Academy of Science of South Africa
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Quest Volume 18 Number 3
Full text linkPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) (2022) Quest: Science for South Africa, 18(3). Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/256The value of small-scale fisheries - Traditional fishing methods of Africa - Estuarine fisheries - Invasion of the Nile tilapia - A new way to count great white sharks - The potential for using forward contracts for fish stock - Women, STEMI, and Career Scientist Barbie dolls - Edible insects? How smart! - Rooibos skincare revitalised by nano-tech - Cervical cancer is a disease of inequity - Young scientist Interview: Rubbing shoulders with Nobel laureates - The “How to get ahead
during and after school” series - First image of Milky Way black hole - Sterkfontein Caves 1 million years older than thought - First images from the James Webb Space Telescope – Book review – Call for articles – Subscription.Department of Science and Innovation; Academy of Science of South Afric
The uptake of science, technology and innovation by sector departments
Full text linkMP4 Video; Size: 1.79 GB; Duration: 2:48 minPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) (2022) The uptake of science, technology and innovation by sector departments. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/244Webinar presented on 20 July 2022.
Science, 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. The White Paper focuses on the use of STI to accelerate inclusive socio-economic growth, transformation and to respond to the global technological advancement, such as 4th industrial revolution (4IR). Furthermore, the White Paper seeks 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 Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is committed to ensuring that STI is integrated into the planning of relevant government departments and STI programmes.
The Innovation for Inclusive Development (IID) seminar series is one of the instruments designed to inform and influence the uptake of demonstrated innovation and technologies by other sector departments. The DSI has undertaken twelve (12) IID seminars thus far in partnership with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) since inception in 2018, however, the integration of these technologies by various government departments in their policies and programmers is unknown. It is 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 objective of the event is to share the preliminary report and recommendations based on policy document analysis and a survey of twelve (12) sector Departments. It is envisaged that the event will create awareness to encourage sector Departments, both national and provincial, to adapt STIs in their policies and programmes and also to participate in the next phase of the study. National and Provincial Government departments, policy and decision-makers and the public are encouraged to participate in the webinar.
The IID seminar series is a project initiative of the DSI Programme 5, designed to provide a platform for open and collective thinking between the science policy and community of practice to generate evidence-based knowledge on Science and Technology (S&T) innovations to advance local economic development and also provide insights to support evidence-based policy and decision making to enhance service delivery
Quest Volume 18 Number 1 2022
Full text linkCite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2022). Quest: Science for South Africa, 18(1).[Online] Available at:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/234Seismic surveys: what constitutes meaningful consultation? - Research in Africa to tackle the climate crisis: Bringing different expertise together - The role of language in climate conversations: Powerful tools to change human behaviour - How do people with disabilities struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic? Challenges that need to be overcome - Did health make it into the COP26 conversation? Talk the talk, but no walk the walk - Dust storms in South Africa: How research informs public awareness - Coronavirus in sewerage: How wastewater tells us where the next outbreak may be - Wonders of the Namib desert: Life you cannot easily see and
the unexplainable - Explore the interactive digital landscape of the STEMulator: Explore the inside of a CT scanner or aeroplane - South Africa’s newest space satellites - Teacup artwork highlight environmental issues.Department of Science and Innovation; Academy of Science of South Afric
National Scholarly Book Publishers’ Forum (NSBPF) Conference: Local content, global reach: the value of South African scholarly publishers
Full text link6 MP4 videosPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) (2022) National Scholarly Book Publishers’ Forum (NSBPF) Conference: Local content, global reach: the value of South African scholarly publishers. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/246ASSAf’s Scholarly Publishing Programme (SPP) hosted its National Scholarly Book Publishers’ Forum (NSBPF) conference on 25 July 2022. Scholarly book publishers present the foundational research that is drawn upon by policymakers, journalists, authors and researchers across the globe. ASSAf’s NSBPF is a representative body of publishers dedicated to the promotion of the scholarly book publishing sector in South Africa. The conference aimed to raise awareness of the contribution made by South Africa’s scholarly publishing sector to its national research mission to promote an understanding of the rigour of its processes, and to create a better understanding of the need for resource allocation to ensure its ongoing survival.Session 1: The value of local scholarly book publishing in South Africa. Access on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fqbjPH2RivwSession 2: What counts? Assessing the quality and impact of scholarly books. Access on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HlKbH8ugm54Session 3: Open Access and the costs of publishing. Access on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mU2pNVYXXRASession 4: Metadata and Persistent Identifier into the Future. Access on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vixchj2yj_USession 5: Ensuring Diversity in Scholarly Publishing. Access on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vspg3aC6MdIClosing Session. Access on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M4znKsMavbYAcademy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf
