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As nominating partners, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) invite the submission of applications for participation in the 7^th BRICS Young Scientist Forum. Please assist to disseminate further within your networks and databases in your institution.

.The idea of the BRICS Young Scientist Forum was adopted at the 2nd BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation(STI) Ministerial Meeting upon the proposal of India. The first forum was held in September 2016. During the 4th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting in October 2016, members agreed to hold the forum on a rotation basis in the hosting country. China, as the BRICS Chair Country for 2022, will host the 7th BRICS Young Scientists Forum from 29th August to 1st September in Xiamen. During the forum, an online platform will be published to show the scientific research achievements of young scientists and young innovators, promoting more people to understand the scientific and technological innovation of BRICS countries, and deepen scientific and technological innovation cooperation among BRICS countries. The forum will provide a high-level academic and policy exchange platform for outstanding young scientists and scientific and technological talents from BRICS countries, promote exchanges and cooperation in the field of research and development, and create a BRICS intercultural talent pool for STI cooperation.

The theme of the 7^th BRICS Young Scientists Forum is Inspire Youth Potential, Shape BRICS’s Future and will feature the following thematic fields: Low-carbon technology, Biomedicine, Artificial Intelligence and New material.

The Call: 7th BRICS Young Scientist Forum 2022 -The Call

Application Form: Form-BRICS YSF_South Africa 2022

To apply, prospective applicants need to fill in the attached application form, and upload it with a short motivation, together with their CV on the online application form at: 7^th BRICS 2022_SA Applicants.

Note: Emailed applications will NOT be accepted, and submissions from applicants who have already participated in previous editions of the BRICS Young Scientist Conclaves are NOT eligible to apply.

The application deadline is Wednesday, 22 June 2022.

For more information, please refer to the attached call for applications.

In recognition of the role that research plays in sustaining economic growth and societal well-being in the region, many African countries have made significant investments to advance their science and technological capacity. A nation’s research progress is often determined through quantifiable metrics such as the size of the tech talent pool, number of research institutions, publications and patents. The South African Young Academy of Science in partnership with the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation,  the Licensing Executives Society of South Africa, and the Thai Young Scientists Academy will host a four-part Pioneering Intellectual Property Programme for African Young Researchers over 4 weeks in August/September 2022.

Scientists and early career researchers play an important role in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) landscape in Africa. Besides possessing expertise and experience, they are flexible to adapt to the rapid changing nature of STI and are at their most productive career stage. Young scientists are also future science leaders who can influence relevant policies through diplomacy and the implementation of STI to effectively address societal needs. As future leaders, being well-rounded and well-trained is vital.

Despite the significant STI progress that has been made by many African countries in the past decades, the region continues to play ‘catch-up’ to more established R&D-intensive nations; especially in the context of research translation into wealth creation. Unfortunately, many young researchers have limited knowledge on the fundamentals of intellectual property and many institutions in the region are ill-equipped with the ability to train these researchers. These challenges result in poor conceptualization and utilization of their research endeavours. In the developing world, Africa has the majority of her countries that are classified as Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) and most are Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This programme seeks to capacitate the least represented which will in future increase the uptake of research opportunities.

In recognition of the need to harness the talent and drive of young African researchers to better understand intellectual property in the context of their research, the Pioneering IP Programme for African Young Scientists has been established, adapted from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) programme. Through this initiative, we hope to create a pool of IP-competent African researchers who will champion the realisation of the STI potential in the region.

The objectives of the PIP Programme for African Young Researchers include to:

• provide opportunity for young researchers in Africa to get trained in the fundamentals of IP knowledge;
• provide a platform where young researchers can engage with IP experts, convene and network with professionals beyond their fields of expertise;
• stimulate a shift towards an academic culture that promotes interactions between scientists, industry, and business/investors.

