fronts; The ethics of Genetics 2.0:Five principles that should guide future DNA ‘editing’ in South Africa; Using DNA barcoding to fight illegal wildlife trade: Towards protecting South Africa’s biodiversity; Genetics careers focus: What careers are available in genetics in South Africa?; Monsters of the deep: SA’s giant mosasaurs; Quantum technologies: Coming to change your future(fast); Minecraft Education: Helping to improve learners’ coding and robotics skills; Frontiers Planet Prize: SA researcher one of 23 global finalists; Climate change: Alarming Africa-wide report predicts 30% drop in crop revenue, 50 million without water; Caesarean births: South Africa’s rates are too high; Sugar in baby food: Why Nestlé needs to be held to account in Africa; SA young scientists showcase pioneering research: ISTEC science and engineering competition in Bali; Prof. Tulio de Oliveira recognised again: Selected for TIME100 Health 2024 list; Book review: Statues and storms; Subscription
Achieving Good Governance and Management in the South African Health System
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
ASSAf recognises the societal mandate to contribute evidence-based solutions to national and global priority challenges. Through rigorous consensus studies, we strive to achieve science-to-policy advice to government, to support decision making in the formulation and implementation of policies. In September 2020, ASSAf appointed a voluntary seven-member consensus study panel, comprising expert practitioners from various disciplines within South African public health and health systems, to comprehensively examine the pillars which support Achieving Good Governance and Management in the South African Health System. This report encapsulates the culmination of the panel’s work, offering a detailed study of governance challenges within the South African health system, underscoring the multifaceted nature of governance deficiencies and their profound implications as well as highlighting the possibilities for positive action. The recommendations address the key governance elements of strategic vision and policy design, participation and consensus, accountability, transparency and protection against corruption. Commitment to the recommendations will strengthen governance and leadership of the current health system and move us closer toward achieving quality Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Annual National Scholarly Editors’ Forum (NSEF) Meeting Proceedings Report
(Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), 2024) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
The National Scholarly Editors’ Forum (NSEF) meeting, an event hosted annually by the ASSAf’s Scholarly Publishing Programme (SPP), took place on 11 April 2024, with a focus on the theme "Easing into Open Science: A guide for editors." This gathering provided an enriching platform for scholarly journal editors to convene, deliberate, and exchange insights on the multifaceted realm of scholarly journal publishing in South Africa.
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.
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.
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.
Quest Volume 20 Number 1
(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2024-03-28) Moodley, Deshen; Meyer,Tommie; Boshoff,Zoe; Watson-Saes, Nanette; Basson,Wilda; Duvenage,Engela; Nield,David
AI in Africa: Realities, challenges and solutions; You and I; we and AI: Knowingly and unknowingly, we are increasingly using AI in everyday life; THREAT2023 Conference: Navigating cyber threats and AI opportunities for a brighter digital future; AI for better TB diagnostics: Diagnosing Tuberculosis is challenging, but AI is making things easier; Large Language Models (LLMs):Taking a look at the heavyweight contenders; Whose jobs will AI replace?: Here’s why a clerk in Ethiopia has more to fear than one in California; Nanodiagnostics: A revolution in disease management; A REFRESHing journey: ...to discover SA’s freshwater fish parasites; Collaring Himalayan brown bears: South African veterinarian part of collaborative effort; The future of microbiome-based therapeutics: It’s all in your gut; A spice as medicine: The possible role of turmeric in treating Parkinson’s disease; Nanotech pioneer: Prof Nyokong to receive sixth Honorary Doctorate; First underground lab for Africa in Du Toitskloof mountains: – accessed via the Huguenot tunnel; Clinical trials find firstever safe and effective TB treatment: preventing multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in children and adults; Remove microplastics from drinking water: There’s a surprisingly simple way; Media reviews: AI text-to-image generators; Subscription