SA Launch IYBSSD 2022
No full textMP4 Video; Duration: 02:15:00 minPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and National Research Foundation (NRF) (2022) SA Launch IYBSSD 2022. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/250This roundtable discussion formed part of the launch of the SA International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD 2022). More information can be accessed at https://iybssd.africa/. Programme:
1. Moderator: Prof Himla Soodyall, Executive Officer, Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf);
2. Opening remarks: Mr Imraan Patel, Deputy Director-General: Research Development Support, SA Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to accelerate innovation to achieve the SDGs/ Dr Sudesh Sivarasu, Co-chair: South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS);
Using science to inspire the next generation of scientists (focus on equity)/
Dr Beverley Damonse, Group Executive: Science Engagement and Corporate Relations, National Research Foundation (NRF);
Public engagement of science/ Dr Nnditshedzeni Eric Maluta, HoD and Coordinator: Vuwana Science Resource Centre, University of Venda
Health Research and its contribution to South Africa’s democracy
Full text linkMP4 Video; Duration: 01:37:00 minPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) (2022) Health Research and its contribution to South Africa’s democracy. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/248Freedom of speech encompasses freedom of research and is an important component of any democracy. Health research, and communication around this research, have contributed to strengthening South Africa's democracy. Generally, COVID-19 research has been well disseminated and discussed openly, between scientists, civil society and government. To this extent, COVID-19 related health research can be said to have strengthened the functioning of our democracy. However, the pandemic has bought to the forefront important questions about the role of health research in a democracy.
This webinar explored:
1) The extent to which the discussion around health research during COVID-19 excluded other research voices from the mainstream.
2) The extent to which health research should be a matter of discussion amongst non-specialists? Should there be limits on information shared/discussions held?
3) In an environment of the free flow of information, does the way in which health research information is shared enhance or undermine our democracy?
4) How does the dissemination of health research information affect the relationships between scientists, government and civil society?Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)(South Africa
Mental health and the role of traditional healers
Full text link11 pagesPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) (2022) Mental health and the role of traditional healers. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2022/0082The provision of treatment, care and rehabilitation services for people with Mental, Neurological and Substance use (MNS) disorders is a multisectoral responsibility and affects various communities in South Africa and other challenged economies in Africa. MNS disorders are common, often disabling and associated with increasing premature mortality. Traditional healers have a unique role to play in MNS disorders especially in resource-limited settings. It was estimated that there are about 200,000 traditional healers as compared to 975 registered psychiatrists - who mostly practise in urban areas and the private sector. Traditional healers are highly accessible and accepted as health practitioners in Sub-Saharan countries. Traditional healers and those linked to faith-based organisations play a significant role in providing services for people with MNS disorders and are often an entry point into systems of care. These providers, therefore, could play a significant role in identifying people with such disorders, and in some cases, have worked co-operatively with health services in providing for the mental health and spiritual needs of individuals. There is a need to understand the role of traditional
health practitioners in mental health care. This webinar sought to understand the role, knowledge, attitude, and practice of traditional healers in mental health care with the aim of encouraging their participation in terms of the treatment, care and rehabilitation of people with MNS disorders.Access the webinar recording at https://youtu.be/BnkLopbClqE or http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/242Janssen Pharmaceutica (Pty) Lt
Copyright Amendment Bill Workshop Proceedings Report
No full text43pPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2022). Copyright Amendment Bill Workshop Proceedings Report. [Online] Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2022/0078The genesis of the Copyright Amendment Bill was in 2009, when the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) initiated various studies and impact assessments. In July 2015, the DTI published a Draft Copyright Amendment Bill for public comment. The final 2017 version of the Bill was approved by Parliament in 2019 and it was sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for action in terms of Section 79(1) of the Constitution. Section 79(1) states that “The President must either assent to and sign a Bill passed in terms of this Chapter or, if the President has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration”. The President referred the Bill back to Parliament for review on 16 June 2020, on constitutionality issues. In response to the President’s reservations, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry has invited stakeholders and other interested parties to submit written submissions on certain sections of the Bill by no later than 9 July 2021.