Downloads: Call for Applications_Pioneering Intellectual Property Programme for African Young Researchers 2022 and Pioneering Intellectual Property Programme- Application Form 2022

Selection criteria and application process

Applicants will need to display compelling evidence of their potential and interest in the program. This potential can be demonstrated in areas such as research excellence, project management, technology/invention awards, technology commercialization, consultancy, science advice, outreach etc. The selection process will not only consider these individual qualities but also focus on the possibility to further promote IP awareness (at national and/or regional), and opportunity to engage business partners. The final selection will be done by the appointed Selection Committee consisting of partner institutions’ representatives.

All applicants have to provide three recommendation letters from their proposed referees (details are provided in the PIP Programme for African Young Researchers Fellowship Application Form). Please ensure that the support letters are sent from an accredited institutional email address. The referee should express their willingness towards supporting the fellow’s professional development and their emerging role in promoting IP knowledge awareness.

Deadline to submit applications is 15 July 2022.

Please contact: Email: kholani@assaf.org.za for further enquiries.

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The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), founded in September 2011, is calling for nominations for new members. The attached call invites you to nominate outstanding young scientists who may be elected as members of SAYAS. In the founding year (2011), 20 young scientists were elected. 10 new members have been elected progressively on an annual basis. After five years of service, members will become alumni and will be replaced by newly elected members.

To qualify for nomination, a candidate should meet the following criteria:

1. Be in possession of a PhD or equivalent degree in any field of scientific enquiry, where science is defined broadly as encompassing natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, medical sciences and engineering;
2. Be under the age of 40 years and within 7 years from award of a PhD at the time of nomination. Nomination of candidates who deviate from this profile requires additional motivation;
3. Evidence of scientific excellence through a proven publication record, and receipt of honours and awards;
4. Evidence of activities demonstrating service to society;
5. Be willing to actively work towards achieving the goals of SAYAS as well as a commitment to attending the Annual General Meetings (AGM).

Institutions/associations/individuals may nominate more than one candidate. Self-nominations shall also be considered, provided that the nomination is endorsed by the nominee’s institution. Access the official call and 2022 nomination form:

• SAYAS Call for New Member Nominations Letter 2022- The Call_2022
• Nomination Form – SAYAS-New-Member-Nomination-Form-2022
• SAYAS – Background Information

Applicants are requested to complete the nomination form and send the completed form to Edith Shikumo, SAYAS Secretariat (Kholani@assaf.org.za) by 30 June 2022. Unfortunately, we will be unable to accept any late submissions. Should you require any further information please contact Kholani Mbhiza on Tel: 012 349 6638.

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The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), is seeking candidates to participate in the 7th Lindau Meeting of the Laureates of the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel. This meeting is to be held from 23 – 27 August 2022 in Lindau, Germany. The meeting will be attended by 400 young economists (graduate/post-doc students and young professionals). The call:7th Lindau Meeting -The Call-Economics 2022

Eligibility

Eligible applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of Economic Sciences, closely related disciplines or interdisciplinary work. All nominated participants should meet the following criteria in order to participate:

1. Applications are open to graduate students or post-doctoral students who are South African citizens totalling (5). Specifics are:

Postdoctoral scientists, who

• be less than 5 years away from their PhD
• have published outstanding papers in widely recognised academic journals and
• have presented their work at international scientific meetings.

2. Applicants must be 35 years or younger at the time of the meeting.
3. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic accomplishments.
4. Applicants should have presented their research at international meetings and be able to communicate in English and have the desire to participate in discussions.
5. Applicants should not hold a permanent position (scientists with permanent positions, in particular a professorship, will not be considered).
6. Applicants should not have participated in previous Lindau meetings.
7. Applicants should commit themselves to be present for the full duration of the meeting.

Applications should be sent to: kholani@assaf.org.za

Applications should be submitted with all the listed attachments at once quoting your surname and initials as follows: SITHOLE E.K Nomination for 71st Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting. Applicants should submit the following documents:

1. Completed application form (incomplete forms will not be considered). Access the form at: 7th Lindau Meeting-Application Form-Economics 2022
2. Curriculum vitae
3. At least two letters of recommendation/reference from a head of department or supervisor (or a higher position). These letters of recommendation form the most important component during the evaluation stage and it is recommended to provide compelling references

NB: Applicants are also advised to submit good recommendation letters that clearly describes the candidate’s achievements not the nominating institution’s and it should point out specific accomplishments of the candidate in their scientific work or in raising public awareness.

