Proceedings Report from a virtual event on Neonicotinoid Insecticides, held on 18 November 2020. ; Agriculture is critically important for African societies and economies but ensuring food security for Africa's growing population is a major challenge. One particular concern are pesticides called 'neonicotinoids', which render all parts of a plant toxic to all insects and contaminate the soil and water bodies. By exposing all organisms to the toxins, neonicotinoids also harm beneficial insects that provide many important 'ecosystem services', such as pollination, soil development, and natural pest control, which are an integral part of sustainable agriculture. Neonicotinoids have contributed to the loss of ecosystem services from pollinators and other insects in Europe and elsewhere, and several of them have been banned in the (European Union) EU and other countries due to their harmful effect on beneficial insects. Africa, with its rich biodiversity and heavy reliance on agricultural production, is one of the fastest-growing pesticide markets in the world, so protecting it from the harmful effects of neonicotinoids is vital to ensuring a sustainable agriculture that provides food security. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), in collaboration with the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) has recently completed a project exploring the use and effects of neonicotinoids in African agriculture. This project brought together experts from 17 African countries, reviewed the relevant African scientific literature, and analysed the state of knowledge on neonicotinoids and their impact on ecosystem services for agriculture and on biodiversity in Africa. The resultant report 'Neonicotinoid insecticides: use and effects in African agriculture. A review and recommendations to policy makers' (NASAC, 2019) has collated an unprecedented amount of information, identified gaps in scientific knowledge and research relating to neonicotinoids in Africa, and developed key recommendations from science to policy-makers to ensure the sustainability of African agriculture and thus food security. One year after the launch of the NASAC report, the purpose of this virtual event was to introduce the report, including an update on recent global scientific and African policy developments regarding neonicotinoids, and to discuss its implications with a wide range of stakeholders, with the aim of stimulating policy and research action on this important issue. The target audience and participants included South African and Southern African Development Community (SADC) policymakers, regulatory agencies, government departments, agricultural associations, extension-service providers, research institutes, international development agencies, representatives of embassies, and other interested stakeholders. ; German Government through the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2019). Legends of South African Science II. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2018/0036 ; After the overwhelming success of Legends of South African Science, published in 2017 as part of the 20 year celebrations of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), this edition of Legends of South African Science II continues with profiling Members who were elected between 1993 – 2000. The 62 Members profiled in this edition represent some of the longest standing ASSAf Members. One of the strengths of a national Academy is the disciplinary diversity of its Membership. Collectively, the narratives of the Members profiled in this edition represent the apex of academic excellence and scholarship. All these Members have used their formal academic training in their specific fields and demonstrated how, through engagement with scholars in other fields, both locally and internationally, contributed to them becoming champions and leaders in advancing knowledge. Every narrative in this edition provides a unique perspective on contributions by accomplished South African scientists and scholars who, using an evidence-based approach have contributed significantly in growing the global knowledge production in their respective fields. Many of these scholars have held senior positions at academic institutions, been part of national and international committees, served at Governmental positions, and worked unstintingly in shaping the agendas of the post-apartheid South Africa. Their stories are fascinating, their contributions to science invaluable, and their service to society diverse and inspiring. It is also touching and inspiring to see how many scientists during this era were supported, inspired and uplifted by the late President Nelson Mandela. They were all committed to building a democratic South Africa, even in the face of many adversities. ASSAf strives in upholding its mandate of using evidence-based science in the service of society. ; Profiles: Miriam Adhikari, Lewis Ashwal, Saleem Badat, Ahmed Bawa, Solomon Benatar, Arvinkumar Bhana, Nigel Bishop, George Branch, Chris Brink, Peter Cleaton-Jones, Neville Raymond Comins, Richard Cowling, David Dewar, Anton Eberhard, Petra Engelbrecht, Michael Feast, Brian Figaji, Peter Folb, Richard Fuggle, Christoph Garbers, Richard Goldstone, Diane Grayson, Fritz Hahne, Raymond Haines, Manfred Hellberg, Eugene Julies, Johann Kirsten, Jan Malherbe, Vincent Maphai, Anthony Mbewu, Chabani Manganyi, Veronica McKay, Phil Mjwara, Vincent Moran, Johann Mouton, Daniel Ncayiyana, Mokubung Nkomo, Cyril O'Connor, Philip Onyebujoh, Iqbal Parker, Calie Pistorius, Bernard Prior, Mamphela Ramphele, Doug Rawlings, Terence Robinson, Justus Roux, Beric Skews, Hendrik (Hennie) Snyman, Rolf Stumpf, Chris Swanepoel, Nthoana Tau-Mzamane, Petro Terblanche, Jennifer Thomson, Peter Tyson, Annél van Aswegen, Anton van Niekerk, Johan van Zyl, Daan Verwoerd, Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo, David Walker, Patricia Whitelock, David Woods