The current copyright law is outdated and does not address the digital environment. The Academy of Science of South Africa seeks to take into account the status of the copyright legislation and the anticipated effects of the amendment Bill on different issues and thereafter, provide recommendations to the President.Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) (South Africa
Priorities for child and adolescent mental health research and services in South Africa
Full text linkMP4 video; Duration: 1:32Please cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2022). Priorities for child and adolescent mental health research and services in South Africa. [Online] Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/237Children and adolescents under the age of 18 years comprise 34% of the population, and child and adolescent Mental, Neurological and Substance Use (MNS) disorders are common and an important cause of disability and distress. Providers at all levels should be competent to screen for and identify common childhood mental disorders, which usually present with developmental delay, emotional and/or behavioural symptoms and/or learning difficulties. Given the burden of disease, the fact that many mental disorders begin in childhood, and that early intervention is most effective in childhood and adolescence, it is essential that effective promotion, prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation interventions should be provided for children and adolescents. In this webinar, hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa, leading experts in child and adolescent mental health will presented their priorities for child and adolescent mental health services and research in South Africa.Janssen Pharmaceutica (Pty) Ltd (South Africa
The District Development Model as a platform for inclusive innovation and innovative districts
Full text linkPlease cite as: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) (2022) The District Development Model as a platform for inclusive innovation and innovative districts. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/240Date presented: 13 May 2022. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) presented another episode in the INNOVATION FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT (IID) SEMINAR SERIES (IID) on “The District Development Model as a Platform for Innovation for Inclusivity”. Background: The President of the Republic of South Africa introduced the District Development Model (DDM) which was subsequently approved by Cabinet on 21 August 2019 to express and actualise the intergovernmental relations framework as stipulated in the Constitution of South Africa, 1996. The model also present a new way of strengthening and synchronising planning by all spheres of government and enhancing the involvement of citizens, business and civil society to support the municipal districts and metros. The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) has been mandated to manage the DDM across government departments and to ensure a programmatic outcome-based intergovernmental relations and initiatives across all spheres of government in support of the model. The DDM provides an approach through which national and provincial departments allocate budget that are geo-referenced to a particular district municipality and it’s an approach that the 6th administration has adopted in order to foster a whole of government response to the development needs in a particular geographical area. The DDM approach seeks to solve the challenge of silos in governments development programmes to maximise the impact, coordination and alignment of the resources to improve service delivery. DSI views the model as an ideal opportunity where national, provincial and local government can play a role in creating conditions and environments for entrepreneurial and innovative districts through inclusive innovation and where the DDM discourse and the district development programmes are inclusive. The model therefore provides a space for the implementation of the DSI’s Decadal Plan to support economic construction and recovery through innovation. The focus areas of the Decadal Plan to be implemented in the district will need to support existing sectors of the economy such as mining, tourism, agriculture etc. as well as initiatives to support new sources of growth such as the circular economy. These interventions will be implemented collectively through the DSI’s packaging model for DDM interventions. The implementation of the DDM initiatives in the districts will facilitate transformative innovation and inclusivity in district municipalities. The DDM approach will be implemented in close alignment with the activities that are initiated and directed towards women, youth, SMME’s and cooperatives. DSI and ASSAf hosted this seminar to: Showcase the DSI’s approach to the District Development Model and how it intends to position the model as a platform to drive innovation to solve development challenges, improve the delivery of services and create employment;
Discuss how innovation can be used to create innovative districts, looking at both local and international experience; Ascertain various philosophical approaches and practices adopted by Government departments to implement the DDM as an instrument to improve responsiveness and collaboration on government interventions; Engage and solicit views and perspectives from other stakeholders including academia, industry, civil society and municipalities on the DDM in general and the DSI’s approach to DDM. The outcome of the seminar forms part of the DSI’s DDM interventions that will enable the Department to ascertain focus areas of the Decadal Plan to be implemented in the district. Government departments, municipal and local government policy and decision-makers, academia, civil society, research institutions and private sector partners supporting innovation and innovative programmes in municipalities participated in the webinar. The IID seminar series is a project initiative of the DSI Programme 5, designed to provide a platform for open and collective thinking between the science policy and community of practice to generate evidence-based knowledge on Science and Technology (S&T) innovations to advance local economic development and also provide insights to support evidence-based policy and decision making to enhance service delivery.Access the proceedings at http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/254 or http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2022/0081Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), South Afric