Note

-Further communications and guidelines will be given to the shortlisted applicants.
-Nomination does not necessarily mean attendance, as the final selection of the participants will be done by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Council and Foundation.
-For more information on the Meetings of Nobel Laureates in Lindau please visit www.lindau-nobel.org.
– South African applicants should however direct all applications to the address listed below.
-The successful candidates will receive a travel grant to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting from ASSAf which covers return air ticket, ground transport, visa costs, accommodation and meals for the participant only for the duration of the meeting.

Deadline for sending nominations is 26 January 2022.

For any queries please contact:
Kholani Mbhiza I Tel: +27(0)12 349 6614 I Email: kholani@assaf.org.za

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The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), is seeking candidates to participate in the 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting dedicated to Chemistry from 26 June – 1 July 2022 in Lindau; Germany. About 600 highly talented young scientists worldwide will be the audience for lectures, panel discussions and small-size discussion session.

 Eligibility

Eligible applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of Chemistry and closely related disciplines of science. All nominated participants should meet the following criteria in order to participate:

Applications are open to graduates or post-doctoral students who are South African citizens totalling (12). Specifics are:

Postdoctoral scientists in particular should:

• Be less than 5 years away from their PhD
• have published outstanding papers in widely recognised academic journals and
• have presented their work at international scientific meetings.

1. Applicants must be 35 years or younger at the time of the meeting.
2. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic accomplishments.
3. Applicants should have presented their research at international meetings and be able to communicate in English and have the desire to participate in discussions.
4. Applicants should not hold a permanent position (scientists with permanent positions, in particular a professorship, will not be considered).
5. Applicants should not have participated in previous Lindau meetings.
6. Applicants should commit themselves to be present for the full duration of the meeting.

Applications should be sent to: kholani@assaf.org.za;

Downloads: 71st Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting_Chemistry- Call for Nominations;

71st Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting- Application Form- Chemistry;

Applications should be submitted with all the listed attachments at once quoting your surname and initials as follows: SITHOLE E.K Nomination for 71st Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting:

1. Signed completed application form (incomplete forms will not be considered). Please also complete the online form here.
2. Curriculum vitae
3. At least two letters of recommendation/reference from a head of department or supervisor (or a higher position). These letters of recommendation form the most important component during the evaluation stage and it is recommended to provide compelling references.

NB: Applicants are also advised to submit good recommendation letters that clearly describes the candidate’s achievements not the nominating institution’s and it should point out specific accomplishments of the candidate in their scientific work or in raising public awareness.

 Note

-Further communications and guidelines will be given to the shortlisted applicants.

-Nomination does not necessarily mean attendance, as the final selection of the participants will be done by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Council and Foundation.

-For more information on the Meetings of Nobel Laureates in Lindau please visit www.lindau-nobel.org.

– South African applicants should however direct all applications to the address listed below.

-The successful candidates will receive a travel grant to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting from ASSAf which covers return air ticket, ground transport, visa costs, accommodation and meals for the participant only for the duration of the meeting.

Deadline for sending nominations is 21 October 2021.

For any queries please contact:

Kholani Mbhiza I Tel: +27(0)12 349 6638 I Email: kholani@assaf.org.za

We look forward to receiving your applications/nominations.

Are you a masters or doctoral student or postdoctoral researcher in South Africa? Do you want to express yourself and share your thoughts and opinions, but do not have a platform to do so? Read more here: SAYAS Blogging Competition 2022_Advert

What do I need to enter?
Any masters or PhD student or postdoctoral researcher from any research field in or from South Africa who can communicate in English can enter.