This report maps the African landscape of Open Science – with a focus on Open Data as a sub-set of Open Science. Data to inform the landscape study were collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, desk research, engagement with a community of practice, networking with stakeholders, participation in conferences, case study presentations, and workshops hosted. Although the majority of African countries (35 of 54) demonstrates commitment to science through its investment in research and development (R&D), academies of science, ministries of science and technology, policies, recognition of research, and participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the following countries demonstrate the highest commitment and political willingness to invest in science: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to existing policies in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the following countries have made progress towards Open Data policies: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. Only two African countries (Kenya and South Africa) at this stage contribute 0.8% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to R&D (Research and Development), which is the closest to the AU's (African Union's) suggested 1%. Countries such as Lesotho and Madagascar ranked as 0%, while the R&D expenditure for 24 African countries is unknown. In addition to this, science globally has become fully dependent on stable ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) infrastructure, which includes connectivity/bandwidth, high performance computing facilities and data services. This is especially applicable since countries globally are finding themselves in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is not only "about" data, but which "is" data. According to an article by Alan Marcus (2015) (Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum), "At its core, data represents a post-industrial opportunity. Its uses have unprecedented complexity, velocity and global reach. As digital communications become ubiquitous, data will rule in a world where nearly everyone and everything is connected in real time. That will require a highly reliable, secure and available infrastructure at its core, and innovation at the edge." Every industry is affected as part of this revolution – also science. An important component of the digital transformation is "trust" – people must be able to trust that governments and all other industries (including the science sector), adequately handle and protect their data. This requires accountability on a global level, and digital industries must embrace the change and go for a higher standard of protection. "This will reassure consumers and citizens, benefitting the whole digital economy", says Marcus. A stable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure – currently provided by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) – is key to advance collaboration in science. The AfricaConnect project (AfricaConnect (2012–2014) and AfricaConnect 2 (2016–2018)) through establishing connectivity between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is planning to roll out AfricaConnect 3 by the end of 2019. The concern however is that selected African governments (with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and others) have low awareness of the impact the Internet has today on all societal levels, how much ICT (and the 4th Industrial Revolution) have affected research, and the added value an NREN can bring to higher education and research in addressing the respective needs, which is far more complex than simply providing connectivity. Apart from more commitment and investment in R&D, African governments – to become and remain part of the 4th Industrial Revolution – have no option other than to acknowledge and commit to the role NRENs play in advancing science towards addressing the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). For successful collaboration and direction, it is fundamental that policies within one country are aligned with one another. Alignment on continental level is crucial for the future Pan-African African Open Science Platform to be successful. Both the HIPSSA ((Harmonization of ICT Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa) project and WATRA (the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly), have made progress towards the regulation of the telecom sector, and in particular of bottlenecks which curb the development of competition among ISPs. A study under HIPSSA identified potential bottlenecks in access at an affordable price to the international capacity of submarine cables and suggested means and tools used by regulators to remedy them. Work on the recommended measures and making them operational continues in collaboration with WATRA. In addition to sufficient bandwidth and connectivity, high-performance computing facilities and services in support of data sharing are also required. The South African National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS) has made great progress in planning and setting up a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem in support of collaborative science and data sharing. The regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cyber-infrastructure Framework provides a valuable roadmap towards high-speed Internet, developing human capacity and skills in ICT technologies, high-performance computing and more. The following countries have been identified as having high-performance computing facilities, some as a result of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) partnership: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia. More and more NRENs – especially the Level 6 NRENs (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and recently Zambia) – are exploring offering additional services; also in support of data sharing and transfer. The following NRENs already allow for running data-intensive applications and sharing of high-end computing assets, bio-modelling and computation on high-performance/supercomputers: KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), RENU (Uganda), ZAMREN (Zambia), EUN (Egypt) and ARN (Algeria). Fifteen higher education training institutions from eight African countries (Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania) have been identified as offering formal courses on data science. In addition to formal degrees, a number of international short courses have been developed and free international online courses are also available as an option to build capacity and integrate as part of curricula. The small number of higher education or research intensive institutions offering data science is however insufficient, and there is a desperate need for more training in data science. The CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science aim at addressing the continental need for foundational data skills across all disciplines, along with training conducted by The Carpentries programme (specifically Data Carpentry 10). Thus far, CODATA-RDA schools in collaboration with AOSP, integrating content from Data Carpentry, were presented in Rwanda (in 2018), and during 17-29 June 2019, in Ethiopia. Awareness regarding Open Science (including Open Data) is evident through the 12 Open Science-related Open Access/Open Data/Open Science declarations and agreements endorsed or signed by African governments; 200 Open Access journals from Africa registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); 174 Open Access institutional research repositories registered on openDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories); 33 Open Access/Open Science policies registered on ROARMAP (Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies); 24 data repositories registered with the Registry of Data Repositories (re3data.org) (although the pilot project identified 66 research data repositories); and one data repository assigned the CoreTrustSeal. Although this is a start, far more needs to be done to align African data curation and research practices with global standards. Funding to conduct research remains a challenge. African researchers mostly fund their own research, and there are little incentives for them to make their research and accompanying data sets openly accessible. Funding and peer recognition, along with an enabling research environment conducive for research, are regarded as major incentives. The landscape report concludes with a number of concerns towards sharing research data openly, as well as challenges in terms of Open Data policy, ICT infrastructure supportive of data sharing, capacity building, lack of skills, and the need for incentives. Although great progress has been made in terms of Open Science and Open Data practices, more awareness needs to be created and further advocacy efforts are required for buy-in from African governments. A federated African Open Science Platform (AOSP) will not only encourage more collaboration among researchers in addressing the SDGs, but it will also benefit the many stakeholders identified as part of the pilot phase. The time is now, for governments in Africa, to acknowledge the important role of science in general, but specifically Open Science and Open Data, through developing and aligning the relevant policies, investing in an ICT infrastructure conducive for data sharing through committing funding to making NRENs financially sustainable, incentivising open research practices by scientists, and creating opportunities for more scientists and stakeholders across all disciplines to be trained in data management. ; Department of Science & Innovation (DSI); National Research Foundation (NRF)
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2017). The shale gas industry in South Africa: Toward a science action plan. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2017/0019 ; The objective of the conference was to showcase critical national reports on shale gas in South Africa; analyse the regulatory environment; and consolidate common findings and recommendations and provide a platform for debate. The conference was attended by 126 key stakeholders from government, industry and academia. African and international delegates also attend the conference. Among the 126 delegates there were 12 speakers and 9 panellists. The programme was divided into 7 sessions with the last session comprising 2 roundtable discussions. The opening address was delivered by Dr Phil Mjwara, Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology. Further notable representations were made by Mr Jacob Moatshe, Acting Deputy Director-General of Mineral Policy and Promotion at the Department of Mineral Resources (representing the Chair of the governmental Hydraulic Fracturing Monitoring Committee, Advocate Thabo Mokoena (DG of the DMR)), and Ms Busisiwe Khumalo, General Manager at the Eastern Cape office of the Premier. ; Department of Science and Technology
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa, (ASSAf), (2016). Proceedings of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Conference on Science Advice. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2016/0005 ; Welcome Remarks: Prof Daya Reddy - Keynote Speaker: Prof Sir Peter Gluckman - Keynote Speaker: Prof Jos van der Meer - Topic 1 – Science Advice Ecosystem - Dr Flavia Schlegel - Prof Howard Alper - Dr Khotso Mokhele - Prof Thomas Zeltner - Dr Tolu Oni - Topic 2 – Science Advice in Times of Disasters/ Emergencies - Prof Oyewale Tomori - Prof Coleen Vogel - Prof Ram Babu Singh - Prof Bernard Slippers - Prof Virginia Murray - Topic 3 – Science Advice in the International Arena with a Special Focus on Synthetic Biology - Prof Francisco Gonzalo Bolivar-Zapata - Prof Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker - Prof Rees Kassen - Proceedings of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Conference on Science Advice - Prof Keymanthri Moodley - Country Readiness for Science Advice - Dr Orakanoke Phanraksa - Prof Mahouton Norbert Hounkonnou - Prof Kurt Lambeck - Dr Margaret Hamburg - Prof Jacqueline McGlade - Topic 5 – Interplay between Science Advice, Politics and the Media - Ms Linda Nordling - Mr David Mair - Prof Charles Weijer - Prof Sameh Soror - Prof Bruce Alberts - Discussion - Closing: Prof Daya Reddy and Prof Jörg Hacker ; InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Conference on Science Advice
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2016). 7th Annual South African Young Scientists' Conference 2016, Human Rights. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2016/0007 ; This report stems from proceedings from the 7th Annual Young Scientists' Conference held on 6 to 7, October 2016 where human rights in general, and the rights of scientists in particular, were addressed by some 80 young and early career researchers. The conference was hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), Gender in Science, Innovation, Technology and Engineering (GenderInSITE), the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World South Africa National Chapter (OWSD-SANC) and the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR). Human rights are fundamental rights of all human beings regardless of nationality, sex, race, religion, language or any other status. In South Africa, the Bill of Rights forms the cornerstone of democracy. The Bill of Rights enshrines the rights of all people in South Africa and affirms the democratic values and principles of human dignity, equality and freedom. In order to achieve these values in South Africa and in the African continent in general, citizens have to promote and respect the culture of human rights. In addition, they should promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights. This report articulates the written, oral and poster presentations at the conference which revolved around four sub-themes, namely Human Rights in Africa: Context and Universality, Social and Scientific Dimensions of Human Sexual Diversity, Redress of Colonial Heritage in Promoting Human Rights in Africa, and the Relationship between Science and Human Rights in Africa.