How do I enter the blogging competition?
You will enter the competition by completing this form: https://forms.gle/tWMbyWqBy81vkJyA7

This includes:
– A short bio (500-700 words) describing yourself/
your research/ your dreams/ your journey in word format.
– Your CV
– A high-resolution photo of you.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 25th October 2021. For more Information, write to: Jennifer.Fitchett@wits.ac.za

SAYAS’ Contribution to South African National Science Week (NSW) 2021

The South African National Science Week (NSW) is an annual event founded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to celebrate the contributions of academics young and old nationally toward the advancement of science, engineering and technology. Bringing together learners, educators, scientists and more, an exciting programme is planned annually to recognize these tremendous efforts, inspire future generations and highlight the importance of science for improving society. Various stakeholders, role players and interest groups conduct activities that promote awareness of the value of STEMI to people’s daily lives.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) would, more than ever, like to celebrate the achievements made by young scientists toward achieving this goal. Join us in recognizing all the unique, vibrant and passionate young leaders driving science in the country!

How will you?

#CelabrateYoungScientists  SAYAS National Science Week Poster 2021

For the programme, please follow the link below: https://www.saasta.ac.za/national-science…/nsw-programme/

SAGE SUB-COMMITTEE ON FOOD SECURITY

Date: 30 July 2021

Authors – Simbarashe Tatsvarei, Marizvikuru Mwale-Manjoro, Cletos Mapiye, Munyaradzi C. Marufu, Jerome A. Singh, Brigid A. Letty, Sershen Naidoo, Caradee Wright, Adeyemi Aremu.

Executive Summary
Largescale and widespread acts of public violence and rampant theft in the provinces of Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng, primarily between 10-14 July 2021, have severely affected the economies of both provinces. Relatively scant attention has been afforded to the impact of these criminal acts on many rural communities, the farming sector, the food processing and food storage sectors, associated logistics and value chains.

Download the advisory here: Strategic Advisory on Farming and Food Security

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) invite the submission of applications for participation in the 6th BRICS Young Scientist Forum, to be held virtually by the Department of Science and Technology of India, from 13 to 16 September 2021.

The decision to establish the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Young Scientist Forum (YSF) was taken at the 2nd BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting held in Brazil in March 2015. India assumed the BRICS rotational Presidency of 2021. As part of its BRICS STI activities, India will host the 6th BRICS Young Scientist Forum in line with the decision taken at the BRICS STI Jaipur Ministerial in October 2016 that these events will be held on a rotational basis. The main goals of the 6th BRICS YSF are:

• To ensure that BRICS Young Scientists have collaborative and networking opportunities that will help harness their knowledge to resolve common societal challenges through research and innovation.
• To strengthen the advancement of skills and research competencies of youth, primarily below the age of 35 years drawn from Science, Engineering, and other allied disciplines.
• To build BRICS leadership in science, technology, and innovation through creative youth with capacity and capability to accelerate, change individually and collectively through the BRICS Youth Alumni.
• To reinforce BRICS nations’ and regional STI policies, youth policies, skill development and entrepreneurship policies.

The themes for this year’s Forum are Healthcare, Energy Solutions and Cyber Physical systems (CPS). To apply, prospective applicants need to fill in the attached application form, and upload it with a short motivation, together with their CV on the online application form at: https://cutt.ly/VmHALI9.

Note: Emailed applications will NOT be accepted, and submissions from applicants who have already participated in previous editions of the BRICS Young Scientist Conclaves are NOT eligible to apply.

The application deadline is Friday, 6 August 2021.

For more information, please refer to the following documents: 6TH BRICS Young Scientist Forum 2021 call for applications; 6TH BRICS Young Scientist Forum 2021 application form

SAGE Advisory Authors: Jerome Amir Singh, David McQuoid Mason, Glenda Gray, Basil Pillay, Marizvikuru Manjoro, Adeyemi Aremu, Keagan Pokpas, Sershen Naidoo, Pradeep Kumar, Aliza Le Roux, Anthony Pillay
14 July 2021

Background
On 29 June 2021, South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled that South Africa’s former President, Jacob Zuma, was guilty of contempt of court for refusing to appear before the Secretary of the Judicial Commission of inquiry into Allegation of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector. The Constitutional Court sentenced Mr Zuma to 15 months imprisonment for his contempt. In the aftermath of Mr Zuma’s imprisonment on the evening of 8 July 2021, civil unrest and looting unfolded in various parts of the country, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

SAGE classifies the civil unrest and looting unfolding in various parts of South Africa as an emergency situation. In the opinion of SAGE, the current situation also meets the definition of a ‘disaster’, as defined in South Africa’s Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002: “natural or human-caused occurrence which (a) causes or threatens to cause – (i) death, injury or disease; (ii) damage to property, infrastructure or the environment, (iii) disruption of the life of a community; (b) is of a magnitude that exceeds the ability of those affected by the disaster to cope with its effects using only their own resources”.

This Advisory aims to provide a Situational and Strategic Assessment of the current emergency. Download the advisory to read the recommended actions at this critical juncture: SAGE Situational and Strategic Advisory on Social and Political Instability – 14 July 2021

SAGE Sub-committee on Foot and Mouth Disease 
Authors – Munyaradzi C. Marufu, Musafiri Karama, Marizvikuru Mwale-Manjoro, Cletos Mapiye, Jerome A. Singh, Sershen Naidoo, Aliza Le Roux
Date: 12 July 2021

Executive summary
Foot and Mouth Disease [FMD; serotype Southern Africa Territory (SAT) 2] is highly contagious and affects all cloven-hoofed livestock and wildlife, with cattle being the primary host of the virus, pigs serving as infection multipliers (not carriers), and recovered sheep being potential virus carriers. In addition, FMD severely affects the production of livestock and disrupts trade in animals and animal products. The most current outbreak of FMD in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in June 2021 merits concern and necessitates increased awareness around risk factors amongst all stakeholders. Uncontained, FMD could spread beyond KZN and South Africa, given the unique geographical characteristics of KZN. Such a situation could constitute an emergency and merits the implementation of urgent risk mitigation measures. To this end, biosecurity measures, surveillance, awareness-raising, and capacity building, particularly in smallholder farming communities, could facilitate rapid detection of the disease, prevent its introduction into disease-free areas, reduce its spread, and mitigate its socio-economic impact.

Download the advisory here: SAGE advisory FMD – 12 July 2021 (1)

The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) Task Team on Feeding the Pipeline presents: Empowering your success for Postgraduate (Hons, Masters, PhD & Post-doctoral Studies) Funding Applications Toolkit.

Below are the crucial issues that the Toolkit advises on:

• Applicants adhere to the institutional cut- off dates and or closing dates of the applications.
• Ample time is dedicated towards the application and that the application is commenced well on time to ensure submission of a quality application.
• Applicants read and understand (all necessary documents) the framework and/or funding call before preparing the application.
• Applicants must make sure to fulfil the bursary/funding eligibility requirements.
• Applicants must ensure all sections of the online or hardcopy of the application form are adequately completed and seek help if needed (most funders have an email address to which queries can be addressed).
• The application has been checked/revised for any errors before submission.
• Potential supervisors and referees must have seen the proposal before their names are entered into the system or recommendation letters requested.
• Applicants update their CV on the respective funder’s website or platform if required.
• If you require a mentor to assist with your application (contact Mr K Mbhiza Kholani@assaf.org.za or Prof T Naicker Naickert1@ukzn.ac.za that can put you in touch with someone from the task team.

Download the Toolkit here: Toolkit_sayas; Screening Checklist – final

The Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE), established within the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf ), cordially invites you to a webinar series on WHY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MUST BECOME THE NEW NORMAL. The webinar series is planned as follows:

Date: 29 July 2021; 5 August 2021; 12 August 2021 and 19 August 2021
Time: 11:00 12:30
Venue: Zoom (link to be provided upon registration
RSVP: Click here to RSVP

The series aims to raise awareness on the importance of emergency risk mitigation in the context of environmental management:
– How can we prevent future pandemics and human driven environmental emergencies?
– How should we manage the environment in a more pro active and integrated fashion?