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa, (ASSAf), (2016). Proceedings of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Conference on Science Advice. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2016/0005 ; The purpose of the conference was to explore various topics under the theme of Science Advice. These included: science advice ecosystems; science advice in times of disasters/emergencies; science advice in the international arena; country readiness for science advice; and, the interplay between science advice, politics and the media. The contributors and panticipants of the conference included distinguished scholars, representatives of national academies, experts and science advisors from most of the IAP member countries. ; Academy of Science of South Africa
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2017). 20 Years of Excellence 1996 - 2016. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2016/0010 ; 20 Years of Excellence 1996 – 2016 recounts the 20 years of ASSAf's existence since the early 1990s when trailblazers in academia gave of their time and energy to realise a dream of establishing a fully representative, national academy of science to guide the democratic South Africa into a promising new era. From drafting a constitution for the Academy; putting in place the mechanisms, statutes and machinery needed to run a working national academy of science, ASSAf's remarkable journey testifies to perceptive vision to ensure a legacy of knowledge. Since its inception, ASSAf has grown from a small, emergent organisation to a well-established academy. It has pursued its mandate of providing evidence-based science advice in support of policy development on issues of national significance to government and beyond. The book describes the early beginnings to define and form a unique crucible, through to creating a unitary academy of sciences, encompassing all science disciplines. ; Department of Science and Technology
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2015). Diversity in human sexuality: implications for policy in Africa. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf/0022 ; ASSAf, in collaboration with the Uganda National Academy of Sciences, undertook a consensus study on Diversity in Human Sexuality: Implications for Policy in Africa in 2015. The topic of sexual and gender diversity has elicited very different reactions in African countries and amongst scholars in Africa. Same-sex activities are becoming more visible in African populations, yet the subject is consistently avoided or the practice denied or criminalised. Although it has been regularly and widely claimed that homosexuality is "un- African", reputable studies by historians and anthropologists have found same-sex relationships to have been prevalent since the pre-colonial period in Africa. Thirty-eight of fifty-three African nations criminalise homosexuality, thereby imposing varying degrees of legislative restrictions on sexual preference and practices, and on the fulfillment of human rights of individuals and affected groups. Furthermore, the stigmatisation and criminalisation of homosexuality has made public health interventions, particularly with respect to HIV prevention and treatment, difficult to effectively implement. ; US National Academy of Sciences, United States Rockefeller Foundation, United States
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2015). Insights into South Africa's Participation in the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development of the European Commission. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf/0004 ; This report provides insights into South Africa's participation in the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) of the European Union. Three data sources were used: (1) information in the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) database for 122 FP7 projects that involved South African participation; (2) a focus group and (3) two-web surveys – with the South African participants in FP7 projects and the international coordinators of FP7 projects with South African participants. Analysis of the records in the CORDIS database shows that South Africa's participation in FP7 can be interpreted as a result of a number of factors. ; Academy of Science of South Africa
Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2013). Proceedings Report: Technological Innovations for a Low Carbon Society Conference. [Online] Available at: DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf/0010 ; The challenge of finding sustainable, low carbon solutions to a global problem, such as climate change, is pertinent for both Germany and South Africa, notwithstanding their different developmental stages and different socio-economic and political contexts. Themes addressed included the energy-water-food nexus for resilient societies; low cost, low carbon innovations for poverty alleviation; smart city innovations; new and emerging technologies, such as carbon capture and storage and The Beauti-fuel Project aimed at converting biomass to liquid fuel, and the potential for solar power in South Africa. It was noted that South Africa can be viewed as a 'playground' for finding innovative low carbon solutions due to the untapped wind and solar energy resources and the excellent research capability. ; German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina Academy of Science of South Africa