This is an event organised by the Steering Committee of SAGE, the Academy of Science of South Africa ( ASSAf ), the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and the Institute of Natural Resources (INR). We have assembled a diverse group of experts to provide a series of short talks (15 minutes each, with 3 speakers on each day) spread over four sessions. The series will end with a panel discussion focused on what we can learn from the COVID 19 pandemic crisis to manage ourselves better and weather future storms in the Anthropocene.

Download the official invitation: SAGE Webinar

The Academy of Science of South Africa ( ASSAf ), in collaboration with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Academy of Sciences and Technology, and the United States National Academies of Sciences (US NAS) cordially invites you to a webinar on Public Health and Social Measures for COVID 19 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa. The event is planned as follows:

Date: 15 April 2021
Time: 14:00 to 16:00 (CAT)
Platform: Zoom
RSVP: Click here to register

Keynote address by Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim on COVID 19 Lessons learnt in responding to health epidemics in Africa.

Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim PhD) is a National Research Foundation A 1 rated scientist, infectious diseases epidemiologist and Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa ( She is Professor in Clinical Epidemiology, Columbia University, USA and is Pro Vice Chancellor for African Health, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Her research for the past 28 years has focused on HIV infection in adolescent girls and young women She was the Principal Investigator of the Columbia University Southern African Fogarty AIDS International Training and Research Programme that focused on establishing a strong science base and increasing the capacity to conduct clinical RCTs to highest international scientific an d ethical standards Her landmark study, the tenofovir gel CAPRISA 004 trial, demonstrated for the first time that anti retrovirals can prevent HIV infection highlighted by the journal Science as one of the top 10 scientific breakthroughs in 2010 Professor Abdool Karim has over 200 peer reviewed publications edited several books, contributed several book chapters including co editing the 6 th and 7 th edition of the Oxford  Textbook on Global Public Health Prof Abdool Karim is the UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV and co chairs the UNAIDS Strategic Working Group She is a member of the UNAIDS 2025 target setting and resource mobilisation Steering Committee and is a member of the PEPFAR Scientific Advisory Board She holds Fellowships at the National Academy of Medicine, The World Academy of Science, Royal Society of South Africa, Academy of Science of South Africa and the African Academy of Science.

With South Africa moving closer and closer to combatting the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccination procurement and distribution in full swing, the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) experts weigh in on some of the common misconceptions surrounding the vaccine and its rollout in the country. SAYAS aims to keep all South Africans informed of all Covid-19 pandemic related developments by dispelling any myths that may exist. Please download the poster: SAYAS Coronavirus Vaccine Myth Poster 2021

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) launched a publication on the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings – South African Alumni Narratives on 26 March 2021. This publication reflects  on the journey and experiences of some of the Alumni that attended the life-changing Lindau Nobel  Laureate  Meetings in Lindau, Germany. The publication is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

Ordinarily held in June/July each year, the Lindau Meetings serve to promote networking among scientists of different generations, cultures, and disciplines, and have evolved into a unique international forum for scientific exchanges. About 30 to 50 Nobel Laureates attend the annual Meetings together with about 500 to 600 postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers from all over the world.

In 2015, the DSI partnered with ASSAf to coordinate and oversee the activities associated with the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. Through this arrangement, the DSI funds a travel grant to enable young scientists to participate in these Meetings.  ASSAf is the nominating partner. Since then, South Africa has sent groups of the next generation of scientists to the Lindau Meetings, in a more supported way, to enhance their contributions to the growth of South Africa’s science community and to advance networking opportunities for these scholars.

Danielle Douglas-Henry says that for a young scientist, to be selected to attend the Lindau Meeting is the equivalent of winning the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. “You are surrounded by hundreds of people who share your passion and on top of that you get to meet, interact with, and learn from the world’s best in your field,” he concluded.

According to Itumeleng Monageng, “the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting was an unreal experience that any young, emerging scientist ought to experience. Not just for the details of the scientific content, but for inspiration to change the world, however big (or small) the impact of the change is!”

Read more about these and other scientists and their experiences here.

SAYAS response to curb the spread of COVID-19

In South Africa, a national lockdown for 21 days commencing 26 March 2020 has been declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. This is the time that the scientific community can contribute to mitigating the effects of COVID-19, and actively engage in the science-policy-society interface. In a bid to stay informed about #Covid19InSA and protect each other, SAYAS has produced health advertorials on COVID19 in the different languages spoken in Africa as well as a few other spoken by dominant migrant communities.

SAYAS News 

SAYAS members response to the Corona virus

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented global challenge. In their own personal capacities, various SAYAS members have written informative articles on the impact of the virus and undertaken various societal engagement activities.

Access the collated April 2020 articles here: Click here

Access the collated May 2020 articles here: Click here

Access the Collated June 2020 articles here: Click here

SAYAS News 

SAYAS book on COVID-19 -Inviting Abstracts 

Deadline: 31 August 2020

The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) is inviting proposal chapters for a planned book on ‘PUSHING FRONTIERS: MULTI-DISCIPLINARY REFLECTIONS OF SCIENCE POST COVID-19’.

-For further information contact: Prof Willie Chinyamurindi – wchinyamurindi@ufh.ac.za

-Email book chapter abstract to: Edith@assaf.org.za

Link with more information on the guidelines & criteria: https://bit.ly/2ESTYiU

______________________________________________

SAYAS Survey on Identities

The South African Young Academy of Science and the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies are undertaking a survey titled: ‘Hidden Identities in South African Academia: Contestations and Contradictions for Belonging’. The study aims to establish the role of identity as a barrier in academia, and to determine strategies to promote inclusivity in academia within the South African context.

Transformation within South African universities is hampered by more than just historical practices, but by many factors currently at play, either hindering or helping individuals’ progress on the academic career path. For many young academics, making sense of their professional functions and roles within the ever-changing environment of academia is largely shaped by the concept of identity construction.

An initial online survey was conducted after which Dialogues will be held in early 2020 at four universities in the country. The study partners will use the data obtained from this research to develop policy recommendations that highlight the ways in which young academics / early career researchers can be better supported in their careers.

SAYAS News 

SAYAS book on COVID-19 -Inviting Abstracts 

Deadline: 31 August 2020

The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) is inviting proposal chapters for a planned book on ‘PUSHING FRONTIERS: MULTI-DISCIPLINARY REFLECTIONS OF SCIENCE POST COVID-19’.

-For further information contact: Prof Willie Chinyamurindi – wchinyamurindi@ufh.ac.za

-Email book chapter abstract to: Edith@assaf.org.za

Link with more information on the guidelines & criteria: https://bit.ly/2ESTYiU

______________________________________________

SAYAS Survey on Identities

The South African Young Academy of Science and the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies are undertaking a survey titled: ‘Hidden Identities in South African Academia: Contestations and Contradictions for Belonging’. The study aims to establish the role of identity as a barrier in academia, and to determine strategies to promote inclusivity in academia within the South African context.

Transformation within South African universities is hampered by more than just historical practices, but by many factors currently at play, either hindering or helping individuals’ progress on the academic career path. For many young academics, making sense of their professional functions and roles within the ever-changing environment of academia is largely shaped by the concept of identity construction.

An initial online survey was conducted after which Dialogues will be held in early 2020 at four universities in the country. The study partners will use the data obtained from this research to develop policy recommendations that highlight the ways in which young academics / early career researchers can be better supported in their careers.

SAYAS PODCAST SERIES

Webinar 1

Topic: Harnessing Health Innovations in Africa to Tackle COVID-19 and Beyond

To access the Podcast: Click here

Webinar 2

Topic: What Science will look like after COVID-19? COVID-19 and its Impact on Knowledge Production and Research in Africa

To access the Podcast: Click here

Webinar 3

Topic: Conversations with Women Scientists in the Forefront against COVID-19

–In celebration of Women’s Month, August 2020

To access the Podcast: Click here

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